The pursuit of medical education by Indian students in war-torn Ukraine has become increasingly challenging due to escalating hostility from certain sections of the local population. This hostility is exacerbated by perceptions that India supports Russia in the ongoing conflict. Despite these difficulties, Indian students find themselves trapped in Ukraine due to limited transfer options and unfavorable living conditions. The situation is exacerbated by the recent offensive operations initiated by Ukraine and the perceived political alignment of India, The Economic Times reported.
The situation for Indian students in Ukraine has worsened since the initiation of Ukraine's offensive operations in June, causing local residents to view India as supporting Russia. This has led to growing animosity towards Indian students, who are seen as symbols of this alleged support.
"We live in constant fear. Sometimes shopkeepers don't sell things to us. We face the same thing in our hostel. The staff behave rudely to us," said one of the students in Ukraine to The Times of India.
Approximately 18,000 students were evacuated from Ukraine in 2022 following Russia's invasion, with hopes of continuing their education in Indian institutions or other foreign universities.
Limited transfer options and NMC guidelines
While many hoped to continue their studies elsewhere, only around 3,400 students returned to Ukraine in 2023 to complete their degrees due to circumstances such as guidelines set by the National Medical Council (NMC). The NMC guidelines state that students studying abroad after December 2021 are prohibited from transferring to other universities. This restriction forced students to return to Ukraine, as they faced limited alternatives.
Escalating hostility
Local sentiment towards Indian students has turned hostile due to perceived political alignments. Some local residents accuse Indian students of being supportive of Russia, which has further intensified their struggles. Indian students are facing demands to leave the country, creating a sense of isolation and insecurity among them. Reports suggest that the sentiment towards Indian students has become increasingly negative, leading to social challenges and strained relationships with the local community.
Living conditions for Indian students in Ukraine have deteriorated. Many students feel ostracized and encounter difficulties in their daily lives. They recount instances of shopkeepers refusing to serve them and hostel staff treating them rudely. Basic necessities such as water and electricity supply, as well as access to kitchen facilities, have become problematic. The combination of political tension and challenging living conditions has resulted in heightened stress and fear among the students.
Appeals for transfer and international support
Amid these challenging circumstances, Indian students are pleading with their government to allow transfers to universities in alternative countries. They emphasize that their plea is not motivated by financial gain, but rather a desperate desire to escape the precarious situation they find themselves in. The absence of viable transfer options adds to their distress.
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