Indra Nooyi asks Indian students in US to stay safe

In the wake of a series of tragic deaths of Indian students in the US, former Indian American CEO of PepsiCO, Indra Nooyi has advised Indian students to be watchful during the initial days after landing in America.

The consulate general of India in New York shared “a very useful video message by Ms. @Indra_Noooyi, former Chairman & CEO of PepsiCo” on X for Indian students studying/planning to study in the United States of America.

In the 10-minute video, Nooyi pointed out that higher education in the US is expensive and students may not necessarily land a job. She also stressed that Indian students experience huge cultural change in the country, urging them to be alert while selecting their college.

READ: At least 10 Indian or Indian American students died in US under mysterious circumstances since Jan. 2023 (March 18, 2024)

“The reason I’m recording this video is to talk to all of you, all you young people who are looking to come to the United States or are here already pursuing your studies, because I’ve been reading and listening to all the news about several examples of Indian students finding themselves in unfortunate situations,” Nooyi said.

“So when you come to the United States, be very watchful in the initial months of your landing here, in terms of who you select as friends, the new habits you develop and how you cope with cultural changes because it’s very easy to get caught up with all the freedoms you have and think that you should experiment with everything. Be very, very careful.”

At least 10 Indian or Indian American students died in US under mysterious circumstances since January 2023.

The former CEO also told students who are coming to the US to study to “choose your university and course carefully” as pursuing higher education in the country can be a “cultural sea change”.

“I would strongly suggest that the students get engaged with the university support system, the local Indian consulate and local Indian-Americans to learn from their experiences and seek their support wherever it’s needed,” Nooyi said.

“Indian students over the years are known for their hard work and success but sometimes we also come across incidents of some youngsters experimenting with and eventually getting addicted to drugs such as Fentanyl,” she said.

“This is lethal. Let me repeat, this is lethal,” she said. “Please do not verge into this whole area of experimenting with dangerous stuff. Most importantly, do not partake in unlawful activities, understand the law and stay within the law.”

“It’s up to you to make sure you do what it takes to remain safe….stay within the law, do not venture out into dark places alone at night, do not engage in drugs or excessive drinking please. All of these are just formulae for disaster,” she added.

“There might be activities which would not attract legal action in India, but it might do so in the US. Students should make sure that they understand the laws of the two countries. They should understand the boundaries of this country as a foreign student,” she said.

Appealing to students to take care of their mental health, the entrepreneur said, “Please take care of your mental health as the education system in the US is rigorous and it can be a bit lonely because it is not a familiar environment for you. Life here is fast-paced and busy and can cause stress.”