In response to a recent spate of attacks targeting Indian and Indian American students in the United States, the Biden administration has intensified efforts to ensure their safety and security. The White House has affirmed President Joe Biden’s commitment to combatting such violence and holding perpetrators accountable.
John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council, underscored the administration’s resolve to address the issue. “There is no excuse for violence, certainly based on race or gender or religion or any other factor. That’s just unacceptable here in the United States,” Kirby stated, emphasizing the government’s unwavering stance against hate crimes.
The recent incidents include the tragic deaths of several Indian American students, sparking concerns within both the Indian American community and among families in India. Vivek Saini, a student working part-time in Georgia, fell victim to an attack by a drug addict in January. Syed Mazahir Ali, a student at Indiana Wesleyan University, was assaulted in February, highlighting the alarming trend of violence targeting students of Indian origin.
Moreover, the deaths of Akul Dhawan from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Neel Acharya from Purdue University, attributed to heavy drinking and exposure to low temperatures, as well as the loss of Shreyas Reddy Benigeri, a student at the Lindner School of Business in Ohio, have further underscored the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.
In light of these incidents, Indian American community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria has called for swift action to address safety concerns and bolster support systems for students pursuing education in the US. “These incidents understandably worry parents and families in India, and their concerns are shared,” Bhutoria expressed, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts between college authorities, local police, and the broader community to ensure the well-being of Indian students.
As the Biden administration works diligently to prevent further attacks and safeguard the interests of Indian students, the call for enhanced safety measures resonates strongly. With a united front from both the Indian American community and concerned stakeholders, efforts are underway to create a safer environment for all students, regardless of their background, pursuing education in the United States.
Sources By Agencies
