Last week, tragedy struck as 33-year-old Bharatiya student Cheistha Kochhar lost her life in a devastating accident while cycling back to her London home. Kochhar, who had previously worked with the public policy think-tank NITI Aayog, was pursuing her Ph.D. at the prestigious London School of Economics.
Amitabh Kant, the former CEO of NITI Aayog, mourned her untimely passing in an online post, highlighting her contributions to the #LIFE program and her dedication to behavioral science research at the Nudge unit. Kochhar’s vibrant spirit and intelligence were remembered fondly by Kant and many others who knew her.
Tragically, Kochhar was hit by a garbage truck on March 19 while cycling, with her husband, Prashant, witnessing the horrific incident and rushing to her aid. Despite his efforts, Kochhar succumbed to her injuries at the scene of the accident.
Kochhar’s father, Lt Gen SP Kochhar (retired), currently in London to repatriate her remains, expressed the profound grief felt by the family and her extensive network of friends. His heartfelt plea for support and remembrance underscored the immense loss suffered by those close to Kochhar.
Originally from Gurugram, Kochhar had relocated to London in September to pursue her Ph.D. in organizational behavior management at LSE. Her academic journey had taken her through esteemed institutions such as Delhi University, Ashoka University, and universities in Pennsylvania and Chicago, reflecting her pursuit of excellence in education and research.
Kochhar’s professional journey included a significant role as a senior advisor at the National Behavioural Insights Unit of India at NITI Aayog from 2021 to 2023, as evidenced by her LinkedIn profile. Her dedication to public service and her scholarly pursuits left an indelible mark on those she worked with and inspired.
As friends, family, and colleagues grapple with the loss of Cheistha Kochhar, tributes pour in, celebrating her remarkable life and lamenting the tragic circumstances of her passing. The memory of her bright intellect, boundless energy, and unwavering courage will endure as a testament to her enduring legacy.
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