Taking stock of the current situation between Russia and Ukraine, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has extended his assurance of a safe return home for Odias who are stuck in Ukraine.
“Hearty welcome to the Odia students who are back in India. I am so relieved that you have returned safely from war-torn Ukraine. We are working on the safe return of other students and workers from Odisha stranded in Ukraine”, said the CM at an online interaction.
The CM said that he has already discussed with the Union home minister, Amit Shah and external affairs minister, S Jaishankar about the safe return of Odia students. He added that he would again put a gentle reminder to the Union ministers.
Helpdesks have been set up by the Odisha government at the Mumbai airport for the benefit of Odias returning from Ukraine. As per directions from Patnaik, when the Ukraine returnees arrive at Bhubaneswar, they will be taken home on Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) buses.
Students who have made it back safely had crossed the Ukraine-Romania border and reached Bucharest in Romania with the help of Indian officials. Later, they were flown to New Delhi from Bucharest. Many Odias were still stranded on the Romania-Ukraine border, trying to reach capital Bucharest and hoping for a ride home.
“We are waiting for our turn to cross the border. The weather here is unbearable for us. We have eaten all the snacks we were carrying”, said an Odia student.