Tributes paid to student after tragic accident

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Information on student support can be found on the Student Services Hub webpages. Students can also access support from the Students’ Union.

TRIBUTES have been made to Stirling student Prajwal “PJ” Guhagarkar who died in a tragic accident after he fell in the River Forth last week.

The University, Students’ Union and societies that Prajwal was a much loved member of , including the Cricket Club and the International Society, have been mourning his passing and have all paid tribute to him in aftermath the tragic accident that claimed his life.

A message went out on the university portal paying tribute to Prajwal and offering support following the death of the “popular” young student.

“Prajwal was a popular student in the Management School and across the University. He was actively involved with the Sports Union – being a keen cricketer and football player – and was a member of the International Association.

“Prajwal was a friend to many and will be very sadly missed. The next of kin have been informed and our immediate thoughts and sympathies are with his friends and family. We know this is an extremely difficult time and that many of you knew Prajwal personally.

“We know this is a very difficult time for our entire University community. Our priority now is to ensure that fellow students and staff affected by this news are supported. Our Student Support Services team is available to help students who have been affected, whether that is in relation to emotional or academic support.”

A tribute to Prajwal was placed at the side of the river. Credit: Stirling Uni Cricket Club

The Cricket Club laid flowers and a cap at the side of the River Forth in a touching tribute to their teammate.

“Today we met in memory of one of our own. We tragically lost Prajwal Guhagarkar this week in a terrible accident. Here is the cap for you PJ that you never got in person. Wherever you are now, keep running in hard. Love, your team.”

“Prajwal was a friend to many and will be very sadly missed.”

Prajwal was also a member of the International Society, who posted a tribute and links to where people could find support and how fellow students can look after their mental health in this difficult time.

“We at the International Society would like to express our sadness to the passing of our fellow student and society member, Prajwal Pandharinath Guhagarkar. Some of us within the society will know Prajwal and will be both shocked and distressed at this news.

“This will be particularly challenging news under the pressure of the current lockdown. Students both on and off campus will face challenges entering the summer months, especially with mental health. However, our society is here to offer our support to students in need.

“It is not easy talking about mental health, especially as so many of us are effected in different ways. There is no single solution, but even just small changes can make a difference. We need the time to look at ourselves; sometimes we get so caught up in our own lives that we forget to take a breath. Be kind to yourself by enjoying small pleasures such as a bath, a walk, a new book or just trying to find a new hobby.

“Take the time to sit down with a family member or friend to have a simple conversation. Ask about how they’re feeling or how their work is. Whilst it may seem like a small interaction to you or them, it means a lot to someone who needs that support.”

Prajwal fell into the River Forth at Bridgehaugh Road near Old Stirling Bridge.

The Students’ Union released a tribute to “much loved and valued” Prajwal and have made students aware of the support available to them.

“We were extremely sad to hear about the passing of Prajwal Pandharinath Guhagarkar after a tragic accident. He was a much loved and valued member of our Stirling student community, as a member of our Cricket team and International Society. He will be very sadly missed and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

“We know this is a difficult time and that many of you knew Prajwal personally. For students who are struggling with this loss, please know that Student Support Services are available, so do not hesitate to contact them.”

The 21-year-old business student fell into the River Forth at Bridgehaugh Road near John Forty’s Court on Saturday June 6 while out celebrating his birthday. Police, Fire, Ambulance and Coastguard crews, including helicopters and divers, were all involved in the six day search before a body was recovered on Thursday June 11.

Featured Image Credit: Stirling Uni Cricket Club

Information on student support can be found on the Student Services Hub webpages. Students can also access support from the Students’ Union.

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Freelance award-winning journalist | Best Journalist SPARC Scotland 2021 | Stirling Uni Class of 2021 | Former Deputy Editor - Brig Newspaper | Bylines in The Scottish Sun, The Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser, The Barrhead News, The (Renfrew and Johnstone) Gazette, Brig Newspaper, The Oban Times, Stirling Today and Tales From Lockdown.

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