She was new in the office. Enthusiastic and hard-working. She wanted to prove herself. This was her first job. She held the belief that hard work and perseverance were essential to success. She was a 26 years old Chartered Accountant and had left her hometown and family behind for the first time, for a fancy job at a big company in a big city.

Four months into this job, she was dead.

No one from her place of work attended her funeral. Her name was Anna.

Her mother, Anita wrote a letter to the CEO of the company, with the hope that this does not happen to other young people. She urged him to change the poisonous work culture that pushes young employees to the limit, chasing unrealistic expectations. Like many other mothers, I am sure through a river of tears, she wrote hoping to make a difference.

All she has had so far are denials. It wasn’t us. We did nothing wrong. On linked-in, one business Psychologist remarked on the lack of resilience in the young and commented on what Anna’s mother should have done for her daughter’s well-being. She went on to boast about how high the Happiness index amongst the students in her organisation was. Whatever the hell that means.

I feel sickened by this. Is this typical of India? Is it all corporations? Or just the Big 4? Or is it human beings and their lack of compassion?

The fact that Anita’s letter has created massive waves and generated big discussions makes me feel a bit better. We, as humans, are about compassion. It is as essential to us at every stage of our lives, as water. There is hope. As for Anna’s parents, my heart weeps for you. Thank you for raising your voice on behalf of Anna, to wake us up. Let us actively look after ourselves and each other. We are strong yet fragile. Let us open our eyes.