Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with the heartbroken parents of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old professional who tragically lost her life due to overwhelming work pressures at Ernst & Young (EY).
In a video call, Gandhi expressed his condolences and stressed the urgent need for reforms in workplace conditions to prevent similar tragedies.
Describing Anna as a "bright and ambitious young professional," Gandhi mentioned the toxic work environment that contributed to her untimely death. He pledged his personal commitment, along with the support of the Congress party, to ensure that this heartbreaking incident becomes a catalyst for change in corporate culture.
The meeting followed an emotional letter penned by Anna’s mother to EY's Chairman, in which she detailed the excessive demands placed on her daughter, a newcomer to the firm. The mother’s plea stressed the need for empathy and support for young employees, calling attention to the relentless hours and lack of breaks that contributed to Anna's tragic fate.
Gandhi commended Anna's mother for her courage in advocating for safer and fairer workplaces in the face of profound grief. He said that Anna's story should prompt a broader discussion on employee welfare, urging companies to take responsibility for the well-being of their workforce.