US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti recently emphasized the United States’ commitment to the safety and well-being of Indian students studying in the US. In an interview with PTI, Garcetti acknowledged the growing concerns within the Indo-American community and the broader Indian population following recent incidents involving Indian students’ safety in the United States.
“We care so deeply for the well-being of Indian students in the US. We want parents to know that their children are our children when they are in the United States,” Garcetti stated during an interview at the American Center. He noted that the US provides a wealth of resources to help students adjust and stay safe, including mental health services and support from campus security and local law enforcement.
To illustrate the importance of student safety, Garcetti shared his experiences from when he was a student in New York City during the 1980s, a time when the city was considered dangerous. He recounted listening to campus security’s advice on which areas to avoid and how to stay safe. Today, with modern technology and resources, students have more tools at their disposal to ensure their safety.
The US ambassador’s comments came in the context of recent tragic incidents involving Indian students. In April, the body of Uma Satya Sai Gadde, a 25-year-old Indian student, was found in Cleveland, Ohio. Similarly, Sameer Kamath, a 23-year-old Indian-American student at Purdue University, was found dead in a nature preserve in Indiana in February. These incidents have raised concerns among Indian families about the safety of their children studying in the US.
Garcetti reiterated that American universities offer exceptional environments for students, including those from India, and that these institutions are committed to providing enriching experiences. To support this, the American Center organized a pre-departure orientation program for a group of Indian students preparing to begin academic programs at various US universities, including Purdue University, University of Virginia, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, and University of Los Angeles.
During the orientation, Garcetti encouraged students to maximize their time in the US and utilize the available resources to stay safe. He also highlighted that tragic incidents can occur in any country and that Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has noted that there is no evidence of any targeted attacks against Indian students in the US.
Garcetti concluded by stressing the importance of common sense, familiarizing oneself with safety resources, and following campus security guidelines to ensure a positive experience for Indian students studying in the United States.
