New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s remarks on the death of a 26-year-old chartered accountant, allegedly due to work pressure, has sparked a row. The minister has said people need inner strength to handle pressure and this can only be achieved by divinity. Several social media users, including leaders from the Opposition, have termed the remarks insensitive.
Addressing an event at a Chennai medical college, Sitharaman referred to Anna Sebastian Perayil’s death ( she didn’t mention Ernst & Young), where she was working. “Our children go to colleges and universities for education and come out with flying colours. A company, without mentioning its name, it’s a partnership. There, a woman who had studied CA well (was) unable to cope with the work pressure. Two-three days ago, we received news — she died unable to cope with the pressure,” she said.
“What should families teach — whatever you study and the job you do, you should have the inner strength to handle that pressure and this can be achieved through divinity only,” she said. “Believe in God, we need to have God’s grace. Seek God, and learn good discipline. Your Atmashakti will grow only from this. The inner strength will come only with growing Atmashakti,” the Finance Minister added.