Table of Contents
- Background: Who Was Rajyalakshmi Yarlagadda?
- Tragic Incident in the United States
- Family’s Appeal for Support and Loan Repayment
- Health and Safety Challenges Faced by Indian Students Abroad
- Reactions, Community Support, and Fundraising Efforts
- Conclusion: A Call for Awareness and Policy Support
Background Andhra Student Found Dead in US
: Who Was Rajyalakshmi Yarlagadda?
Rajyalakshmi (Raji) Yarlagadda, a 23-year-old student from Karanchedu village in Andhra Pradesh’s Bapatla district, had dreams of building a better future for her family. After earning an engineering degree in Vijayawada, she moved to the United States in 2023 to pursue her master’s degree in Computer Science at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. Known for her dedication and optimism, Raji represented thousands of Indian students who leave home seeking education and opportunity abroad.
According to her family, Raji was the youngest daughter in a farming household. Her parents relied on their small farmland in Andhra Pradesh to sustain the family. She carried her parents’ dreams and her own ambitions with courage, hoping to find stable employment after graduation and repay the education loans that made her journey possible.
Tragic Incident in the United States
The tragedy unfolded on November 7, 2025, when Raji’s roommates reportedly found her lifeless in her apartment in Corpus Christi, Texas. She had been suffering from a severe cough and chest pain for a few days before her death, according to details shared on a GoFundMe page launched by her cousin, Chaitanya Yvk. The exact cause of death is currently under medical investigation.
Local authorities have not yet disclosed any foul play, and the family is awaiting the results of a medical examination. The news sent shockwaves through the Indian student community in Texas, where Raji was known to be a kind, hardworking individual who often volunteered in student events.
Her friends recalled her as someone full of warmth and positivity, even amid the pressures of job hunting and loan repayment. Raji had recently completed her master’s degree and was actively applying for positions in the technology sector.
Family’s Appeal for Support and Loan Repayment
As Raji’s family in Andhra Pradesh struggles to come to terms with her sudden death, they are also facing immense financial distress. The GoFundMe campaign launched by her cousin seeks assistance for funeral expenses, transportation of her body to India, and repayment of her educational loans. The campaign highlights the harsh reality faced by many Indian families who take on large debts to send their children abroad for studies.
“She went to the US to create a better future for her family,” Chaitanya wrote on the fundraiser page. “Her parents relied on their small farm income, and Raji’s goal was to help them live comfortably after finding a job. Now, they need help bringing her home and closing her financial obligations.”
This tragic appeal has resonated with hundreds of donors across the Indian diaspora, who have contributed funds and shared messages of solidarity. However, it also reignites a broader conversation about the financial risks and emotional toll on families who fund overseas education through loans or mortgaged assets.
Health and Safety Challenges Faced by Indian Students Abroad
Raji’s death sheds light on the growing concern over the well-being of Indian students abroad. According to official data, more than 11 Indian and Indian-origin student deaths were reported in the US in 2024 alone. While causes vary—from medical emergencies to accidents and mental health issues—the pattern underscores the need for better health awareness, student insurance coverage, and institutional support.
Experts note that international students often face physical and emotional stress due to:
- Academic pressure and competitive environments
- Financial burdens from loans and living expenses
- Lack of access to affordable healthcare
- Isolation and cultural adjustment issues
Many universities, including Texas A&M, have begun expanding their student wellness initiatives, but advocates argue that more proactive health screening and counseling services are needed. Raji’s case is a stark reminder that even bright, hopeful students can fall through the cracks when support systems fail to address the daily challenges of studying abroad.
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Reactions, Community Support, and Fundraising Efforts
The Telugu community in the United States has rallied around Raji’s family, offering assistance in fundraising and repatriation logistics. The Indian Consulate in Houston has reportedly been contacted to expedite formalities related to the transportation of her remains to India. Meanwhile, social media platforms have seen an outpouring of grief and empathy under the hashtag #JusticeForRaji.
Several Indian student associations, including the Telugu Association of North America (TANA), have expressed condolences and extended logistical support. The incident has also reignited discussions about creating dedicated emergency funds for Indian students abroad, who often lack the safety nets available to domestic students.
Community leaders have called for greater collaboration between the Indian government, universities, and diaspora organizations to ensure quick responses in such tragedies. They argue that consular support and pre-departure orientation for students could help reduce risks related to health, finance, and legal matters.
Conclusion: A Call for Awareness and Policy Support
The untimely death of Andhra student Rajyalakshmi Yarlagadda in the US is more than an individual tragedy—it’s a mirror to the struggles many Indian students face while chasing their academic dreams abroad. It underscores the urgent need for improved student safety measures, financial protection, and mental health awareness.
While Raji’s family mourns an irreparable loss, her story has touched countless hearts across India and the global Indian community. It serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to introduce comprehensive safeguards for overseas students and better coordination between Indian embassies and host universities.
As the investigation into her death continues, her family’s plea for support has become a symbol of resilience and unity within the Indian diaspora. Raji’s dream of helping her parents may have been cut short, but her story has sparked a movement to protect the next generation of Indian scholars abroad.
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By The News Update — Updated November 10, 2025
