The Indian diaspora in the United States is grappling with a series of sudden and tragic deaths among Indian students in American universities this month. The circumstances surrounding these events are diverse, with one student falling victim to a shocking murder, another succumbing to suicide, and several deaths remaining unexplained. The community is left with lingering questions, seeking answers amid an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Notable incidents this year include the brutal murder of Vivek Saini, the suicide of Sameer Kamath, the mysterious death of Neel Acharya, and Akul Dhawan’s demise due to hypothermia.
In the aftermath of these recent tragedies, Indian students studying in the US have shared their concerns with the media. Kajari Saha, a 28-year-old student from the University of California, Santa Barbara, expressed a “sense of alienation” after learning about the incidents. She highlighted the need to remain situationally aware and to surround oneself with trusted individuals. Despite residing in California, considered a liberal state, she noted the existence of racial profiling, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant.
Saha acknowledged the potential threat for those living alone in the vicinity of such incidents, emphasizing the impact on the mental well-being of Indian students. The brutal attack on MBA student Vivek Saini in Georgia, who was fatally assaulted by a homeless man named Julian Faulkner, was particularly distressing. The incident, captured on camera, revealed Faulkner repeatedly striking Saini with a hammer at a Chevron Food Mart in Lithonia.
Commenting on whether Indian students in the US have valid reasons to feel threatened, Saha shared her perspective, stating that experiences can be subjective based on location. Despite living in relatively safe areas such as Michigan and California over the past six years, she acknowledged occasional moments of fear, particularly when traveling alone. The recent incidents, she noted, can be especially disconcerting for Indian students, influenced by their living conditions and the surrounding community.
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