Vikash Sharma

Russia’s full-scale military assault on Ukraine has left scores of people back in India unsettled as scores of their loved ones are now stuck in the war-zone. A medical student from Odisha’s oldest city, Cuttack is also among those stranded in Ukraine right now.

The family of the medical student Aryaman Abhisekh who live in the Mahanadi Vihar area of the Millennium City are worried about his safety after they heard the Russian attack on Ukraine. Aryaman has been pursuing his medical education at Kyiv since the past six years.

The last time Aryaman’s family spoke to him was on Thursday morning after hearing about the invasion by Moscow. It is now testing times for time for the family back in Odisha as the Ukraine airspace has now been closed.

“We are talking to him over the internet. We do not know what will happen and how we can contact him once the communication networks are down,” said Aryaman’s mother.

As per the family of the medical student, they had earlier asked Aryaman to return to India following reports of the possible war. However, Aryaman’s college did not allow and he himself wanted to stay back as the final exams were approaching.

“My son had no option and decided to return home after his final exams in June. He had told us that there was no immediate threat and most of them anticipated that the war would be restricted to the borders. However, things are different now,” said Aryaman’s mother.

With situation fast turning for the worse, the family has now demanded urgent measures to ensure safety of the students in Ukraine. “We appeal Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for immediate evacuations,” Aryaman’s mother added.

Apart from the student from Cuttack, Smrutishree Pati, another student from Rourkela, is also among those from Odisha who have been stranded in Ukraine. Smrutishree’s family back on the Steel City is worried about her wellbeing.

“My daughter is in a state of panic amid shellings. Our only hope is now mobile phone through which we are able to establish contact with her. We appeal the Odisha and Indian Government to take appropriate steps for the early evacuation of all the students including those from the State,” said Smrutishree’s mother.

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