'Didn't' take...names': Sitharaman after remarks on CA's death draw backlash
Following backlash over remarks that people need "inner strength" to handle pressure in the aftermath of Anna Sebastian Perayil's death due to alleged work pressure, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that she did not take any names. During an event at a college in Chennai on Saturday, the minister had suggested that people need inner strength to handle pressure, which can only be achieved through divinity. Her remarks were criticized as insensitive by several social media users and opposition leaders.
Sitharaman responds to accusations of victim-shaming
Among those who criticized the minister was Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, who accused Sitharaman of victim-shaming. "Anna had inner strength to handle the stress that came with pursuing a gruelling Chartered Accountancy degree. It was the toxic work culture, long work hours that took away her life which needs to be addressed. Stop victim shaming," Chaturvedi wrote on X.
Sitharaman emphasizes importance of inner strength
Responding to the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, Sitharaman said she "had specifically mentioned that after clearing a demanding and rigorous examination such as CA, the stress on her was unbearable. No names were taken, neither of the lady nor of the firm." "The University has set up a Meditation Hall and a place of worship for all its students and faculty. It is in this context that I spoke on how it is necessary to build inner strength for students."
Read her response here
Sitharaman assures thorough investigation into Perayil's death
Sitharaman further explained that she highlighted the importance of institutions and families in supporting children, and that there was no victim shaming done or intended. "The Union Labour Ministry has already assured a thorough investigation into the allegations of an exploitative work environment related to the tragic demise (of Anna Sebastian Perivayil)," she said.
What did Sitharaman say
Sitharaman had called for the inclusion of "stress management lessons" in educational institutions during the event. "A company, without mentioning its name, it's a partnership. There, a woman who studied CA well, unable to cope with the work pressure two-three days ago we received news—she died, unable to cope with the pressure," she said. Sitharaman further suggested that the ability to handle pressure can be developed through spirituality. "Believe in God...Your Atma shakti will grow only from this," she said.
