In a tragic turn of events last year, Ukraine transformed into a war zone following the Russian attack, compelling its residents to flee to safety. Among those affected were over 1,000 Indian medical students, who were forced to abandon their studies in the face of a relentless bombardment.
Responding swiftly to the crisis, the Indian government launched ‘Operation Ganga,’ a special mission that successfully evacuated 18,282 Indians, including the stranded medical students, from Ukraine. However, their educational journey faced uncertainty, given that many had already completed three years of their MBBS course in Ukraine.
Determined not to let their dreams go to waste, these students found a new opportunity in Uzbekistan. Samarkand State Medical University extended a warm welcome, providing them with a chance to resume their studies. The Indian Embassy in Ukraine played a pivotal role in facilitating the transfer of these students to Uzbek University, actively exploring options to accommodate the affected individuals.
Amit, a student hailing from Begusarai in Bihar, shared his harrowing experience of surviving the Russian attack, recounting how he had to hide in a basement for a night out of fear for his life. While relieved to be back in India, Amit remained anxious about his educational future.
Choosing Uzbekistan as their new academic haven, these students have successfully resumed their studies without hindrance. Reports indicate that around 19,000 Indian students were enrolled in Ukrainian institutions when the Russian invasion unfolded in February 2022. Since then, approximately 2,000 have returned to Ukraine, while the majority have sought refuge in other countries, including a hopeful new chapter in Uzbekistan.
