Tragic Loss of IIT Madras Alumnus in California Sparks Emotional Response
The sudden and tragic death of 22-year-old Indian-origin student Saketh Sreenivasaiah has sent shockwaves through academic and social media circles. His body was recovered from Lake Anza in California on February 14, 2025, after he went missing on February 9. In the aftermath, a heartfelt graduation post he shared nearly six months ago has resurfaced online, drawing widespread attention for its poignant tribute to a dear friend.
Academic Achievements and Personal Reflections
Sreenivasaiah was a postgraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, having previously graduated from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) with a BTech in Chemical Engineering. According to his LinkedIn profile, he achieved an impressive CGPA of 8.41, showcasing his academic prowess.
In July 2025, he posted a photograph from his convocation ceremony, expressing joy and gratitude. "I'm delighted to share that I've officially graduated from IIT Madras with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering," he wrote. Reflecting on his journey, he noted that the past four years, technically 3.5 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were filled with invaluable learnings from lectures, labs, projects, and the people he met.
He emphasized that this milestone was a shared achievement, dedicating it to his late grandfather and expressing deep gratitude to all who supported him. However, it was his closing lines that have now struck an emotional chord with many.
Emotional Tribute to a Lost Friend
Sreenivasaiah's post included a moving mention: "This milestone would've been much better alongside my dearest friend and batchmate Kedar. The warm moments & memories we shared continue to inspire." This reference has drawn significant attention due to a tragic incident at IIT-M in April 2023.
At that time, a second-year undergraduate student named Kedar Suresh Chougule, also from the Chemical Engineering department, was found dead in his hostel room in an apparent suicide. Kedar, aged 20, had reportedly been battling depression and had sought counseling support. His death was part of a series of similar incidents at IIT-M in early 2023, though it remains unconfirmed if this is the same Kedar mentioned in Sreenivasaiah's post.
Following Kedar's death, IIT-M issued a statement expressing grief and commitment to proactive measures for student mental health. The resurfacing of Sreenivasaiah's tribute has reignited discussions about the pressures faced by students and the importance of mental wellness in academic environments.
Circumstances Surrounding Sreenivasaiah's Death
Sreenivasaiah, hailing from Tumakuru in Karnataka, had been pursuing his studies in California when he disappeared. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco confirmed the recovery of his body and offered condolences, stating they were assisting with repatriation and family support.
Local authorities have not released detailed findings from their investigation. However, reports indicate that his roommate, Baneet Singh, shared insights into Sreenivasaiah's recent behavior. Singh noted noticeable changes, such as reduced eating and social engagement, and recalled Sreenivasaiah saying, "I've stopped caring, man... I don't care about anything." Police are reportedly treating the case as a possible suicide, though no official confirmation has been provided.
Legacy and Ongoing Tributes
As tributes pour in online, Sreenivasaiah's graduation message stands as a bittersweet reminder of a young life full of promise, cut short just as he embarked on a new chapter. His words celebrate perseverance, friendship, and gratitude, resonating deeply with those mourning his loss.
This incident underscores critical issues in student mental health, both in India and abroad, prompting calls for enhanced support systems and awareness. The emotional resonance of his post continues to inspire conversations about the challenges faced by young achievers in high-pressure academic settings.
