For Raja Kumar of Ranchi and Vinay Kumar Rai of Jamshedpur, Vietnam was a destination of opportunity. Both had travelled there to teach yoga and build better lives for their families. A road accident in Da Lat on September 25 brought that journey to a sudden end. Their families are now facing a different journey—the difficult effort to bring their remains home.

Two lives built around work

Raja, 24, had trained in yoga for four years before moving to Vietnam in 2025. He worked at Adi Yoga Academy in Da Lat and regularly sent money home to his family. Vinay, 25, had moved to Vietnam about two years earlier and was also working as a yoga instructor. Yoga teaching had become an employment avenue for several Indians in Vietnam, where interest in fitness and yoga has been growing.

A journey that ended on a wet road

On September 25, the two were returning after a yoga class when their two-wheeler reportedly skidded on a rain-soaked road and collided with a car. Raja died at the spot. Vinay was taken to hospital and died two days later.

The journey home is proving harder

Bringing their remains back has involved paperwork, local authorities and substantial costs. Friends and members of the Indian community in Vietnam have helped raise funds. The Jharkhand government has said ₹5 lakh compensation will be provided to each family under applicable provisions after the remains arrive.

Raja’s brother has now approached the Jharkhand High Court, seeking intervention for his remains to be brought back. The family has also sought assistance through government authorities.

A homecoming that should not become another struggle

For families who lose loved ones abroad, grief should not be compounded by uncertainty over bringing them home. As young Indians increasingly cross borders for work, systems for emergency assistance, documentation and repatriation need to be accessible, coordinated and humane. Raja and Vinay left home in search of opportunity. Their families now ask only for the dignity of bringing them home.

 Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ranchi-jharkhand-yoga-instructors-die-vietnam-road-accident-body-transportation-10899225/