Amid worries about a series of deaths among Indian students in the US, a leader in the community said his group is dealing with one such sad case every day. Mohan Nannapaneni, who founded the non-profit organization TEAM Aid, talked to PTI about the need to raise awareness among Indian immigrants for their safety.
The H-1B visa allows US companies to hire foreign workers, often from countries like India and China, for specialized jobs. TEAM Aid focuses on helping Indian community members facing emergencies abroad, like accidents or sudden deaths.
Nannapaneni mentioned the tragic trend of Indian students getting into trouble and even passing away. He’s been helping since 2001 and highlighted issues like car accidents, drownings, and drug abuse. Sadly, some Indian students have died due to drug abuse or overdose.
TEAM Aid has nearly 3,000 volunteers across the US and in 25 countries, assisting with various crises and supporting families. They work closely with Indian embassies, consulates, and community groups to provide necessary aid, including repatriating bodies to India or arranging local funerals.
Recent incidents, including the death of Vivek Saini in Georgia, the attack on Syed Mazahir Ali in Chicago, and the tragic end of Sameer Kamath in Indiana, have sparked deep concern. Nannapaneni’s organization deals with both voluntary and involuntary deaths among Indian students. He expressed sorrow over the increasing number of suicides among students, often due to stress from the lack of job opportunities after spending a lot of money to study abroad.
Many students face pressure to stay in the US due to uncertain job prospects and the inability to secure an H-1B visa after graduation. Some end up doing odd jobs or even illegal work to avoid returning to India, adding to their stress and vulnerability.
Nannapaneni stressed the need for awareness, advising students not to risk their safety or engage in illegal activities. He emphasized the importance of managing expectations and being prepared to return to India if job opportunities don’t materialize in the US.
In conclusion, he urged students not to put themselves in risky situations and reminded them of their parents’ hopes and expectations.
