‘I Regret The Day I Sent My Child To Ukraine For Studies’
Payal Gupta from Ferozabad, Uttar Pradesh, is having sleepless night over her daughter Manvi, an MBBS student in Kharkiv Medical University, Ukraine
Ever since Russian forces invaded Ukraine, my family has not been able to sleep peacefully. We have been praying for the safe return of Manvi, my daughter, an MBBS student in Kharkiv International Medical University, who is stuck amid the military hostilities.
Manvi told me in her last conversation with me that no one from Indian authorities had approached them and she was only getting assurances (on phone) of quick help. I wonder how news channels are boasting of the government success (about the evacuation operation) if my child has not even been contacted by anyone till now. I am tired of giving interviews and details about Manvi every time I confront the media.
It was on February 24 when I saw ‘Breaking News’ on TV that Russian forces have invaded Ukraine. I called Manvi immediately only to get a casual reply from her that it was a routine business between both the countries and we need not worry.
However, in a matter of few hours, Manvi called back to inform us this time the threat was real that all foreign students were worried as Kharkiv is close to the Russian border and strategically important.
Since Feb 25, I, along with other family members, are stuck to the TV praying for the safe return for Manvi and other children. Last heard, my daughter and several of her fellow medical students were stuck in a flat with no electricity and I am constantly trying to get help for them. We are contacting all possible helplines issued by the government of India and furnishing them all the details.
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On February 28, Manvi told me that they were left with ration for only two to three days, and her group was, somehow, managing with whatever resources they were left with. She said the gas pipeline, electricity supply wires, milk booths etc. were destroyed in the shelling and even their water reserve was depleting fast.
On March 1, she said the Internet facility may also be suspended as most of the means of communication were affected by ruthless shelling in and around Kharkiv. I am left with no other option but to pray to God. She also sent a video of her senior who is venturing out on the street looking for help.
The bombing in Kharkiv is increasing with every passing minute and there are also rumours that Russia is about to use more powerful weapons/bombs. Manvi informed me that the counsellor or the middleman who had arranged for her studies in Ukraine, was making arrangements to evacuate them. However, she refused to share the contact details of the middleman, other than his name Hardeep.
Although she assured me that Hardeep would bring them to India soon, I am having my own doubts about his credentials because Manvi refused to even give me his number. We are just rueing the decision to send her to Ukraine for medical studies.
I pray to every concerned authority, including PM Modi, to make arrangements for safe return of our children.
As told to Rajat Rai
