In a heart-wrenching incident, Cheistha Kochhar, a 33-year-old Indian student pursuing her PhD at the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE), lost her life in a tragic road accident. The young scholar, known for her brilliance and zest for life, was struck by a garbage truck while cycling home from the university on March 19, 2024.
A Brilliant Mind Taken Too Soon
Cheistha’s untimely demise has left a void in the lives of her loved ones and the academic community. Her father, Lt Gen SP Kochhar (retd), in a poignant LinkedIn post, expressed his devastation and invited people to share memories and testimonials of his daughter, who was “bright, brilliant & brave and always full of life.”
Amitabh Kant, the former CEO of NITI Aayog, where Cheistha had worked as a senior advisor in the National Behavioral Insights Unit from 2021 to 2023, paid tribute to her, describing her as “bright, brilliant & brave and always full of life. Gone away too early. RIP.”
Cheistha Kochar worked with me on the #LIFE programme in @NITIAayog She was in the #Nudge unit and had gone to do her Ph.D in behavioural science at #LSE
Passed away in a terrible traffic incident while cycling in London. She was bright, brilliant & brave and always full of… pic.twitter.com/7WyyklhsTA— Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) March 23, 2024
A Promising Career Cut Short
Cheistha’s academic journey was a testament to her intellect and determination. After completing her studies at Delhi University, Ashoka University, and the prestigious Universities of Pennsylvania and Chicago, she moved to London in September 2023 to pursue her PhD in Organizational Behavior/Behavioral Science at LSE.
Her exceptional work at NITI Aayog, where she contributed to the #LIFE program and the #Nudge unit, had earned her recognition and respect from her colleagues.
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Accident Details and Investigation
According to reports, the tragic incident occurred around 8:30 pm on March 19, as Cheistha was cycling back home from LSE. Her husband, Prashant, who was cycling ahead of her, witnessed the horrific accident and rushed to her aid, but it was too late – Cheistha had succumbed to her injuries on the spot.
The driver of the garbage truck involved in the accident stopped at the scene and is cooperating with the police investigation. No arrests have been made so far, and authorities have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.
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A Community in Mourning
Cheistha’s untimely demise has left her family, friends, and the academic community in profound grief. Her father, Lt Gen SP Kochhar (retd), who is currently in London to collect her remains, has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and condolences from those who knew and loved his daughter.
As the investigation into the accident continues, the community mourns the loss of a promising young scholar whose life was tragically cut short on the streets of London, a city she had chosen to pursue her dreams.
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