Beyond the tragedy: The death of Prakriti Lamsal and the unanswered questions for Nepali students abroad

KATHMANDU: The death of 21-year-old Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali student studying at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, India, has sent shockwaves across Nepal. What initially seemed like an isolated tragedy has since evolved into a broader conversation about the safety, dignity, and rights of Nepali students pursuing higher education abroad. Her untimely demise has not only exposed systemic failures within educational institutions but also raised uncomfortable questions about the treatment of international students, particularly those from developing nations like Nepal.

Prakriti’s story is one of pain, neglect, and institutional apathy—a narrative that echoes the struggles faced by countless Nepali students studying in foreign lands. Her death is not just a personal loss; it symbolizes a collective failure to protect vulnerable youth who leave their homes in search of better opportunities. As Nepal grapples with grief and outrage, the incident has sparked urgent calls for accountability, reform, and introspection.

A Life Cut Short: The Circumstances Surrounding Prakriti’s Death

Prakriti Lamsal was a bright young woman with dreams of building a successful career through education. Like thousands of other Nepali students, she chose to study in India due to its proximity, cultural familiarity, and relatively affordable tuition fees. However, her journey took a tragic turn when she reportedly faced prolonged harassment and discrimination on campus.

According to accounts shared by her peers and family, Prakriti had repeatedly complained to university authorities about verbal abuse, mental pressure, and even physical intimidation. Yet, her pleas fell on deaf ears. Instead of addressing her grievances or providing support, the administration allegedly dismissed her concerns as trivial or exaggerated. This pattern of negligence culminated in her untimely death—an event that shocked both her loved ones and the wider Nepali community.

While the exact circumstances leading to her death remain under investigation, what is clear is that Prakriti’s ordeal highlights a deeply flawed system. It raises critical questions: Why were her complaints ignored? What mechanisms exist to protect students facing similar challenges? And most importantly, how can such tragedies be prevented in the future?

The Broader Context: Challenges Faced by Nepali Students Abroad

Prakriti’s case is not unique. Over the years, numerous reports have surfaced detailing the hardships endured by Nepali students studying in India and other countries. These challenges include:

1. Discrimination and Bias: Many Nepali students report being subjected to racial slurs, stereotyping, and exclusionary behavior. Such discrimination often stems from deep-seated biases against students from neighboring South Asian nations.

2. Administrative Negligence: Complaints related to bullying, harassment, or academic misconduct are frequently overlooked by university administrations. In some cases, students are pressured to drop their grievances altogether.

3. Mental Health Struggles: Being far from home, dealing with language barriers, adapting to new cultures, and coping with academic pressures can take a toll on students’ mental health. Unfortunately, many universities lack adequate counseling services or support systems.

4. Financial Exploitation: Some private universities exploit international students by charging exorbitant fees while offering substandard facilities and resources. For Nepali students, who often come from modest backgrounds, this financial burden adds another layer of stress.

5. Safety Concerns: Incidents of violence, sexual harassment, and even fatal accidents involving Nepali students have been reported in various parts of India. These incidents highlight the precarious position of students living in unfamiliar environments without proper safeguards.

In light of these issues, Prakriti’s death serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by Nepali students abroad. It underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure their safety and well-being.

Systemic Failures and Institutional Responsibility

At the heart of this tragedy lies a profound failure of institutional responsibility. Universities, especially those catering to international students, have a moral and ethical obligation to create safe, inclusive, and supportive environments. However, in Prakriti’s case—and likely many others—this duty was neglected.

Why Did KIIT Fail?

– Lack of Accountability: Despite receiving multiple complaints, KIIT’s administration failed to act decisively. This reflects a lack of accountability and transparency in addressing student grievances.

– Weak Support Systems: The absence of robust counseling services, helplines, or grievance redressal mechanisms left Prakriti feeling isolated and helpless.

– Prioritizing Reputation Over Welfare: Institutions often prioritize protecting their public image over addressing individual cases. This tendency can lead to silencing victims rather than resolving their problems.

– Exploitative Practices: Private universities like KIIT rely heavily on international student enrollment for revenue. However, this profit-driven approach sometimes comes at the expense of quality education and student welfare.

These systemic flaws extend beyond KIIT. They are symptomatic of a larger issue affecting educational institutions worldwide, where international students are treated as cash cows rather than valued members of the academic community.

Nepal’s Role: Addressing the Crisis at Home

While much of the blame lies with foreign institutions, Nepal’s government and educational sector must also shoulder responsibility. For decades, Nepal has struggled to provide high-quality, accessible education domestically. As a result, thousands of students are forced to seek opportunities abroad, often at great personal and financial cost.

Steps Nepal Must Take

1. Strengthen Domestic Education: Investing in infrastructure, faculty training, and research facilities can make Nepali universities more competitive globally. This would reduce the dependency on foreign institutions.

2. Regulate Counseling Services: Many Nepali students rely on educational consultants to guide them toward overseas programs. However, unethical practices, such as prioritizing commissions over students’ best interests, are rampant. Strict regulations are needed to hold these consultants accountable.

3. Enhance Diplomatic Efforts: Nepal’s government must engage proactively with host countries to advocate for the rights and safety of its students. Bilateral agreements could establish minimum standards for student welfare and grievance resolution.

4. Create Awareness Campaigns: Educating students and families about potential risks before they travel abroad can empower them to make informed decisions.

5. Establish Support Networks: Building strong alumni networks and embassies equipped to assist students in distress can provide crucial lifelines during emergencies.

Lessons Learned: Moving Forward Together

Prakriti’s death has ignited a national dialogue about the value we place on our youth and the measures we take—or fail to take—to protect them. While no amount of reform can bring her back, her legacy can serve as a catalyst for change.

What Needs to Be Done Globally?

– Universal Standards for Student Safety: International organizations should work toward establishing universal guidelines for safeguarding students’ rights across borders.

– Increased Transparency: Universities must adopt transparent policies regarding student welfare, including regular audits of their support systems.

– Empowering Students: Encouraging students to speak up and providing them with platforms to voice their concerns can foster a culture of accountability.

On a Personal Level
Every individual has a role to play in creating safer spaces for students. Whether it’s supporting advocacy groups, mentoring aspiring scholars, or simply listening to someone in need, small actions can collectively drive meaningful change.

The death of Prakriti Lamsal is a wake-up call for all stakeholders—governments, universities, educators, and communities—to reevaluate their priorities. It reminds us that behind every statistic or headline is a human life filled with dreams, aspirations, and untapped potential.

As Nepal mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars, let us channel our grief into action. Let us demand justice for Prakriti and all students who have suffered silently. Let us build a world where no young person feels abandoned, unheard, or unsafe while pursuing their education.

Prakriti’s memory deserves nothing less than a commitment to lasting change. May her story inspire us to create a future where every student, regardless of nationality or background, can thrive in an environment of respect, dignity, and opportunity.