The year 2024 has seen a horrifying trend: 11 Indian students in the US have lost their lives, some under mysterious circumstances. While families grieve and the Indian community panics, the American response has been shockingly indifferent, bordering on victim-blaming. Instead of concrete action, the US offers empty platitudes and asks students to be “vigilant” – effectively shifting the responsibility of safety onto the victims themselves.
Ambassador Eric Garcetti, the supposed voice of reassurance, utters hollow words like, “We love Indian students.” Love, it seems, translates to offering condolences and urging students to “avoid risky behaviors.” Is the mere act of pursuing education in the US now considered a risky behavior for Indian students?
Garcetti further emphasizes the need for students to utilize campus resources and stay informed. This implies that these 11 young lives were lost due to a lack of awareness, not because of any systemic failures or a culture of violence. Is it the students’ fault that they were shot, assaulted, or found dead under mysterious circumstances?
Let’s flip the script. Imagine 11 American students dying in India under similar circumstances. The outrage would be deafening. The US government would demand immediate action, accountability, and justice. There would be investigations, task forces, and perhaps even sanctions. But when it comes to Indian students on American soil, the narrative becomes, “Well, did you try being more careful?”
The US boasts of its declining crime rates, yet fails to acknowledge the lived reality of many Indian students who face racism, discrimination, and violence. The message is clear: American lives matter, Indian lives… not so much.
This isn’t about comparing tragedies; it’s about exposing the blatant hypocrisy. The US expects other nations to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad, yet offers mere lip service when the situation is reversed.
The Indian community isn’t asking for special treatment; they’re asking for basic human rights – the right to live, study, and pursue their dreams without fearing for their lives. The US government needs to step up, take responsibility, and implement concrete measures to ensure the safety of all students, regardless of their nationality.
Empty words like “we love Indian students” ring hollow when juxtaposed with the harsh reality of 11 extinguished futures. The US needs to move beyond performative gestures and address the root causes of violence and discrimination. Until then, its claims of being a welcoming and safe haven for international students will remain a cruel, and ultimately deadly, joke.
Remember Their Names: The Indian Students Lost in America in 2024
It’s easy to get lost in statistics and political rhetoric, but we must remember that each number represents a life tragically cut short, a dream shattered, and a family devastated. Here are the names and stories of the 11 Indian students who died in the US in 2024:
- Mohammed Abdul Arfath: A Master’s student at Cleveland State University, was found dead in Ohio. His aspirations and potential contributions to the world remain unrealized.
- Uma Satya Sai Gadde: Another student from Cleveland State University, her death is shrouded in mystery, leaving her family and friends grappling with unanswered questions and a painful void.
- Amarnath Ghosh: A talented Indian dancer, his life was tragically taken by gun violence in St Louis, Missouri. His passion and artistry were extinguished in a senseless act.
- Paruchuri Abhijit: Found dead in an abandoned car, initial suspicions point towards foul play. The circumstances surrounding his death raise concerns about the safety of Indian students and the urgency for thorough investigations.
- Venkataramana Pittala: He died in a jet ski collision in Indiana, highlighting the vulnerability of students even during leisure activities.
- Sameer Kamath: An Indian-American Purdue University student, found deceased in the woods. His death raises questions and leaves a community in mourning.
- Vivek Taneja: Brutally assaulted in Washington, he succumbed to his injuries. This act of violence underscores the dangers students can face, even in seemingly safe environments.
- Vivek Saini: A victim of a brutal attack by a homeless drug addict in Georgia, his story is a stark reminder of the random violence that can shatter lives.
- Shreyas Reddy Benigeri: Found dead in Ohio, the investigation suggests no foul play, yet his sudden passing leaves a community heartbroken and searching for answers.
- Akul B Dhawan: He tragically succumbed to hypothermia in Urbana, Illinois, emphasizing the challenges of adapting to new environments and the need for support systems for international students.
These are not just names on a list; these were individuals with hopes, dreams, and loved ones who were left to grapple with unimaginable loss. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of inaction and the urgent need for a safer environment for all students in the US.
Beyond Words: Actions America Needs to Take to Protect Indian Students
The US government’s response to the deaths of 11 Indian students has been a masterclass in empty rhetoric. Platitudes and expressions of “love” do nothing to address the systemic issues that endanger the lives of international students on American soil. It’s time for the US to move beyond words and take concrete actions:
- Invest in thorough investigations: Several of these deaths remain shrouded in mystery. The families deserve answers, and justice demands a comprehensive investigation into each case.
- Address gun violence: The tragic death of Amarnath Ghosh is a stark reminder of America’s gun violence epidemic. Stricter gun control measures are long overdue and essential to ensuring the safety of all students.
- Combat hate crimes and racial bias: Indian students, like many minorities, often face discrimination and racially motivated attacks. The US needs to acknowledge and actively combat these issues through education, awareness campaigns, and stricter law enforcement.
- Improve mental health resources: Studying abroad can be stressful, and international students are particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges. Universities need to provide accessible and culturally sensitive mental health support services.
- Increase campus security: Universities must invest in robust security measures, including better lighting, emergency response systems, and increased patrolling, especially in areas with higher crime rates.
- Promote cultural sensitivity: Fostering understanding and respect for diverse cultures is crucial in preventing discrimination and creating a welcoming environment for international students. Universities and local communities should actively promote cultural exchange programs and sensitivity training.
- Hold institutions accountable: Universities need to be held responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of their students. This includes implementing effective safety protocols, addressing student concerns, and taking swift action against any form of discrimination or violence.
- Collaboration with the Indian government: The US needs to work closely with the Indian government to address the concerns of students and their families, share information, and collaborate on safety measures.
These actions require commitment, resources, and a genuine willingness to address the systemic issues that endanger the lives of Indian students and other minorities. Empty words and expressions of sympathy are not enough. The time for action is now. The lives of future generations of students depend on it.
