Anna Sebastian Perayil, a vibrant 26-year-old from Kochi, Kerala, embodied the spirit of exploration and ambition. She dreamt of working for the United Nations and the World Health Organization, eager to travel and make a difference. Her mother, Anita Augustine, shared the family’s heartache as they confronted the loss of their daughter, who had recently moved to Pune for a job with EY’s affiliate, SRBC.
Despite her parents’ reservations about her leaving Kochi, Anna was determined to pursue her dreams. She expressed excitement about her new life in Pune, inspired by her cousins who had ventured into different cities for work and education. However, Anna’s experience in Pune was far from what she had envisioned. Her mother revealed that Anna worked incessantly, often clocking in long hours with little time to socialize or explore her new surroundings. “By the time she returned late at night, her roommates would be asleep. She didn’t even get a chance to make new friends,” Anita explained.
Anna passed away in July this year due to a heart attack, just four months after starting her job. “She did not receive compensation for her overtime, nor did she have regular days off. Even when she was ill, she continued to work,” her mother lamented. Anna had informed her manager about a malfunctioning laptop and had gone to the office to resolve the issue just before her death.
Describing Anna as a dedicated and ambitious individual, Anita shared her daughter’s journey through education. Anna was a meritorious student, having excelled in her studies and successfully completing her Chartered Accountancy exams. She had a passion for humanitarian work and had aspirations to contribute to global causes.
“She wanted to gain experience at EY for a year and then move on to better opportunities,” Anita recalled. Anna’s academic achievements included impressive scores in her B.Com and 12th grade, along with participation in various extracurricular activities such as debates, music, and badminton.
Anita emphasized the need for better support for young professionals who relocate for work, noting the isolation many experience. “These young kids leave their families and find themselves alone in a new city. They need support, especially in their first couple of years,” she urged, expressing concern over the glorification of overwork in corporate culture.
Anna’s untimely passing is a poignant reminder of the pressures faced by young professionals today and the importance of prioritizing mental and physical well-being in the workplace.
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