Indian student killed in Ukraine: Naveen forced to go abroad as he couldn't find a medical seat in India, says father

Shekar Gowda, the father of Naveen Shekharappa Gyanagoudar, a medical student from India who died in Ukraine's Kharkiv city, said that his son was forced to go to Ukraine as he could not get admission to a medical college despite securing a high percentage in Class 12.

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He said the family had called several places for help, but were met with empty promises. “We called every source that we could find for three-four days. All promised to bring back the children, but ultimately I lost my son,” Gowda said.

“Around 10 pm yesterday he called. He called when he was getting ready [to go out]. He said would call after breakfast, but he did not. The Ministry of External Affairs called us at 2 am and told us about the incident,” he added.

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Gowda further said: “Since childhood, Naveen’s aim was to be a doctor and serve society. He secured 97% in Class 12 without even taking tuition classes. Despite that, he did not find a seat in either private or government colleges. My family asked me to send him abroad as he was an intelligent student.” He said that his family told him to arrange for something so that Naveen could fulfil his dreams. They also helped with financial and moral support to send him to Ukraine.

“He was forced to go abroad due to reservation in the Indian education system,” Naveen’s father said.

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