The body of 22‑year‑old Saketh Sreenivasaiah was found in Lake Anza near San Francisco days after he went missing. Saketh had been pursuing postgraduate studies in chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. His hometown was in Karnataka, and the Indian Consulate in San Francisco confirmed his death after a multi‑day search. The tragedy has shaken communities in India and abroad.
Saketh’s death is one among many Indian students who have lost their lives while studying overseas. Official data from India’s Ministry of External Affairs shows that between 2018 and 2024, at least 842 Indian students lost their lives internationally. These deaths occurred across more than 40 countries, with the majority classified as non‑violent, including natural causes, medical emergencies, accidents, and other non‑violent circumstances. Of these, approximately 807 deaths (96 per cent) were non‑violent in nature.
Among documented cases of non‑violent deaths are students such as Neel Acharya (19), who died during winter months at Purdue University, likely from hypothermia; Shreyas Reddy Benigeri (19) at the University of Cincinnati, whose death was reported with no foul play suspected; Akul Dhawan (18) at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign, whose passing was also linked to extreme cold conditions; Vaishnav Krishnakumar (18) at Middlesex University Dubai, and Devesh Bapat (23) at Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands. These losses remind us that environmental and health‑related risks, as well as isolation and stress, can profoundly affect young students adapting to foreign climates and conditions.
Country‑wise figures show that Canada reported the highest number of student deaths, followed by the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Russia. These numbers include deaths from natural health issues, medical emergencies, and accidental causes, as well as a smaller number from violent incidents.
These statistics reflect a broader reality: millions of Indian students pursue higher education abroad each year. Government data indicates that as of early 2024, about 1.33 million Indian students were enrolled in universities and colleges in over 100 countries. This massive diaspora represents aspirations for quality education, research opportunities, and global exposure.
The reasons behind such tragedies are varied and complex. Adjusting to a foreign culture can be challenging. Many students grapple with language barriers, unfamiliar customs, and separation from family. Homesickness often deepens over time, and students miss the comfort of home‑cooked food and direct contact with parents. Academic pressures abroad can be intense, with demanding coursework and high expectations from professors. Some students also take up part‑time work to support themselves financially, adding to stress and fatigue.
Mental health challenges are also significant. Feelings of isolation and loneliness can contribute to emotional decline. Relationship breakups or the absence of close social support networks may worsen depressive tendencies. While official statistics do not itemise every individual case, suicides and other mental health‑related deaths are recognised components of the broader tally of student fatalities abroad.
These patterns mirror concerns within India itself, where student suicides and mental health issues are a serious social concern. National data shows that students accounted for a notable share of suicide deaths in recent years, often linked to academic and social pressures.
Critics argue that the scale of Indian students studying abroad points to weaknesses within India’s own higher education system. Despite growth in prestigious institutions domestically, many students still seek what they perceive as better opportunities overseas. This trend places large numbers in unfamiliar environments where support systems may be weaker or harder to access.
Questions also arise about the availability of effective helplines and mental health support for Indian students abroad. While many universities offer counselling services, students do not always use them. Cultural taboos around mental health can discourage help‑seeking, and some students may be unaware of or unable to access crucial resources when they need them most.
Despite these challenges, it is essential to recognise the resilience of young people studying abroad. Life in a foreign land is tough, even in beautiful cities and reputed campuses. These experiences shape students academically and personally. Enhanced awareness, stronger support networks, and open conversations about mental wellbeing are essential to ensure that the pursuit of education does not come at the cost of young lives.
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