By Justin D'Silva 

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi 

Udupi, Mar 3: For the past one week we have been getting disturbing pictures about the Russia-Ukraine, the suffering of the students being pushed out of the train, bunkers, death of a Karnataka student and praying for the safe return from the war-torn country.
Mrunal Aras is one of the fortunate students pursuing MBBS in Ukraine who made it back home to Udupi. However, some of the experiences during the war that he shared with our correspondent was disturbing.

“The first notice was served by Indian embassy on February 15. But, at that time the UK, USA and Germany had already evacuated their nationals including those working in the embassy. Only minimum number of staff members were allowed to stay in their embassy offices and they were shifted to Lviv.
The US army evacuated their students from their respective places. Indian embassy's first notice was a normal notice, telling us to avoid unnecessary travel in Ukraine. No one took it seriously. In the second notice, embassy stated that we 'may consider leaving.' Even four days before the war, the embassy didn't compel us to leave the Ukraine as soon as possible.”

Mrunal’s response on why Indian students prefer Ukraine make a startling revelation that despite the worst of odds, Ukraine remains a preferred destination for many medical graduation aspirants due to the quality and affordable cost of education there when compared to India.

"Today everyone knows about the nation named Ukraine, after the war. Students from all nations study in Ukraine for the quality and affordability of the education they provide. I will return to Ukraine and achieve my dream, “quipped Mrunal.

Hear more from Mrunal Aras himself in this exclusive tête-à-tête with Daijiworld.com as he shares his trials and tribulations before his escape from the deadly war zone and the struggles of the Indian students trying to reach the borders and allied countries.
Excerpts from the interview:

Daijiworld: What was your purpose of moving to Ukraine?

Mrunal: My dream was to pursue MBBS from the beginning. Everyone knows how expensive the medical graduation or MBBS is in India. The quality of education in Ukraine is very high and its affordability at the same time, it a good country to study medicine. This is the right destination for the Indian middle class students who are struggling to fulfill their dreams.

Daijiworld: There are comments that those cannot pass the NEET examinations go to Ukraine for studies. What's your view on this?

Mrunal: Many students in India those who dreamt of MBBS end up taking admissions in Ayurveda and dental science colleges after not getting the seats. They compromised with their dreams. I have an Indian friend in Ukraine who ranked at 570 in NEET but still due to various reasons, he joined a college in Ukraine. NEET is accepted in Ukraine too. Private colleges charge minimum a minimum of Rs 30 lacs. You need around Rs 1.5 Cr for MBBS in India. When you get an opportunity to fulfill your dreams by spending a comparatively less amount of money, students join the colleges in Ukraine. A large number of Indians come to Ukraine for MBBS studies. Many of my relatives warned me about the safety on the first day itself. But the willingness to fulfill your dreams overthrows everything.

Daijiworld: How is the education system in Ukraine as you see?

Mrunal: I was living in Ivano Frankivsk and studying in Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University. Though Ukraine was a part of Russia, the primary difference between their education systems is the language. In Russia, education is offered for the first three years in Russian language and the other three years in English.

But in Ukraine education is offered in English and also in Ukrainian language all throughout. The staff and teaching faculty are very much experienced. The MCI test clearance rate is also in good numbers from here. Each day, a student has to appear for a test. The system forces you to study and go with the flow. I was expecting to go in September last year but due to Covid I had delayed. On December 23, I flew to Ukraine. Every student is given individual attention there. The colleges of our country expect top results from top students, but here every student is treated equally and given personal attention. I felt very good about the system. But unfortunately all my happiness is shattered in less than one month.

Daijiworld: When did you get the information about the war?

Mrunal: There were many speculations from the beginning itself. On February 14 and 15, it became more intense. During mid-February we learnt that Russia had deployed around 90,000 soldiers in the border and that its main target was Kyiv. Belarus is just 80 kms away from Kyiv. There was no chance for Ukraine to counter the attack if Russia had attacked from Belarus. USA was also warning Russia but Putin declined and declared that it was just an army drill. Within two days, news of Russian soldiers returning home spread like wildfire which was a relief for us.

Many Indian students who had booked flight tickets to return cancelled their tickets. No one understood the game plans of Russia. How can you believe a person who gives statements so frequently? Russia deployed a battleship in the Black Sea. Black Sea was the only waterway for Ukraine. The presence of Russian battleship blocked all the cargo ships coming towards Ukraine. On February 24, at 5 AM Russia attacked with a strong plan. Many tried to return to India even before the beginning of the war. But the flight tickets were sky high. Only the Ukraine International Airlines has direct flights to Delhi. Their prices also had reached around Rs. 95,000.

Daijiworld: There are claims that the Indian Embassy had issued an advisory February 15 onwards. Did you receive any intimation from the embassy as claimed?

Mrunal: The embassy did not issue any clear notice till the last moment starting February 15. Even four days before the war, the embassy didn't compel us to leave the Ukraine as soon as possible. Just one week before the beginning of the war, more than 75 Indian students had arrived in Ivano-Frankivsk. Ideally, the embassy had to ban the students from coming to Ukraine. The flight tickets very too expensive and availability of flights, was another issue. Embassy was issuing notices, but no proper arrangements for transportation was made. On February 22, 24 and 26, an Air India flight was available from Ukraine but it was diverted after the attack took place on February 24.

India’s reputation is damaged as in the past many students had tried to pass the borders illegally. Immigration for the Indians is too strict in Ukraine. I had witnessed a fighter helicopter movement from my hostel building. Our contractor instructed us to be prepared on February 24 and assured to arrange for bus transportation to reach Poland. Fuel, Food and cash were the main problems when the war began. The expense was five times higher than normal days. Even one day after the war began war, the Poland border was not open for Indian students. Then our contractor declined to take our responsibility.

Daijiworld: What were the difficulties you faced in the border?

Mrunal: More than the war, we faced difficulties in the border. We were assured of drop to the Henri Coanda International Airport in Romania but our hopes failed us when we were de-boarded 6 kms away from Romania - Ukraine border. We had to pay three time more than normal fares. Walking was not at all a problem, but doing that with 30 kilos of luggage in 2 degree Celsius cold was really tough. When we reached the border already there were students from Africa and other parts. No local currency was available in the border. Exchange rate was also too high. There were three lanes for Ukrainians, girls and for other nationals respectively. Girls had easy access. It was chaos. It was -5 degree Celsius during nights there. It took us seven hours to move 100 metres in the queue. According to my knowledge, more than 2,000 students are still stranded in that particular border.

People in the border are claiming,”Your country is supporting Russia. Why should we support you?” The Indian students are isolated. The temperature is decreasing rapidly there now. It is very much important to bring back those students.

Daijiworld: How did you handle your parents and family during the hard times?

Mrunal: As my relatives kept enquiring about my situation, my parents were also worried. My mother is very emotional. On the day of the war, I called my dad and informed him about the situation. I was confident about returning safely to my native at any cost.

Daijiworld: Would you like to return to Ukraine and continue your studies?

Mrunal: Definitely I will return. My Dean has assured that by September things will return to normal and that they were ready to welcome us back. I will return to Ukraine and achieve my dream.

Mrunal finally wished, “Let us all pray for restoring peace. Let us hope that all our students return safely. Let the war end. Let peace prevail in the world.”

Watch the full interview: