From being a student in a country bearing the wrath of a brutal war that is responsible for the devastation, Jisna Jiji (25), a final-year medical student, came to help thousands of people evacuated from Ukraine almost a year ago. Was one of the , ended up in Russia to complete her education.
“Russia has been very welcoming to us. It did not incur any additional charges. We were allowed to continue our studies and our hard work did not go in vain. Hailing from Kerala, GG is pursuing MBBS from Northern State Medical University in Arkhangelsk, Russia.
Exactly a year ago, Jiji, who was in her fifth year at a university in Sumy, Ukraine, was looking forward to completing her studies in Ukraine and had no idea what 2022 would hold for her and the country she was studying in. There must be so much turmoil for him. ,
The war started by Russia took everyone by surprise. After the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Jiji made a harrowing journey from Sumy to the western borders with several hundred students.
students evacuated safely India Through ‘Operation Ganga’ conducted by the Government of India.
Under the mission, over 17,000 Indians, mostly students, were evacuated from war-torn Ukraine.
Many Indian medical students were left with no option after being deported from Ukraine and took transfers to universities in other countries to continue their studies.
Many have gone to Russia, Serbia, Uzbekistan and other European countries.
“The period after coming to India was very uncertain. We thought that the war would end soon and we would be able to return. However, months passed and our student coordinator was also not giving straight answers,” said GG.
Students have transferred to other universities through the Academic Mobility Program.
In September last year, the Ministry of External Affairs and the National Medical Council (NMC) issued a notice through which NMC would accept completion of its remaining courses in other countries (with the approval of the parent university/institute in Ukraine).
Jiji will complete her study in July 2023. “There are about 150 students in Russia that I know who are from Ukraine. We took a transfer. We came in October when there was no hope left,” he said.
Some of his acquaintances have also moved back to Ukraine but believe that his decision to come to Russia was the best.
“Financially and credibility wise too, I think it was the best option. The students who have gone back to Ukraine are still struggling as they are facing various problems like water shortage and power cuts.
When asked if she feels safe in Russia, she replied in the affirmative.
Several Russian universities have welcomed Indian students from Ukrainian medical universities.
They put up hoardings and banners to welcome him. He also posted pictures of the Indian students on his official Instagram page.
One post read: “Over 150 Indian students from Ukrainian medical universities transfer to Northern State Medical University”.
RB Gupta, president of the Parents Association of Ukraine MBBS Students (PAUMS), claimed that around 2,500 students have gone back to Ukraine, and around 4,000 have taken transfers to other countries, including Serbia, Russia and Uzbekistan.
“Those who have taken transfers are mostly fifth and sixth year students as practicals are necessary. Around 3,000 students are still in India and taking online classes. While around 500 have also changed streams.
Gupta, who has been campaigning for the past one year to demand one-time accommodation for students expelled from MBBS colleges in India, said he does not expect any help from the government.
Gupta said that his son, who is in the third year of MBBS, has taken a transfer to a Serbian university after waiting for several months.
Amin, 23, is in his final year of MBBS and has transferred to a university in Uzbekistan.
Describing the past year, Amin, who is known by his first name, said: “It was very hectic in terms of mental pressure regarding our studies. Mostly because we were unsure about our online degree from Ukraine.” Amin arrived in Tashkent on 10 December to resume his studies. He is quite satisfied with his decision to transfer.
“I decided to study in Uzbekistan because of the Academic Mobility Program. At that time, it was the only safe option as per NMC guidelines for students returning to Ukraine,” he said.
Asked if the transfer program hit his family hard, he said: “We had to pay extra fees to keep the mobility program going, but the university fee hasn’t changed that much.” “Mobility is really a choice. We can either go to Ukraine, study online or choose mobility. It will cost us an extra $1,500. But you can be sure that you are getting enough practical classes “
Among those who are still taking online classes in India, Kanishk is a second year student. He is still unsure whether to opt for transfer or return to Ukraine.
“I am not sure. Right now I am taking online classes. We had a very tough year. No one is helping us. We are somehow managing through online classes. You can treat people through online classes. Can’t learn,” he said.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)