Following a series of tragic deaths of Indian students in the US, former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi has offered advice to Indian students regarding their safety upon arriving in America.
The Consulate General of India in New York shared a video message by Indra Nooyi, emphasizing the importance of vigilance for Indian students studying or planning to study in the US.
In the video, lasting about 10 minutes, Nooyi highlighted the costly nature of higher education in the US and the uncertainty of job prospects for students. She stressed the importance of students being careful while choosing colleges, considering the substantial cultural changes they might encounter.
Nooyi expressed concern about reports of Indian students encountering unfortunate situations in the US and advised students to be cautious during their initial months in the country. She emphasized the importance of choosing friends wisely, developing healthy habits, and navigating cultural changes responsibly.
Since January 2023, there have been mysterious deaths of at least 10 Indian or Indian American students in the US.
Nooyi encouraged students to carefully choose their university and course, recognizing that studying in the US entails a significant cultural shift. She recommended seeking support from university resources, the local Indian consulate, and Indian-American communities to navigate challenges effectively.
She cautioned against the dangers of experimenting with drugs like Fentanyl, emphasizing the lethal consequences. Nooyi urged students to abide by the law and avoid unlawful activities, stressing the importance of understanding and respecting US laws.
Students were reminded to prioritize their mental health, given the rigorous and sometimes isolating nature of the US education system. Nooyi emphasized the need for students to manage stress effectively in the fast-paced environment of the US.