22-year-old Nepali student dies in UK

KATHMANDU: A Nepali student pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom has passed away during treatment.

A 22-year-old Vivekananda Mandal, a resident of Hanumannagar Kankalini Municipality-10, Saptari, died at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

According to Rajendra Pudasaini, Chair of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) UK, Mandal had been suffering from respiratory and lung-related health issues for some time.

He was admitted to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on Sunday after his condition worsened. Despite the doctors’ relentless efforts, he was declared dead on Monday.

Journey of Dreams & Struggles Cut Short

Mandal had arrived in the UK in Sept 2023 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

However, his academic journey abroad faced significant challenges. Due to financial difficulties, he was unable to pay the £3,000 tuition fee required by Sunderland University.

As a result, he was expelled by the university, which further affected his mental and physical well-being.

Preparing to Return Home

Following the expulsion, Mandal was planning to return to Nepal. Although his visa was valid until Feb 2026, UK law required him to leave the country within 60 days after expulsion from his educational institution.

As his health deteriorated, he confided in a neighbor, who subsequently helped him get admitted to the hospital.

Efforts Underway to Repatriate the Body

Mandal’s family has requested that his body be returned to Nepal.

Pudasaini stated that, respecting the family’s wishes, the NRNA UK has initiated the necessary legal procedures to repatriate Mandal’s body.

The untimely demise of this promising young student has left his family in Saptari and the Nepali community in the UK in shock and mourning.