Varanasi: A dream of an MBA, a better career and a brighter future came to a heartbreaking end at Manikarnika Ghat on Tuesday, as the mortal remains of 19-year-old Abhishek Kumar, a native of Chandauli who died in the Satya Niketan building collapse in Delhi on Sunday, were consigned to flames. Before his cremation, his family donated his eyes as a final act of compassion while seeking early justice for his death.Abhishek, a BCom-2 student, had been staying in Delhi since 2025 to prepare for admission to an MBA programme after graduation. His father, Santosh Kumar Kharwar, who works in Sonbhadra, lit the funeral pyre at Manikarnika Ghat.“To continue his studies, Abhishek was living on rent in the Satya Niketan building. He was inside when the structure collapsed,” said Kharwar, who broke down while recalling that his son was bright and ambitious and hoped to pursue an MBA and support the family through a better career.Kharwar last spoke to Abhishek on Sept 5, the day he also deposited his hostel fee. When repeated calls went unanswered on September 6, the family grew anxious and later learnt of the tragedy.Blaming the building owner, Kharwar questioned why the students were not shifted if repair work was under way. He urged Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta to order an impartial probe and ensure strict action against those responsible.The tragedy has plunged Abhishek’s village in Chandauli into mourning. His mother is inconsolable and unable to speak. The family said the decision to donate his eyes was taken before the cremation as a final act of compassion, even as they await accountability for the fatal collapse.Abhishek’s sister was married last year, while his brother is an engineering student.
