In a tragic turn of events, the journey of three civil servant aspirants came to an untimely end in Delhi on July 28, following the flooding of their coaching institute’s basement during a heavy downpour. The incident occurred at Rau’s IAS Study Circle located in Old Rajinder Nagar, a hub for numerous UPSC students. The heavy rain inundated the library in the basement of the coaching centre, causing a failure of the single biometric entry and exit point, which ultimately led to the students’ unfortunate deaths. This calamity has sparked widespread outrage and concern among the student community and the general public alike.
The Local Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has initiated action against establishments that are illegally utilizing basements in the area. An official from MCD confirmed that stringent measures are being taken to prevent such occurrences in the future. The tragic incident has also led to protests from students who are demanding accountability for the negligence that contributed to the loss of lives.
Abhilash Thapliyal, an actor known for his role in the popular TVF show ‘Aspirants’, shared his profound grief over the event. Thapliyal, who spent considerable time in Old Rajinder Nagar during the filming of the show, expressed his deep sorrow and dismay at the incident. The actor portrayed the beloved character SK Jha, a mentor figure to UPSC aspirants, and his experiences in the locality have given him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by the students there.
Speaking to mid-day.com, Thapliyal commented, “I owe the success of my character SK sir to all the UPSC aspirants. It is tragic and unfortunate what has happened in Rajinder Nagar. But what is even more sad is the way the issue has been politicized. I think politics has stooped down to another level today.” His words reflect a sentiment of frustration and disappointment at the political maneuvering that often follows such tragedies, overshadowing the need for genuine solutions and accountability.
Thapliyal further elaborated on the issue, saying, “Tragedy, especially man-made ones, comes in all shapes and sizes. It is not restricted to any particular department, government, state, or location.
. Just recently, we had the hoarding crash in Mumbai where so many innocent lives were lost. While filming in Old Rajinder Nagar, I realized that there is a high population density cramped in very small places. I am not sure how many of these places have all the required licenses and NOCs. I hope this incident proves to be a wake-up call and the authorities as well as the people operating these places ensure that all safety measures are in place.”
The actor’s observations underscore a critical issue in densely populated urban areas where space is at a premium, and safety regulations are often flouted. The flooding incident in Old Rajinder Nagar is a stark reminder of the potential dangers that arise from neglecting proper safety protocols and the pressing need for rigorous enforcement of building codes and regulations.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Thapliyal shared, “I was lucky to be at home with my family when I was studying. When you are at home, your problems are not your own, and you have the support of the entire family. My heart goes out to these aspirants who are staying so far from home, managing everything on their own.” His empathy towards the students’ plight is palpable, recognizing the additional challenges faced by those who are far from their families and support systems while striving to achieve their goals.
In light of the tragedy, Thapliyal called for the creation of support groups within the student community. “I hope the students create support groups within their community and are there for each other in this UPSC journey,” he said. Such support networks could provide much-needed companionship and assistance, helping students cope with the stresses and hardships they encounter.
The incident at Rau’s IAS Study Circle serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of students living in densely populated areas and the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations. As the investigation continues and actions are taken against those responsible, the hope is that such preventable tragedies can be avoided in the future.
The deaths of the three UPSC aspirants have left a profound impact on the community. As measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents, the focus must also remain on providing support and ensuring the safety and welfare of students who dedicate themselves to rigorous academic pursuits in the hopes of serving the nation.
