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The article, titled "Returning in body bags: Ex-envoy warns Indians about studying in Canada," presents a stark warning from former Indian high commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, urging Indian families to reconsider sending their children to study in the country. Verma's advice is rooted in the alarming trends he witnessed during his tenure, which culminated in his recall amidst a diplomatic row between India and Canada. The article paints a bleak picture of the realities faced by Indian students in Canada, including subpar college standards, limited job prospects, and mounting mental health issues, culminating in a devastating number of suicides. Verma's personal observations and anecdotal evidence are presented to highlight the serious consequences of choosing Canada as an education destination for Indian students.
Verma's most shocking revelation is the alarming rate of Indian students returning to India in body bags due to suicide. His statement, "At one point of time in my tenure, at least two bodies of students were being sent to India in body bags per week," underscores the severity of the situation. He attributes this tragic trend to the disillusionment experienced by students who face stark discrepancies between their aspirations and the realities of studying and living in Canada. He emphasizes that the "ground reality there is not very encouraging," with many students ending up in low-paying jobs or facing crushing debt after investing heavily in their education. Verma highlights the irony of students going to Canada for a brighter future, only to tragically end up returning in body bags, effectively negating their dreams.
The article highlights the vulnerability of Indian students, especially those who fall prey to unreliable agents and end up in substandard institutions. Verma notes that many students are lured by promises of a prosperous future, but find themselves trapped in a cycle of disappointment and despair. He underscores the need for parents to be vigilant about the institutions they choose, urging them to thoroughly verify the credibility of the institutions and the living conditions for students. He expresses concern about the financial burden placed on families who often sell property or take loans to fund their children's education abroad, leaving them with little recourse when their children face challenges in Canada. Verma's warning serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls associated with sending children to study abroad, emphasizing the need for careful research and responsible decision-making.
Source: Returning in body bags: Ex-envoy warns Indians about studying in Canada