February 16, 2025, was a day that shattered lives and shook a university to its core. Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old Nepalese student with dreams as vast as the Himalayan skies, ended her life in a hostel room at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Her story is not just a tragedy—it’s a wake-up call for justice, accountability, and change.
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A Dream Cut Short
Prakriti Lamsal arrived at KIIT with hope in her heart. A third-year BTech student studying computer science, she was one of thousands of Nepalese students who chose India to chase their ambitions. Her family back in Nepal saw her as a beacon of pride—a young woman carving her path in a competitive world. But beneath her bright smile, Prakriti carried a silent burden.
In March 2024, she confided in KIIT’s International Relations Office (IRO) about a nightmare no student should face: harassment and blackmail. A fellow student, Advik Srivastava, had allegedly exploited private photos to torment her. Prakriti’s courage to speak up was met with a hollow response. The university’s disciplinary committee instructed the accused to delete the photos and issued a warning—nothing more. No counseling, no protection, no justice. The system failed her, and the weight of that failure grew heavier each day.
On that fateful February evening, Prakriti’s despair became unbearable. Alone in her hostel room, she took her life, leaving behind a grieving family, a stunned community, and a question that haunts us all: How could this happen?
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A Campus in Chaos
Prakriti’s death sent shockwaves through KIIT. Nepalese students, heartbroken and enraged, took to the streets in protest. They demanded answers, accountability, and justice for their friend. But instead of compassion, they faced hostility. Reports emerged of university authorities assaulting protesters, using racial slurs, and forcibly evicting over 500 Nepalese students from campus hostels. The air was thick with betrayal.
The outrage didn’t stop at KIIT’s gates. Social media platforms like X erupted with voices condemning the university’s negligence. “KIIT failed Prakriti and silenced her community,” one user wrote. Another demanded, “How many more lives will be lost before universities act?” The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India stepped in, delivering a scathing verdict: KIIT was guilty of “gross negligence” and possibly abetting Prakriti’s suicide by ignoring her pleas for help.
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A Diplomatic Storm
Prakriti’s tragedy transcended borders, igniting a diplomatic firestorm between India and Nepal. Nepal’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister voiced their anguish, urging India to ensure justice. Prakriti’s family, devastated yet resolute, called for accountability from KIIT and the Indian government. The incident exposed a harsh truth: international students, especially women, often face systemic vulnerabilities in foreign institutions. Prakriti’s story became a symbol of their struggle.
The NHRC’s findings painted a grim picture. KIIT had violated University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines by lacking a robust student counseling system. The university’s focus on damage control—evicting protesters and downplaying the incident—only deepened the wound. As Nepal mourned one of its own, India faced a reckoning about the safety of foreign students on its soil.
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The Human Cost of Neglect
Prakriti was more than a statistic. She was a daughter, a friend, a dreamer. Her love for coding, her late-night study sessions, her laughter in the hostel corridors—these are the memories her friends cherish. But they’re also haunted by what could have been. If KIIT had listened, if her cries for help had been met with action, Prakriti might still be here.
Her story forces us to confront uncomfortable questions. Why are students’ complaints dismissed? Why are international students, far from home, left to fend for themselves? And why does it take a tragedy to spark change? Prakriti’s death isn’t an isolated incident—it’s a symptom of a broken system that prioritizes reputation over human lives.
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A Call for Change
The protests may have quieted, but the fight for justice continues. Prakriti’s family deserves answers. Her peers deserve safety. And every student at KIIT—and beyond—deserves a campus where they can thrive without fear. The NHRC has called for reforms, from mandatory counseling systems to stricter anti-harassment policies. But change requires more than reports; it demands action.
As we honor Prakriti’s memory, let’s amplify her story. Share it, discuss it, demand better. Universities must become sanctuaries, not battlegrounds. Governments must protect the vulnerable, not shield the negligent. And we, as a society, must listen when someone cries for help.
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How Can We Prevent Another Tragedy?
Prakriti Lamsal’s life ended in tragedy, but her legacy can spark change. Here are steps we can advocate for:
- Robust Grievance Systems: Universities must establish transparent, accessible mechanisms to address harassment and mental health concerns.
- Counseling Support : Mandatory, culturally sensitive counseling services can provide students with a lifeline.
- Protection for International Students: Institutions must prioritize the safety and inclusion of foreign students, addressing language barriers and cultural isolation.
- Accountability: Those who fail to act on complaints must face consequences, from administrators to perpetrators.
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Prakriti’s story is a heartbreak and a rallying cry. As we mourn her loss, let’s commit to a future where no student feels alone, unheard, or unsafe. Will you join the call for justice?
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