The tragic death of 23-year-old Sameer Kamath, a doctoral student at Purdue University, marks the fifth Indian student to lose their life in the United States since the beginning of this year. Kamath's body was discovered at Crow's Grove Nature Preserve in Williamsport, Indiana, prompting an investigation by local authorities. Kamath, who held US citizenship according to the coroner's office, was pursuing his doctoral studies in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Purdue University, having previously graduated with a master's degree in mechanical engineering in August 2023.
The circumstances surrounding Kamath's death remain under investigation, with a forensic autopsy scheduled to be performed to determine the cause of death. Authorities have assured the public that there is no immediate threat to public safety as they continue to look into the incident.
Tragically, Kamath's death adds to a concerning trend of Indian students losing their lives abroad, with a total of 403 deaths reported since 2018 due to various reasons including natural causes, accidents, and medical conditions. The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to the welfare of Indian students studying abroad, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasizing that their safety is a top priority.
The significant number of Indian students studying in the US underscores the importance of ensuring their well-being and safety. According to a November 2023 Open Doors report, Indian students constitute more than 25 percent of the over one million foreign students studying in the US, with the number of Indian students pursuing higher education in the US steadily increasing.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the US remains a top destination for Indian students seeking higher education opportunities, with a record number of student visas issued by the US consular team in India in recent years. However, the recent spate of tragic deaths highlights the need for continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of international students, including Indians, studying abroad.
(With Agency Inputs)
