'Bombs', 'gunfire' and 'sirens': Traumatized Andhra students narrate their Ukraine ordeal
Of the 450 students from AP, around 35 students have so far reached home. Evacuating the students is a major challenge. Many students had to walk 5-10 km to reach the border. Stuck in traffic, some of the students also had to miss their scheduled flight to India.
By Sri Lakshmi Muttevi Published on 3 March 2022 8:13 AM GMT
Andhra Pradesh: "As soon as siren blows, we hide under the bunkers. We come out only when another siren is heard. We lived in fear. We heaved a sigh of relief when we crossed the border and reached the airport", said Gifty, a third-year medical student from Zaporizhzhia State Medical University.
This is just a trailer of trauma suffered by Indian students in Ukraine. Gunshots, explosions, and war sirens have become a part of life.
Of the 450 students from Andhra Pradesh, around 35 students have so far reached home. Evacuating the students is a major challenge. Many students had to walk 5-10 km to reach the border. Stuck in traffic, some of the students also had to miss their scheduled flight to India.
"We were asked to reach the border. On March 2, we started walking to the border amid snowfall. We dragged our luggage for about 5-10 km. The border was jammed with vehicles and people. I missed my flight to India. Now, I am waiting for my next turn", said Sravya, a medical student from Srikakulam district.
Students, who have left Ukraine, are worried about their careers. Students said medical education is quite cheaper compared to India. Plus pass-outs can avail opportunities in European countries. The aspirants, who are unable to get a seat in local universities, opt for education in Ukraine. Those who top global tests get scholarships too.
"Medical education is cheaper. Our yearly fee is Rs 3 lakh. After we complete our studies, we get work in European countries. However, the situation has taken a turn for worse. Holidays have been declared till March 13. We have to take a call depending on the security situation", said Priyanka, a third-year medical student from Chittoor.
Operation Ganga
Under Operation Ganga, a channel to evacuate Indian Nationals to India, on 3 March, 9 flights including IAF aircrafts have departed from Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Poland. Six more flights are expected to depart shortly. External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jai Shankar through his Twitter handle informed that a total of 3000 Indian nationals will be brought back to India in the next few days
