US Maintains Welcoming Environment For Indian Students, says Indian-American Academician

Amid the growing concern over the unprecedented deaths of Indian students in the US, an Indian-American Academician has assured Indians that there is no reason to worry, the country is still welcoming to Indians.

An eminent Indian-American academician said on Monday that the United States continues to offer a welcoming environment to students from India. 

The statement comes against the backdrop of the rising concern for the safety of Indian students in the USA due to the recent tragic deaths of 11 Indian students. The development created concern and anxiety among the Indian American community.

As per reports, no pattern has been established yet among these deaths. The officials have already started engaging with the Indian students. The Indian diplomatics in the US are interacting with Indian students' associations, conducting regular open houses and coming up with updated guidelines for the students.

Gurdip Singh, Divisional Dean, School of Computing at the George Mason University in Virginia said, “It’s unfortunate this year that these incidents have happened … and there's been this surge. So, parents are rightfully concerned. I mean, if I were a parent and my child was in another country where I see a certain spike, I would definitely be concerned about that. But from what I see is that I have not seen any underlying issue of any kind that suddenly there is no reason for any hate crime to happen,” as reported by Free Press Journal.

“I would have been more concerned if it was a particular university where three or four incidents happened in succession, then that would sort of depict a pattern. But at least to my knowledge, I don't see any underlying cause for hate crime or anything against Indian students,” he added.

Indian American community in fear

The Indians in America are reportedly very disturbed due to these recent deaths and taking all possible safety measures. Since, February 2024, the community has been fearful of going out alone, especially at night. 

Meanwhile, Mohammed Abdul Arfath's body reached Hyderabad after he died in Ohio. He was reportedly missing from March 7 and found dead in water in April 2024. All these deaths are tragic and mysterious but there is no link found so far.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the embassies have been instructed to keep in touch with students and warn them, especially about dangerous areas of cities to avoid.

"Student welfare is very important. Like I said, every Indian going out, you have Modi's guarantee. Student welfare is particularly important for us," he added.

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