They had come to Delhi to study.
Pavan Yadav had just started a degree in computer science. Akshat Singh was preparing for the civil services. Arpit Jaj was working towards a professional qualification. Abhishek Kumar wanted to pursue an MBA. Yuvraj Soni had already cleared the CA Foundation examination.
On 6 September, all five were killed when a five-storey paying guest accommodation in Delhi's Satya Niketan collapsed. Seven people died in the incident, including the five Delhi University students.
Their families had sent them to Delhi to build a future. What remains now are their photographs, phone calls and memories.
The following accounts were reported by The Indian Express.
Pavan Yadav: The Boy Who Loved Technology
Pavan was from Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh, and had joined Motilal Nehru College to study BSc Computer Science in July.
He was quiet and loved technology, gaming, books and fast cars. Delhi itself had been a childhood dream.
After moving into the Satya Niketan PG, Pavan would video-call his family and show them his anime posters and car stickers.
His sister Aparna recalled how excited he was about finally living in Delhi.
That excitement lasted just over a month.
His family now plans to file a complaint over his death, according to The Indian Express.
Akshat Singh: He Wanted To Become A Civil Servant
Akshat was a BCom student at PGDAV College.
From Katni, Madhya Pradesh, he had already begun preparing for the UPSC examinations. His father, Manta Singh, said Akshat wanted to become a civil servant and eventually a Chief Secretary.
He was also a keen sportsperson, having competed in kho-kho and fencing and played chess.
But his father wanted more than professional success for him, “I didn’t want a lot from him. I just wanted him to fall in love, enjoy his life, go on trips, be with his friends.”
Manta Singh told The Indian Express that he simply wanted his son to experience life.
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Arpit Jaj: The Friend Who Brought People Together
Arpit, from Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, was a second-year BCom student at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College.
His friends remembered him as outgoing and social. He attended music, debate and dance events and often brought friends together.
At home, he was particularly close to his mother, Pushpa.
His father, Bhupendra Jaj, told The Indian Express that Arpit would call his mother several times a day. His last call to her came around noon on 6 September, hours before the collapse.
Arpit had also cleared the foundation level of the Cost and Management Accountancy examination and was preparing to continue his studies.
ALSO READ: Satya Niketan Collapse: The Delhi PGs Students Are Forced To Call Home
Abhishek Kumar: He Had Chosen Delhi Over BHU
Abhishek was from Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh.
He was studying BCom at Delhi University and planned to pursue an MBA after graduation. He had also secured admission to Banaras Hindu University but chose Delhi.
His father, Santosh, remembered his son complaining about the small rooms and food at the accommodation.
“Learn to adjust, I told him. And then, this…” he told The Indian Express.
After Abhishek's death, his family donated his eyes before his cremation.
ALSO READ: Satya Niketan Building Collapse: Who Was Arpit, The Student Whose Family Donated His Corneas
Yuvraj Soni: He Wanted To Become A Chartered Accountant
Yuvraj came to Delhi from Durg, Chhattisgarh, to study at Motilal Nehru College.
He had already cleared the CA Foundation examination and wanted to become a chartered accountant.
His family said he found it difficult to live away from home and often told them he wanted to leave Delhi. They encouraged him to stay on and finish his studies.
Yuvraj moved into the Satya Niketan PG just five days before the collapse because it was closer to college.
On 6 September, he was speaking to a childhood friend when the call suddenly ended. His mother called him repeatedly. She later told The Indian Express that she made around 50 calls that day.
They Came To Delhi To Build A Future
Pavan, Akshat, Arpit, Abhishek and Yuvraj had different ambitions.
But they had made the same journey as thousands of students do every year: leaving home for Delhi in the hope of building a life of their own.
They were studying, making friends, preparing for careers and calling their parents.
They were also still very young.
The circumstances surrounding the collapse are now the subject of a police investigation and court proceedings. Police have alleged that construction work in the basement weakened the building. These allegations remain subject to the investigation and legal proceedings.
For their families, though, the story is no longer about a building.
It is about five sons who left home to study in Delhi and never came back.
TL;DR | News At a Glance
What happened in Satya Niketan?
A five-storey PG accommodation collapsed on 6 September, killing seven people, including five Delhi University students.
Who were the five students?
Pavan Yadav, Akshat Singh, Arpit Jaj, Abhishek Kumar and Yuvraj Soni.
What were their ambitions?
Their plans included computer science, the civil services, accountancy and an MBA.
Where were they from?
They came to Delhi from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
What do their families remember?
Their families remember their ambitions, friendships, interests and the everyday calls and conversations that were part of their lives.
What happened after the collapse?
The collapse led to a police investigation, arrests and ongoing court proceedings concerning the building and circumstances surrounding the deaths.
