FM Nirmala Sitharaman courts controversy over remarks on Pune CA's death amid work pressure
PTC Web Desk: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's comments about the tragic death of 26-year-old chartered accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil have ignited a debate over workplace stress and the role of spirituality in coping with pressure. Anna, who worked at Ernst & Young (EY), allegedly succumbed to work-related stress, bringing to light the toxic environment some professionals face.
At an event in a Chennai medical college, Nirmala Sitharaman referred to the incident, without directly naming the company, saying that individuals need "inner strength" to handle pressure. She said this strength could be gained through divinity, adding that educational institutions should incorporate spirituality into their curriculum to help students cope with future pressures.
“What should families teach — whatever you study and the job you do, you should have the inner strength to handle that pressure and this can be achieved through divinity only," she remarked. "Seek God, and learn good discipline. Your Atmashakti (inner strength) will grow from this," she said.
Her remarks sparked widespread criticism on social media and from Opposition leaders, with many accusing her of being insensitive and not addressing the core issue of toxic work environments. Critics argued that the minister’s advice to "rely on God" rather than focusing on improving work culture was misguided.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi was one of the first to respond, pointing out that Anna had demonstrated significant inner strength while pursuing her Chartered Accountancy degree. Chaturvedi said, "It was the toxic work culture, long work hours that took away her life, which needs to be addressed. Stop victim-shaming and at least try to be a little sensitive."
Communist Party of India (CPI) MP P Sandosh Kumar accused Sitharaman of undermining the struggles faced by working professionals. "Overwork, inhuman conditions, unemployment, and lack of social security are creating stress among workers. The Finance Minister's advice to 'rely on God' is bizarre and insensitive," Kumar stated.
The tragic incident gained national attention after Anna's mother, Anita Augustine, wrote an emotional letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani. In her letter, she explained how her daughter had joined the company just four months earlier and was overwhelmed by the relentless demands of her job. She highlighted a culture that "glorified overwork" and lamented how Anna would return home "utterly exhausted," sometimes collapsing on her bed without even changing her clothes. Despite her family's pleas to quit, Anna was determined to learn and grow in her profession. However, the immense pressure proved unbearable.
- With inputs from agencies
