ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Pune murder exposes immigrant parenting challenges: Priyankka Deo
Indian American media professional urges stronger parent-child communication.
-
Ankita Baidya - Tue, 30, Jun 2026
- 05:00 EDT
- 33
Priyankka Deo / X/ Priyankka Deo
Indian American media professional Priyankka Deo has used the murder case of Ketan Agarwal in Pune to urge immigrant parents to foster open communication, saying the goal is to raise children who feel "safe enough to say no."
In a video posted on X, Deo, who is based in Chicago, referred to allegations that Siya Goyal, a woman in her early 20s, and an accomplice allegedly killed Agarwal after luring him to a fort near Pune and pushing him off. She noted that the matter is before the courts and that the allegations have yet to be proven.
Also read: Priyankka Deo to lead workshop on immigrant parenting
Deo said the case has attracted widespread attention, including within the Indian diaspora, with new developments emerging almost daily. She also referred to a video circulating online in which Goyal's parents said that if their daughter is found guilty, she should face the consequences of the law, describing the incident as deeply tragic.
Reflecting on the case, Deo questioned why, if the allegations are true, the engagement could not simply have been called off instead of ending in violence. She said the incident highlights the importance of fostering open communication within families.
"The goal isn't to raise a child who always says yes," she said. "It's to raise a child who feels safe enough to say no," whether to a relationship, a marriage or any situation that makes them unhappy.
Deo argued that immigrant parents should strive to preserve cultural values while creating an environment where children feel comfortable expressing difficult opinions without fear of judgment. Although such conversations may be uncomfortable, she said, avoiding them can have serious consequences. She concluded by asking viewers whether better communication between parents and children could help prevent similar situations.
The Siya Goyal case has shaken Indians worldwide.
— Priyankka Deo (@priyankadeo) June 30, 2026
Why couldn’t she say no, and why is this question resonating so deeply with the NRI community? Watch pic.twitter.com/4iazAlorTp
The comments are consistent with Deo's recent focus on the challenges facing immigrant families. Earlier this month, she led a workshop with digital platform PGurus on preparing children for life and work in the United States, as previously reported by New India Abroad.
During that session, Deo argued that many immigrant parents prepare their children for the America they themselves experienced rather than today's changing social and professional landscape. While emphasizing the importance of retaining cultural values, she said young people also need skills such as leadership, communication, adaptability and confidence to succeed.
She noted that while many first-generation immigrants came to the United States seeking stability and accepted whatever opportunities were available, the next generation faces different expectations and requires a different set of skills to thrive.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Leave A Comment
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login