A medical student from Andhra Pradesh met a tragic end in Kyrgyzstan, where he was pursuing his MBBS degree. Dasari Chandu, a 21-year-old second-year MBBS student, lost his life after becoming trapped under a frozen waterfall in the beautiful but dangerous landscape of Kyrgyzstan.
Chandu, from Madugula village in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalle, had recently completed his second-year exams and was enjoying a recreational outing with four friends, all of whom are from Andhra Pradesh as well. The trip came to an unfortunate conclusion when Chandu got stuck in the icy grip of a frozen waterfall, marking a devastating end to their adventure.
On a Sunday, the incident occurred while Chandu, accompanied by his friends, went to explore a waterfall, probably unaware of the potential risks that the icy landscape poses. Tragically, Chandu found himself trapped in the frozen waterfall, unable to free himself from the dangerous situation.
As news of Chandu's sudden death spread, his bereaved parents, Bhima Raju and family, fell into sorrow. Chandu's family, eager to bring their son home for his final rites, requested help from Union Minister and Telangana State BJP President G. Kishan Reddy. The minister immediately contacted Kyrgyzstan officials to begin the process of returning Chandu's remains to India.
The tragic incident underscores the risks faced by Indian students pursuing education abroad, as highlighted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar earlier this year. Since 2018, over 400 Indian students have lost their lives overseas due to various reasons, including accidents and medical conditions. Chandu's death acts as a sorrowful reminder of the risks that come with studying abroad.
In a separate incident, two Indian students from Telangana, Nivesh Mukka and Goutham Parsi, met with a fatal accident in the United States. The tragic collision occurred near Lake Pleasant in Arizona, claiming the lives of the young students who were studying at Arizona State University. The university authorities, along with local law enforcement agencies, are extending support to the bereaved families and the student community affected by the tragedy.
As Chandu's family awaits the return of his mortal remains, the Indian government, through its diplomatic channels, continues to prioritize the welfare and safety of Indian students abroad. The collective efforts of officials and stakeholders aim to provide necessary assistance and support to families grappling with such unimaginable loss, ensuring that their loved ones are brought back home with dignity and respect.
In the wake of these tragedies, the global student community mourns the loss of young lives while reiterating the importance of vigilance and precautionary measures to mitigate the risks associated with studying overseas.
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)