SURAT: The 35 students who returned from war-torn Ukraine to Surat on Thursday were overwhelmed with mixed emotions.
On one hand, they were happy to see their parents and loved ones, while at the same time they were worried about their future as many had lost all their belongings, including important documents while fleeing.
The students had returned from the Poland border and were brought to the circuit house by the government authorities where their parents and loved ones had gathered.
Each one of them had a different story of their struggle to stay alive in the war zone and reach the Poland-Ukraine border.
Vishwa Shingada (19), could not stop her tears as the GSRTC bus reached the circuit house. She had lost all hopes of seeing her parents.
“The situation of foreign students is very bad ever since Russia attack Ukraine. We decided to leave the country as soon as possible, but it did not happen,” said Vishwa.
“After I entered Poland I realized that all my important documents were lost before crossing the border. Now I am worried about my future. I hope I will get help to get back the documents.”
Trisha Mangukia, a medical student, said, “This is our new life. If we were not evacuated it was not possible to survive there. After reaching the Poland border, we came to know that the government had prohibited the entry of students. We had no food and water and it was freezing cold out there. Once we succeed in entering Poland, we felt safe. The government had arranged food and shelter for us in Poland. We are lucky ones as we have reached home. I hope all Indian students return as soon as possible.”
Another student Gaurang Katariya said, “We walked for four days to reach the border. I can’t even describe what we went through. But we are all very happy to be back home.”
