Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Feb 28: After all the crisis amidst Russia-Ukraine and stranded Indians, one student from the city has finally reached home. Mrunal Aras from Udyavar reached home on Monday February 28 evening from the war-hit Ukraine.

Speaking to media Mrunal said, "Bomb blasts took place just 5 km away from our hostel. Our hostel contractor had warned us to pack our bags on a very short notice. Ivano-Frankivsk airport was just 5 km away from us. I had witnessed 3 Russian fighter jets flying over us and the airport was one of the first targets of Russia. Explosion was like a cylinder blast. Romania is around 180 kms from Yuvan. Heavy vehicles were allowed till the Romanian borders, along with thousands of cars and other vehicles. We walked for 6 km to the border in the heavy snowfall. It was around -3 degree Celsius on the border. Indian students are stranded on the Ukraine-Romanian border. As per information, artillery firing took place at the spot. All the hotels are also closed down on the border.

"The Romanian government and Indian embassy in Romania has helped us. The Romanian government provided us with food and all the necessary items. The Indian embassy provided bus facility for 212 people of India in Romania, and all the necessary arrangements were made by them. The war was completely unpredictable. As soon as we received the leads on beginning of war, we had reached the local stores for food items. Currency crisis was also an issue. But finally I have reached. If Ukraine wins this war, I will be happy to go back and continue my studies in Ukraine itself. This is because Ukraine has very good education system. If Russia takes over Ukraine, I would need to rethink about going back," he said.

The family was elated to have their son back home.