Vijayapura: The excitement and sense of relief was palpable on the faces of students Siddu Pujari and his parents after their son returned safely from war-torn Ukraine on Sunday March 6.
Siddu, who was doing his third year MBBS from Ukraine, had to leave the country after Russia declared war. He arrived finally via Romania to India on Saturday March 5 from where he travelled to Bengaluru to reach Narasalagi Village in Basavanabagewadi Taluk the District.
Though Siddu could not complete his medicine course because of the war, the family and relatives are rejoicing as he safely returned to India from the war-ravaged country. Many villagers came to his home to see and meet Siddu after knowing that he had returned home safely.
Tahsildar Vijyakumar Kadakol visited the house and inquired about Siddu.
Meanwhile, Siddu said that the situation in Ukraine had turned dangerous and they were worried about their lives. “We were all thinking whether we will walk alive out of Ukraine or die,” he said.
Siddu expressed shock at the death of Haveri student in the war. He said that it was unfortunate that India lost a student of Karnataka in the war. He said that the war was taking place around 100 kilometres away from their place in Ukraine.
“Though we did not witness war directly as we were away from the place but the fear had gripped us all”, he said. He said that he had to choose Ukraine for doing the course in Medicine because of the higher admission fee in India. Since Ukraine offers medical education at lower fees, students across the globe prefer the country.
Stating that he plans to complete his education in Ukraine if the war ends and situation turns normal for students, he however urged the Government of India to facilitate the completion of education here itself if the situation does not permit in Ukraine.
He said that around 210 students of Karnataka have also returned to India. Meanwhile 10 students of Vijayapura have reached India, four have reached Romania and two reportedly are in Budapest airport to leave for India.
