The Faculty of Fine Arts at MS University, Vadodara, reopened on Friday under grief, mourning the death of 22-year-old Kajal Chaudhary, a Master’s student of painting, who died of suspected electrocution while working in the studio earlier this week.
At a memorial meet, friends and teachers remembered her as a dedicated and talented artist. Dean Ambika Patel said Kajal had been using a heating coil to de-starch her canvas when the incident occurred. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, she was declared dead on arrival.
The tragedy led the faculty to cancel Navratri celebrations, including its annual Dussehra puja. Kajal, who hailed from Valsad and had already completed her undergraduate degree at MSU, was praised for her sensitive, contemplative art that explored human connections.
Her works are currently part of a group exhibition in Mumbai, even as her alma mater and peers continue to grieve. The university has announced counselling support for students and has formed a High-Power Committee to review campus safety measures and frame new protocols to prevent such incidents.