The threat of Russia-Ukraine war has prompted several Gujarati students to return home. Nearly nine students from the state are on their way home and expected to arrive in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Almost 3,000 Gujarati students are studying for their MBBS degree at the Bukovinian State Medical University in Ukraine alone. As tensions between Russia and Ukraine grew last week, the Indian Embassy in Kyiv advised Indians in the country to leave. While many Ukrainian students intend to return, others have decided to stay until the two countries’ war becomes a reality.
Krupali Mokani, a first-year MBBS student who is on her way home said the university or hostel has not asked them to vacate the campus. “Our parents, however, are concerned about our safety and we are not sure we will be able to make it back home once the war begins. Moreover, our classes will be online till February 25 and so we can attend it from home,” she said.
Krupali’s father, Sanjay Mokani said it took a lot of effort to bring the students home. “We had first booked a flight via Germany for Rs51,000 per ticket. But later the students realised they needed a visa from Germany. As they did not have the time to apply for the same, the tickets were cancelled and another was booked via Dubai which cost us Rs49,000 per student,” he said.
Arvind Sindha, a Vadodara resident who petitioned the state government to assist in bringing back Gujarat students from Ukraine, stated that many want to return but cannot afford the expensive flight tickets.
Aastha, along with 19 other MBBS students, are scheduled to board a flight from Ukraine on February 20.
“Six of us boarding the flight to India on February 20 are from Gujarat. We were not asked to leave but most students are going home due to safety concerns,” Aastha said.
These students have scheduled flights through Sharjah and will arrive in Ahmedabad on February 21. Aastha clarified that they were not concerned about food, lodging, or safety on campus, but they did want to be with their family in times of uncertainty.