Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has clarified her recent comments regarding the death of Anna Sebastian, a 26-year-old employee at Ernst & Young (EY), emphasizing that she did not intend to “victim shame.”
Sitharaman had previously urged educational institutions to incorporate stress management into their curricula, suggesting that it could better prepare students for life’s challenges. In her remarks, she referenced Sebastian’s death, stating, “There, a woman who had studied CA well, unable to cope with the work pressure… she died, unable to cope with the pressure.” This comment sparked criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, who argued that it was not a lack of inner strength that led to Sebastian’s death, but rather a toxic work culture characterized by long hours and excessive stress.
In response to the backlash, Sitharaman clarified on social media that her intention was to highlight the need for support systems within educational institutions and families, not to blame Sebastian. She stated, “Had specifically mentioned that after clearing a demanding examination such as CA, the stress on her was unbearable… in no way was victim shaming done or intended.”
Sebastian, who passed away from a heart attack in July, was reportedly overwhelmed by her workload at EY’s Pune office. Her family has publicly expressed concerns about the intense pressure she faced at work, drawing attention to the broader issue of workplace mental health.
The discussion surrounding Sebastian’s death continues to underscore the urgent need for addressing workplace stress and promoting mental health support in high-pressure environments.
