Goemkarponn desk
PONDA: The family of Dr. Wilson Fernandes, at the upper bazaar, Ponda, who were under stress over their daughter’s safety in Ukraine, were relieved yesterday as their daughter Karen Fernandes returned safely.
Karen, the elder daughter in the family, pursued MBBS at one University in Ukraine, which is invaded by Russia.
Karen resided at Kropyvnyiskyi City and studied at Donetsk National Medical University Kropyvnyiskyi.
Dr. Wilson Fernandes, who is in charge at Dharbandora PHC, said ever since the war broke out in Ukraine, he was worried for his elder daughter studying higher education in Ukraine.
He said he had put all faith in God.
He also thanked the Government of India and NRI commissioner Adv Narendra Savoikar for government efforts. He said the magistrate also met two days before the evacuation.
When asked why she chose Ukraine for higher studies, Karen said in India, there are fewer medical seats, the recruitment process is also not free and fair.
“Further, there is a lot of corrupt practices. Besides, there is the reservation of seats which gives less opportunity. Further, compared to India, education in Ukraine is cheaper while it is expensive in India.,” she said.
She said she was pursuing her sixth year of MBBS, and just four months had left for the final examination when this happened.
She said people in Ukraine love Goans. “Despite the destruction, the Citizens too showed a lot of support to Ukraine’s President in the fight against Russia.,” she said.
What is interesting is she is waiting to end the war, normalization of the situation, and wishing to go back and complete her MBBS Course. She said exams would be postponed till the situation gets normal.
Narrating her horrifying experience of war, residing in bunkers. Finally, She and the other students reached at Hungary border according to the advice of the Indian Embassy after covering distance of 1000 km and strict checking at more than 25 places. Finally, she, along with other Indian Students, reached Delhi yesterday evening, and today morning flight reached Goa. The officials also accompanied during the journey.