NEW DELHI: Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, recently expressed deep concerns about the harsh realities faced by Indian students pursuing higher education in Canada. Speaking to PTI, Verma highlighted issues such as substandard living conditions, underemployment, and the rising influence of Khalistani elements in the country.
Verma pointed out that many students, who come from well-off families, are often forced to live in cramped spaces, with eight students sharing a single room.Despite their expectations of a promising academic journey, they end up enrolled in institutions that offer minimal classes, leading them to work low-wage jobs just to make ends meet.
“A whole week they work at a store, as a daily wager,” Verma said, referring to students’ reliance on part-time jobs rather than focusing on their education. He added that many students, despite their qualifications, are compelled to take on jobs as cab drivers or other odd roles, diverging from their original aspirations.
Verma also raised concerns about the social situation in Canada, particularly the influence of Khalistani elements on young students. He noted that non-Khalistani students are being threatened and even pressured into joining gangs. “Many innocent children who went there became criminals, gangsters, Khalistani criminals,” he said, emphasizing that these students are being negatively influenced by local Khalistani groups.
The High Commissioner’s comments come amid rising tensions between India and Canada, with an increasing number of Indian parents expressing anxiety over their children’s safety and future prospects abroad.