Tag Archives: Muslims of Assam

Chandrayaan-3 success: Assam scientists Nazneen Yasmin, Baharul Islam shine

Amazing Feats, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Science & Technology, Scientists (wef. August 27th,m 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

ASSAM:

Scientists Yasmin Nazneen and Baharul Islam
Scientists Yasmin Nazneen and Baharul Islam

Guwahati

 Assam’s Nazneen Yasmin and Dr. Baharul Islam Barbhuyan are among the scientists who contributed to making the ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 land on the South Pole of the Moon.

Nazneen Yasmin, who is from a middle-class family of central Assam’s Nagaon district joined the ISRO after cracking the toughest selection test two years ago. The young scientist has been involved in radar tracking in the launch department of ISRO for more than a year.

But the journey was not easy for Nazeen Yasmin. While she was on maternity leave for her firstborn about six months ago, she was recalled for crucial operations at least twice and she took her child along.

Despite facing the challenges of married life and the post-pregnancy phase Nazeen was very passionate about the Chandrayyan-3. Many a time, Nazeen worked from home by keeping her baby in her lap.

Naznin Yasmin, daughter of Abul Kalam Azad and Manzila Begum of Maherpar near Juria in the remote Nagaon district received her appointment letter as a scientist at the ISRO headquarters in Swar Sriharikotha, Andhra Pradesh around two years back.

Naznin Yasmin received her primary education at Nuruddin Furkania JB School, Juria in Nagaon district in central Assam. She performed brilliant results in the matriculation or Class X final exam from Kadamani Town High School in 2007. She passed the Class XII exam from Alphabita Science Junior College in 2009 with letter marks in several subjects in the science stream. She later obtained her B.Tech in Electronics from NITS Mirza College, Guwahati in 2013 and her M.Tech in First Division from Tezpur University.

Along with working in various private scientific institutions, Nazneen passed the National Eligibility Examination under the University Grants Commission in 2018 and also qualified for the Junior Research Fellowship of the Government of India.

Nazneen Yasmin, who had dreamed of becoming a scientist since childhood, said she was inspired by the success of India’s first female astronaut Kalpana Chawla. She urges the younger generation not to think of themselves as weak and prepare themselves to get a place in the leading institutions of the country through hard work.

Also, Nazneen was inspired by the life and work of former President Dr. APJ Abbul Kalam, who came from a family with modest means, a family source said.

On the other hand, Dr. Baharul Islam Barbhuiyan of south Assam’s Hailakandi has proved that all dreams come true if a person chases them and works hard.

Baharul, 45 is a resident of Syedband II Khand village situated about 5 km from Hailakandi town. He is the pride of the Hailakandi district.

Baharul Islam’s name came into the spotlight after India’s Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft made history by landing on the south pole of the moon on Wednesday evening. He is a prominent scientist at ISRO. He is one of the scientists who played an important role in the success of Chandrayaan-3

Speaking to Awaz-the Voice Assam from ISRO headquarters in Bangalore, Baharul Islam said he was proud to be involved in a historic work that set a record in the space world. He said students have always been interested in space and after the successful landing of Vikram on the South Pole of the Moon. “Success of Charayaan-3 will result in an increase of interest and curiosity about space science among the younger generation,” he said.

He earned his B.Sc from SS College, a Masters in Mathematics from Aligarh Muslim University, PhD from Gujarat University before joining the ISRO.

Baharul’s parents were teachers and they created an environment of science at their home from the very early stage of their son. His father, Moinul Haque Barbhuiyan, has passed away. Mother Rehana is old yet she is excited about her son’s achievement.

“There are no words to express my joy at the moment. I never thought such a day of success would come. People have been calling us since Wednesday,” said Baharul’s brother Enamul Haque.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice/ Home> Story by ATV / posted by Aasha Khosa / August 26th, 2023

Afruja of remote Assam village tops varsity exam and breaks barriers

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bhandara Char Village No.4 (Bangagaon District), ASSAM:

Afruja Begum

Afruja Begum, a student of BH College, Barpeta, Assam, has secured first position in the Philosophy Department of the University of Guwahati. She scored 9.07 CGPA.

The University of Guwahati (GU) has announced the results of the Bachelor’s Degree Examination in Philosophy.  

Afruja’s achievement comes at a time when Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma has openly praised the talent of the youth of the rural areas. 

Afruja, daughter of Habel Ali, a resident of Bhandara Char village No. 4 in Bangagaon district, has brought joy to the underdeveloped area. 

“It was very difficult for me to leave home and take classes in college because our area is very backward. During the rainy season, the roads are flooded. There is no way to get there. So I stayed in hostel.”

Afruja is grateful to the college authorities for allowing her to stay when the hostel should be otherwise closed.

She says her parents inspired her to dream big and now she wants to enroll for a postgraduate degree.

Afruja Begum’s father runs a small business. The village of Bhandara Char  where he lives is very inaccessible. The roads are in poor condition.

Afruja Begum is happy that despite coming from a remote village topped in the Philosophy department of the University of Guwahati in the Bachelor’s Examination results. 

Meanwhile, a delegation led by AMSU President Rezaul Karim Sarkar visited the house of Afruja and felicitated her and her parents with flowers, gomochas, sharai, pens and books. 

“We are delighted with the performance of Afruja, a daughter from a very remote area like Bhandara Char village. She studied with great sacrifice and hard work. We wish her even better results in the coming days We hope he will be a good citizen who can serve the region,” said, Rezaul Karim Sarkar, AMSU President. 

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / July 18th, 2023

Nazira girl Sheikh Raisha Tabassum appointed as State Secretary of BJP’s youth wing (BJYM), Delhi Pradesh

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , ,

Nazira (Sivasagar District), ASSAM :

Sheikh Raisha Tabassum from Nazira in Sivasagar district has been appointed as the youngest State Secretary of BJP’s youth wing Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Delhi Pradesh.

Sheikh Raisha Tabassum

Sivasagar :

Sheikh Raisha Tabassum from Nazira in Sivasagar district has been appointed as the youngest State Secretary of BJP’s youth wing Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Delhi Pradesh.

A graduate with honours in Political Science honours from Hindu College, University of Delhi, 20-year-old Sheikh Raisha is also the founder of ‘El Jeffa Foundation’ — a national NGO working with the United Nations in various parts of India.

Previously, Sheikh Raisha was also the State Secretary of the ABVP Delhi’s North East Cell, in-charge of the ‘Slum School Project’ under ‘Students For Seva’, ABVP where she focused on educating 300+ Muslim underprivileged children in Delhi.

The BJP has given her the responsibility to work for the welfare of the minority community with focus on the youth of the north-eastern region.

Sheikh Raisha is also a recipient of the prestigious SKOCH Yuva award. She was also nominated for the ‘Karmaveer Chakra Awards’ constituted by confederation of Indian NGOs & UN.

Sheikh Raisha is the daughter of Hamida Rahman, a teacher by profession of Nazira Na-mati.

source: http://www.sentinelassam.com / The Sentinel / Home> NE News> Assam News / by Sentinel Digital Desk / September 06th, 2021

Sahidul Alom Award-2023 for Habibur Rahman Choudhury

Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

ASSAM:

01The annual magazine of the Minority Welfare Society, “Barak”, was unveiled at the Society’s annual general meeting held in Guwahati on Sunday.

Shahidul Alam Choudhury, who had a very humble background, came to limelight in 1985 when he was sworn in as a cabinet minister in the AGP government of Assam. He was the lone minister from the Barak Valley in the cabinet. He shone over the political sky of Barak valley for nearly three decades until his death in November 2012. In order to perpetuate his memory and to keep his service to the community embedded in public mind, Minority Welfare Society (MWS) Guwahati instituted the Annual Sahidul Alom Choudhury Memorial Award in 2014. It may be mentioned here that late Sahidul Alam Choudhury was five times elected as MLA from Algapur Constituency of Hailakandi District and served two times as Cabinet Minister in the Government of Assam. The award is meant for persons of Barak Valley origin for outstanding achievement in their field of activity such as education, literature, social service, science and technology, arts, sports, medicine, health care, professional excellence, journalism, entrepreneurship, etc.

This year’s Sahidul Alom Memorial Award was conferred to Janab Habibur Rahman Choudhury, editor of the daily newspaper “Nababarta Prasanga” published from Karimganj, Assam. Besides being an acclaimed journalist, Habibur Rahman is also an educationist, social activist, and opinion leader who is respected in India and abroad. The award includes a memento, citation, and cash component of Rs 25,000. The award was given away at MWS 26th annual general meeting held in Guwahati on Sunday. Habibur Rahman, however, returned the award amount back to MWS for using the same for humanitarian purposes. Among earlier recipients of the award are Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury (jurisprudence), Abid Raja Majumdar (literature), Ali Haidar Laskar (history), Dr Baharul Islam (academics), and Dr Md Masoom (medicine & social service).

Earlier in the first session of AGM, the general secretary of MWS, Abdul Karim Choudhury, placed before the house the annual report of the activities of the society for the year 2022–2023.

In the second session, presided over by Abdus Sattar Choudhury, president MWS, three publications of MWS were unveiled in presence of a galaxy of dignitaries including Dr Abu Saleh Nazmuddin, former health minister of Assam and KJ Hilaly, Secretary to the Govt of Assam.

Abdul Waris Chowdhury, Vice President MWS, highlighted the journey of the society and its activities since its formation in 1994.

Various competitions among children were also organised on the occasion.

The event was anchored by Dr Ferdous Ahmed Barbhuiya.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> India News / by TCN News / May 02nd, 2023

Edupreneur Mahbubul Hoque receives “Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service -2022”

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , ,

Purabgul Village (Karimgang District), ASSAM / Shillong, MEGHALAYA :

Governor of Meghalaya Shri Satya Pal Malik conferring “Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service-2022” upon Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya.

Raj Bhavan, Shillong :

Acknowledging and expressing appreciation for outstanding accomplishments, the Governor of Meghalaya Shri Satya Pal Malik has conferred the highest and prestigious award, “Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service-2022” upon Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya for his pioneering and outstanding contribution in the field of Higher and Technical Education, , one who established all his educational institutions mainly in rural areas of Meghalaya and Assam.

Padma Shri Ms Trinity Saioo, a school teacher who led a silent revolution mobilising more than 800 rural women to set up Self Help Groups for growing turmeric through organic farming methods, also received the Governor’s Excellence Award on the same occasion.

The conferment of the awards by the Hon’ble Governor was held yesterday evening at the Raj Bhavan Shillong in the presence of an august gathering.

Accepting the Award, Mahbubul Hoque thanked the Hon’ble Governor and the people of Meghalaya for giving him the opportunity to serve the society spreading higher and technical education as well as various outreach activities.

He recalled the cooperation extended by Late Dr Donkupar Roy, former LS Speaker and Chief Minister P. A. Sangma and the former Governor R.S. Mooshahary and overall support by the officers.

Conferring the excellence awards, the Hon’ble Governor Shri Satya Pal Malik said that Mahbubul Hoque is a visionary educationist and passionate in institution building targeting rural areas. His dedication, selfless contribution for the cause of education has created an impact in the education sector which has been observed by every person. “Shri Hoque is a passionate visionary who relentlessly works to build a self-reliant society through need-based education by establishing institutions”, he said.

Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Shri Pravin Bakshi, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Governor said that this Award is the first step taken by the Meghalaya Governor’s office as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in recognizing individuals for their remarkable public service.

Born to a rural family at the remote Purabgul village in Assam’s Karimganj district, Mahbubul Hoque had a turbulent early life as he lost his parents and supportive elder brother during childhood. He had to earn by doing private tuitions and selling home grown vegetables in the local market to continue his studies. A Masters in Computer Science from the prestigious AMU, he got lucrative job offers from MNCs and IT industries of the country as well as abroad but he decided to come back to his native place with a vision and embarked on a career of educational entrepreneurship.

His humble journey began with 1 computer and 4 students from a rented room in Guwahati, with only 85 rupees in his pocket. He assembled computers and sold them in the market to earn revenue to set up a computer lab. Initially, challenge was such that even landlords were unwilling to rent him in view of his financial condition. However, his study center Central IT College became the second-best study‐center of Manipal Group in the whole country. There was no looking back.

In order to strengthen the education infrastructure of the North East, Mahbubul Hoque set up the Education, Research and Development Foundation (ERDF) in 2005 under his chairmanship. A number of pioneer educational institutions were established under ERDF umbrella catering education from KG to PG to Ph.D. through two CBSE affiliated Senior Secondary Schools, one AICTE approved Engineering College, two PCI approved Pharmacy Colleges, one BCI approved Law School, one AICTE approved Business School, one NCTE approved B. Ed. College, one Women’s College and his largest dream venture—University of Science & Technology Meghalaya where more than 5000 students are now pursuing higher education. The University has been accredited “A” Grade by NAAC in its 1st Cycle of assessment in 2021, a rare achievement. USTM is now placed among the top 200 universities of India in NIRF-2022 Ranking.

The institutions set up by him are imparting quality education to more than 10,000 students, of which 35% are from indigenous tribes, 20% belong to underprivileged backward classes and receive Free Education, 80% from rural areas, 57% are girl students. More than 1200 teaching, administrative and non-teaching staffs are working for the growth of the institutions under his dynamic leadership. One of the most important features of the university is that more than 30 community and tribe students from the whole of north eastern states are studying in the university.

A recipient of ‘Shikshacharya Award-2019’ bestowed by Asam Sahitya Sabha and many such awards for his contribution in the field of higher education including the recent Community Excellence Award to USTM by UNESCO.

Mahbubul Hoque has initiated numerous welfare activities such as Endowment Funds, Emergency Medical Assistance, Interest-Free Loans, Relief drives, Health camps, etc.

He is extremely sensitive about environmental protection and efficient use of energy which reflects in adopting Green Campus Initiative for which USTM has already received many awards under the sustainable development goals of the UN.

Under the USTM Neighbourhood Mission, various departments of USTM have adopted neighbouring villages and children from these villages are availing free and concessional education in the University. A unique initiative of Mahbubul Hoque is the introduction and implementation of the Pay Back Policy under which students who clear competitive examinations are given back their entire course fee.

The future roadmap of USTM encompasses Research and Extension activities focussing on rural education and achieving its Milestones. He has set up Milestones to make USTM a World Class university by 2030 facilitating the state of Meghalaya as a global education destination by attracting students and scholars from across the world and nurturing local youths creating a global community. His current dream project is a Medical College and Hospital in Meghalaya with cutting edge research facilities. Establishing a women’s university in his native place Karimganj is another dream project submitted to Govt of Assam for enactment.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Education> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Network / August 27th, 2022

Assam Girl Nilufar Ahmed, Student of the Assam Down Town University Bags Gold at the ’44th National Arm-Wrestling Championship’ 2022

Amazing Feats, Education, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guwahati, ASSAM:

pix: Twitter@NorthEastToday

Nilufar Ahmed, a 2nd-semester student of the Bachelor of Computer Application (CT&IS) programme at Assam down town University, scripted history when she emerged victorious with the Gold medal in the 60-65 kg category at the 44th National Arm-Wrestling Championship held in Jammu & Kashmir.

The Championship was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Arm Wrestling Association. It was held between August 18 – 22 at Ganderbal, J&K.

She also secured the “Champion of the Champions” title in the All-Women’s category at the same event and is, therefore, attained the undisputed No. 1position among all women players of all categories.

The Assam Women’s team was adjudged the best team at this event.

Earlier this year, she participated in the district-level and state-level Arm Wrestling Championships held in Bihdia and Nagaon respectively, where she bagged the Gold in both these events. These victories paved the way for her entry into the National Championships this year.

Before Nilufar ventured into arm wrestling, she was a proficient taekwondo player but had to withdraw due to some  injuries. Her entry into the arm wrestling sport has been quite a recent phenomenon and it has been just a few months since she first started practicing the sport on a whim.

Her coach Mr. Debajit Sharma, who is a popular figure in the sport of arm wrestling introduced her to the sport of arm wrestling and trained her. With  sheer hard work and a Never Say Die attitude, she has been able to conquer her fears and emerge victorious.

She is the daughter of Mustaque Ahmed and Safia Begum of Guwahati, who are very supportive of her sporting aspirations.

Nilufar is now preparing to achieve greater heights by practicing for forthcoming arm wrestling championships in the international arena.

source: http://www.skilloutlook.com / Skill Outlook (text) / Home> Top News / by Skill Outlook (headline edited) / September 03rd, 2022 / pix: Twitter@NorthEastToday

“Education abroad” was the theme of Star Talk held in Guwahati

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

ASSAM :

Members of SONEI along with guests pose for a group photo on the sidelines of the ‘Star Talk-12’ event held in Guwahati on Thursday.

Guwahati :

‘Star Talk-12’, an initiative of the Stars of North East India (SONEI), a registered public charitable trust and talent hunt platform, was held in Guwahati on Thursday.

The first appointed speaker of the event was Aman Wadud, a young lawyer who recently got his Masters in Law from the University of Texas under a Fulbright Scholarship. Besides sharing his American experience, Aman Wadud gave a very informative presentation of the evolution of Civil Rights in the USA.

The second appointed speaker, Suaid M Laskar, Head of Pan-India Sales, Admissify made a presentation to clear the common doubts people have about studying abroad. Laskar, who has been instrumental in facilitating overseas studies of more than 350 students from Assam, over the last five years, in countries like Australia, Germany, UK and USA, informed the audience that 93 per cent of the students who go abroad for studies belong to middle class families.

Abhishek Kumar, a graduate from Guwahati Commerce College, who is all set to study his Masters in Supply Chain Management at Cranfield University, UK also shared his experience on the occasion.

Alemoon Nessa of Bongaigaon, who recently received two national MSME awards along with a cash component of Rs eight lakh from the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was felicitated on the occasion.

Dr Faizuddin Ahmed, a physicist from Dhubri, who has made it to the Stanford list of world’s top 2% scientists, was also honoured on the occasion.

Shahnaz Islam, a budding poet whose book “Midnight’s melancholy” was launched from Sikkim recently, enthralled the audience by reciting a few poems from her book.

Mirza Arif Hazarika’s short film “Sorry” starring Barasha Rani Bishaya and Ravi Sharma is now live on Disney+Hotstar, a rare honour for an Assamese short film. Mirza shared his experiences of making the film.

Priyanka Paul Banerjee, an upcoming PR practitioner, was also felicitated along with other achievers at the event.

SONEI will complete eight years of its existence in September 2022 during which new projects will be announced in addition to its existing programmes in the field of education, promotion of skills, and social service.

The event was hosted by Samima Sultana Ali and Sharique Hussain.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Education> Positive Story / by Special Correspondent / July 29th, 2022

Brahmaputra devoured Abdul Barek’s land and made him run to glory

Amazing Feats, Sports, World Opinion, , , , , , , , ,

Kamrup District, ASSAM :

Abdul Barek

The saying that ‘Necessity is the mother of invention’ is so much actualized by Assam’s long-distance runner Abdul Barek. In his case, the ‘necessity’ was the money he desperately needed to buy food and books after his family farmlands were washed away by the mighty Brahmaputra. 

“It was not out of love for a particular sport… I was born and brought up in a self-sufficient family in a rural hamlet in the Kamrup district. However, when our farmlands were eroded by the Brahmaputra, we were left with nothing for sustenance. The little produce from our livestock was not enough for the family. I was in standard IX when for the first time I participated in a Rongali Bihu Marathon in a nearby locality and came first in it to win prize money of Rs 1,000. Well, that was a lot of money for me! I could buy my school uniform and books with it.

 “Now that I’ve discovered a way of earning and my family was in a very bad financial shape, I have started looking to every marathon event as a means to earn. I participated in every known event and would look for all the prize money up for grabs. Gradually, I developed a yearning for winning all possible cash prizes in marathons in Assam and the Northeast. And, for that, I started practicing regularly and improving my performance with each run,” Barek told Awaz-the Voice.

Abdul Barek (second from left) with fellow sportspersons from Railways

Barek craved newer heights in the no-cost sport. Having bagged scores of medals and trophies at state and national levels, his campaign culminated in the World Railways Athletics Meet at Denmark in 2005 where he emerged 10th in the individual event and third in the team event of the marathon championship. He is the first-ever sprinter from NF Railway to participate and win a medal in World Railways Meet.

 “My success lies in my perseverance. I’ve never compromised with my practice. My job with NF Railway has helped me a lot because I don’t have to forgo practice due to household work as I did in the past … I would like to thank former international athlete Tayabun Nisha for suggesting my name to the Indian Railways which promotes sports. I had also appeared in interviews with Central Excise and Indian Army,” Barek explained.

On his success, Barek said: “Practice, rest, and nutrition are the key to performance. There was hardly any infrastructure during our times. But, after the 2007 National Games, we’ve got a whole lot of infrastructure and necessary facilities including coaches. However, the problem now is that our young players have lost interest in sports. The smartphone and fast food have spoiled a generation. Most of the youngsters nowadays munch on fast food, and keep themselves glued to their mobile phones when they should be at the playground.”

Abdul Barek in the international Railways sports meet

Regarding his food habits, Barek is a follower of cricketer MS Dhoni; both love to drink milk as an energy booster. “I used to drink a lot of milk. My father used to tell us to drink milk instead of water and that I used to do. I don’t like fast food and I’ve always preferred vegetables with our staple rice.” Barek also lamented that the urban youth were reluctant to do hard work. “Since I am based out of Guwahati and I am associated with an athletic academy, I always wanted to groom some good athletes. But, what pains me is that the rural youths can’t sustain long-term coaching and urban youths are reluctant to do hard work. A few very talented youngsters from Baihata Chariali and Morigaon were training under me for some time. But, they could not sustain the tough regime and left. One basic requirement of a marathon runner to be successful is to run at least 200 km a week which is divided into a scientifically designed schedule.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Youth / by Imtiaz Ahmed, Guwahati / May 04th, 2022

Indian students in Ukraine’s Sumy board buses to Poltava, hope to be in safe zone soon

Amazing Feats, Education, NRI's / PIO's, Ukraine Updates, Students (Feb. 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , ,

INDIA / UKRAINE :

All pupils being taken to Poltava: Minister.

Over 17,100 nationals rescued from the war-torn country so far.

A medical student at the Sumy University, who did not wish to be identified, confirmed that the buses have arrived and students have started boarding the buses. File Picture.

Several Indian students stranded in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy heaved a sigh of relief as their evacuation process started on Tuesday and hoped that they would be in a safe zone soon.

“The evacuation from Sumy has started. There was finally some good news on Tuesday. All Indian students will be evacuated from Sumy on Tuesday itself. They will be taken to a safe location from where they will be brought to India,” said Anshad Ali, a student coordinator.

A medical student at the Sumy university, who did not wish to be identified, confirmed that buses have arrived and students have started boarding the buses.

“We have been told that we will go to Poltava. I am praying that we reach a safe zone and this misery is over,” he told PTI from Sumy.

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri told reporters here that 694 Indian students, who were stranded in Sumy, left for Poltava in buses on Tuesday.

“Last night, I checked with the control room, 694 Indian students were remaining in Sumy. Today, they have all left in buses for Poltava,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday on ways to start the stalled evacuation process of the Indian students from Sumy, which is being pummelled by the invading Russian forces.

India has so far brought back over 17,100 of its nationals from Ukraine while Indian students remained stuck in Sumy, with their evacuation dependent on the facilitation of a safe passage by Russian and Ukrainian authorities.

“We stood in a queue for three hours in freezing cold on Monday, waiting to board the buses, and then, we were told that we cannot go. Thankfully, we left Sumi on Tuesday. I am hoping that we will be in a safe zone soon,” Aashiq Hussain Sarkar, another medical student, told PTI.

Sumy has been witnessing intense fighting between Russian and Ukrainian troops for days now. India has been making efforts to evacuate its citizens from the northeastern Ukrainian city, but with little success due to the heavy shelling and airstrikes.

With no electricity and water supply, ATMs running out of cash, melting snow to slake their thirst, and fast running out of supplies, hundreds of Indian students trapped in Sumy stood on roads every morning, hoping that “today would be the day” when they would be rescued from the savagery of the war that has engulfed Ukraine.

The wait, however, got longer as fierce fighting blocked their way to safety across the Russian border.

Exasperated, the students posted a video clip on social media platforms on Saturday, saying they had decided to walk to the Russian border in biting cold amid the fighting, raising fears about their safety on the corridors of power in New Delhi.

Soon after the video went viral, the Indian government asked the students not to take unnecessary risks and to remain in shelters and assured them that they would be rescued soon.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> India / by The Telegraph Bureau, PTI / New Delhi / March 08th, 2022