Who Is Megha Vemuri? Indian-American Student In Spotlight For Calling Out Israel's 'Genocide'

Last Updated:May 30, 2025, 10:53 IST

Born and raised in Alpharetta, Georgia, Megha Vemuri is of Indian origin and has been a prominent figure in student life at MIT.

Megha Vemuri wore a red keffiyeh- a traditional symbol of Palestinian solidarity while delivering her address. (Image Credit: X)

Megha Vemuri, an Indian-American student and president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Class of 2025, sparked widespread attention and debate after using her commencement speech to denounce Israel’s actions in Gaza and call out MIT’s research links with the Israeli military.

Delivering her address, Megha Vemuri wore a red keffiyeh- a traditional symbol of Palestinian solidarity- and accused the university of disregarding student calls to end collaborations with Israeli defense institutions. She referred to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as “genocide" and claimed that Israel is the only foreign military with which MIT has active research ties.

“You showed the world that MIT wants a free Palestine," Megha Vemuri said, applauding months of student activism on campus. She also alleged that protesters had faced “threats, intimidation, and suppression" from the MIT administration.

One of the most pointed moments of her speech came when she contrasted the ceremony in Cambridge with the destruction in Gaza: “Right now, while we prepare to graduate and move forward with our lives, there are no universities left in Gaza."

The speech triggered a split reaction from attendees as some graduates responded with chants of “Free, Free Palestine!" and waved flags, while others remained silent.

MIT has not publicly responded to the content of her speech or the status of its research affiliations with Israeli institutions.

Who Is Megha Vemuri?

Born and raised in Alpharetta, Georgia, Megha Vemuri is of Indian origin and has been a prominent figure in student life at MIT. She recently completed her undergraduate degree in computer science, neuroscience, and linguistics, and served as president of the graduating class.

Beyond her academic work, Megha Vemuri was involved in campus advocacy and research, leading the Written Revolution initiative and working at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research.

Location :

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

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News world Who Is Megha Vemuri? Indian-American Student In Spotlight For Calling Out Israel's 'Genocide'