The Dark Side of Technology: Ola's Response Falls Short

Horrendous recent tragedy of Nikhil Somwanshi, a young boy working with Ola, has left the country shocked and enraged at India's cheap labor culture which appears to dominate the country's technology industry.

Reports indicate that Nikhil had committed suicide as a result of reported work pressure. Ola's reaction to the charges has been under scrutiny as to whether an eyebrow should be raised as everyone doubted the company's assertion that Nikhil was on personal leave at the time of his death.

"We were shocked by the unexpected passing away of one of our brightest young colleagues, Nikhil, on 8 May. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, friends and family in these very trying times," Ola

"Nikhil was on personal leave when the offense was committed. On 8th April, he had called his boss and told him that he required rest, and his personal leave was approved immediately. He then called his boss on 17th April and told him that he was okay but required rest again, and his leave was then prolonged."

"We at the company are very sorry to hear of this loss. Nikhil was a fine colleague, and we will miss him immensely. We are giving complete available assistance to Nikhil's family and colleagues in this moment of mourning. We are also in contact with the concerned authorities and are ready to make our premises available as and when required."

While Ola's response is regretful and apologetic for Nikhil's family, it does not talk about the causative factors of his sudden demise. Whatever was said by the company through the modes of Nikhil getting suspended on personal leave and on leave appears to be doubtful instead of being factual.

Was Nikhil unemployed due to burnout or fatigue because of over-saturation of stress in the workplace? Was Ola management being right to step in and address Nikhil's health and mental well-being?

This kind of pressurized work life, sleepless nights, and such massive pressures are no surprises from the techno world. Ola and others like it must take responsibility for creating a healthy and secure working environment where employees' psychological well-being is considered. Showing sympathy and mere sympathy after tragedy has struck them is not advisable.

Ola's action also puts the company on the path to more transparency and responsibility in their company business dealings with employees. The insistence of the company that Nikhil was resting and recovering leaves a question mark regarding what sort of stress he was under for work and if it was resolved to their liking.

Finally, Nikhil's untimely demise narrates the price of debasement of human life for a defective work ethic. Ola and similar organizations must be responsible for the psychological well-being of their staff and do something constructive so that it does not become a repeat offense in the future. Anything less would be a system failure and an affront to the very essence of human existence.