The sudden and tragic death of Cheistha Kochhar, a 33-year-old Indian student, has sent shockwaves through the academic and public policy communities.
Cheistha was run over by a garbage truck on March 19 while cycling back to her home in London after attending classes at the London School of Economics (LSE). Her husband, Prashant, was ahead of her when the accident occurred, and he rushed back in a desperate attempt to save her, but unfortunately, she died at the scene.
Cheistha was not just a dedicated student; she was a remarkable individual who had made significant contributions to the field of public policy. Before embarking on her PhD journey, she worked with NITI Aayog, a prominent think tank in India that focuses on public policy formulation and implementation.
During her time there, she was involved with the Nudge Unit and played a vital role in the LIFE program, aimed at implementing behavioral insights in government policy.
Amitabh Kant, the former CEO of NITI Aayog, expressed his sorrow in an online post, describing her as “bright, brilliant, and brave,” and noted her relentless spirit and enthusiasm for life.
Cheistha’s academic journey was impressive. After completing her undergraduate studies at Delhi University, she furthered her education at prestigious institutions such as Ashoka University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Chicago.
She was deeply passionate about organizational behavior management and aimed to contribute to understanding human behavior in various organizational contexts through her research at LSE.
Her move to London last September was a significant step toward realizing her dreams, and her tragic loss has left a void not only in her family but also among her peers and colleagues.
Her father, Lt Gen SP Kochhar (Retd), is currently in London to handle the arrangements for her remains. In a heartfelt message on LinkedIn, he shared his devastation, noting the profound impact Cheistha had on her friends and family.
