Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has faced backlash for her comments regarding the recent death of 26-year-old chartered accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil, who allegedly succumbed to work pressure at Ernst & Young. Speaking at a medical college event, Sitharaman suggested that inner strength, which she linked to divinity, is essential for handling stress, urging families to teach children this approach. Critics, including opposition leaders, accused her of victim-shaming and ignoring the toxic work environment that contributed to Perayil's death. Kerala's state minister P. A. Mohammed Riyas condemned her remarks, claiming they protect corporate interests over worker welfare. Sitharaman's statements have ignited discussions on the need for addressing mental health and workplace conditions, with calls for educational institutions to include stress management in their curricula. The government has indicated plans to investigate the working conditions at EY in light of this incident.