Team of more than 770 students stuck in Ukraine was led by Indore’s student 23-year-old medical student Hrishikesh Rao, as the students headed for the final rescue and moved towards evacuation on Saturday. The medical student from Indore has been pioneering his efforts in gathering and ensuring safety of all the students in major strike areas.
From the first day of the blast, i.e. Thursday, he took on the responsibility of saving everyone around. Following the motto of Border Security Force, Rao acted like a true warrior and put ‘Service before Self’ as he continued to be the wall protecting his fellow-mates and juniors.
Rao is the youngest one in his family with an elder brother and sister, but when the time came, he did not back down from becoming the support everyone needed.
In a one-on-one interview, Rao shared the struggles faced by students and how he ensured smooth and safe evacuation of hundreds of students.
What were the major challenges of being stuck in Ukraine?
Rao: From the first day, i.e. Thursday, till Saturday, the entire city was run down to ashes. We had no food, water and access to facilities. The first strike was just the beginning, because they kept coming. Further on, we witnessed a time in the frozen bunkers built in the basement of university.
During this time, students panicked to the extent that we were afraid of losing them. The most challenging time was night.
After the black-out at 10 pm, the two hours were filled with anxiety. From 12 am, we would hear bomb blasts and could not tell which one will hit us. Everyone from students who had just been here for a year to girls was in a difficult situation.
How did you cope with food and other issues?
Rao: The most important part was to find a way to get out of the place of war. We kept telling everyone to stay positive and managed to gather everyone together. We shared whatever we could gather together. I have lived in many places and been alone, most kids who live like that know how to deal with shortages. Yes, it was troublesome and scary, but life goes on when we head with faith and love.
How did you manage students and save their lives?
Rao: I stayed strong and kept motivating them. Spearheading the situation, I tried to tell them it was an experience and tried to mock the time of horror and fear. I had to become a parent, a counsellor, a friend and even a teacher for the students.
How did you manage evacuation?
Rao: A leader leads from the front when the road ahead is tough, but decides to stay back when the chances of fall are greater. On Saturday, I booked and managed all the buses. I organised the students in a plan that everyone, especially girls and juniors, can find a way back first. A small team is with me and we will leave on Sunday morning.
From the first day of the blast, i.e. Thursday, he took on the responsibility of saving everyone around. Following the motto of Border Security Force, Rao acted like a true warrior and put ‘Service before Self’ as he continued to be the wall protecting his fellow-mates and juniors.
Rao is the youngest one in his family with an elder brother and sister, but when the time came, he did not back down from becoming the support everyone needed.
In a one-on-one interview, Rao shared the struggles faced by students and how he ensured smooth and safe evacuation of hundreds of students.
What were the major challenges of being stuck in Ukraine?
Rao: From the first day, i.e. Thursday, till Saturday, the entire city was run down to ashes. We had no food, water and access to facilities. The first strike was just the beginning, because they kept coming. Further on, we witnessed a time in the frozen bunkers built in the basement of university.
During this time, students panicked to the extent that we were afraid of losing them. The most challenging time was night.
After the black-out at 10 pm, the two hours were filled with anxiety. From 12 am, we would hear bomb blasts and could not tell which one will hit us. Everyone from students who had just been here for a year to girls was in a difficult situation.
How did you cope with food and other issues?
Rao: The most important part was to find a way to get out of the place of war. We kept telling everyone to stay positive and managed to gather everyone together. We shared whatever we could gather together. I have lived in many places and been alone, most kids who live like that know how to deal with shortages. Yes, it was troublesome and scary, but life goes on when we head with faith and love.
How did you manage students and save their lives?
Rao: I stayed strong and kept motivating them. Spearheading the situation, I tried to tell them it was an experience and tried to mock the time of horror and fear. I had to become a parent, a counsellor, a friend and even a teacher for the students.
How did you manage evacuation?
Rao: A leader leads from the front when the road ahead is tough, but decides to stay back when the chances of fall are greater. On Saturday, I booked and managed all the buses. I organised the students in a plan that everyone, especially girls and juniors, can find a way back first. A small team is with me and we will leave on Sunday morning.