In a heartbreaking turn of events, the journey of three civil servant aspirants came to an abrupt and tragic end in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi, on July 28. Heavy monsoon rains led to the catastrophic flooding of the basement at Rau’s IAS Study Circle, a renowned coaching institute in the area. The flooding not only inundated the library but also caused the sole biometric entry and exit point to fail, ultimately leading to the demise of the three students.
Amid widespread protests by students against the negligence and illegal use of basements in the area, actor Abhilash Thapliyal has voiced his grief and shared his personal experiences. Known for his role as the endearing SK Jha in the popular TVF show ‘Aspirants,’ Thapliyal spent considerable time in Old Rajinder Nagar during the show’s filming, a locality that hosts a dense population of UPSC aspirants.
Speaking to mid-day.com, Thapliyal expressed his sorrow over the incident. “I owe the success of my character SK sir to all the UPSC aspirants, and it is tragic and unfortunate that what has happened in Rajinder Nagar. But what is even more sad is the way the issue has been politicized, and I think politics has stooped down to another level today,” he lamented.
The actor further expanded on the broader implications of such man-made disasters, pointing out that they are neither confined to any specific sector nor location. “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,” he remarked.
Recounting his own observations while filming in the congested lanes of Old Rajinder Nagar, Thapliyal highlighted the overcrowding issue. “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 No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
. I hope this incident serves as a wake-up call, and the authorities, as well as the people operating these establishments, ensure that all safety measures are in place,” he urged.
Reflecting on his own experiences with Delhi’s rainy seasons, Thapliyal shared that he was fortunate to have the support of his family while studying at Delhi University. “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 away from home, managing everything on their own,” he said, expressing deep empathy for the students living in Old Rajinder Nagar.
In an effort to offer some solace and proactive advice, Thapliyal encouraged students to form support groups within their community. “I hope the students create support groups within their community and are there for each other in this UPSC journey,” he advised.
The tragic incident has cast a spotlight on the systemic issues plaguing many coaching hubs in India, particularly those related to infrastructure and safety standards. According to an MCD official, action is now being taken against establishments illegally using basements in the area. Whether these measures will be sufficient to prevent future calamities remains a matter of public concern and scrutiny.
As the grief-stricken community of Old Rajinder Nagar copes with the loss of three promising lives, the incident has spurred widespread calls for regulatory oversight and reform. For many, including Abhilash Thapliyal, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the need for rigorous safety protocols and the perils of bureaucratic negligence.
In closing, while the nation mourns the loss of three future civil servants, it is imperative that this tragic incident triggers significant changes. The future of thousands of students in similar coaching hubs across the country depends on it. The responsibility falls on both the authorities and the communities to ensure such a grievous event does not repeat itself, safeguarding the dreams and lives of countless young aspirants striving for a better tomorrow.
