Show Indian flag: Family’s last advice to Indian who died in Ukraine

The Indian student who died in shelling in Ukraine’s Kharkiv on Tuesday, had been advised by his family to ‘place an Indian flag’ outside the building he was in.

The Indian, who has been identified as 21-year-old Naveen Shekharappa, was reportedly studying medicine at the Kharkiv National Medical University. He had been staying in a bunker, along with some other students, as the Russian attack on Ukraine continued. According to his friend, he died while waiting in a queue outside a grocery store.

Also Read: No Indian left behind in Kyiv; 1,377 citizens evacuated from Ukraine

A video of his last conversation with his family was accessed by news outlet NDTV. His father can be heard telling him about the family’s talk with Union Minister Piyush Goyal – who had assured that both Russia and Ukraine were taking care of the safety of Indian students.

“We have talked to minister Piyush Goyal. He said that there is a little problem. If we try to move from there, then rescue is possible. He has said that our government has talked to both the countries, both the countries has assured them that nothing will happen to the Indians there,” his grandfather is heard saying.

Also Read: Over 520,000 refugees have fled Ukraine since Russia waged war

“If you have a big flag, place it on the building… You show the flag outside the building you are in… The minister told the same thing. He told that you people should show the flag as much as possible,” his father said.

Further in the conversation, the 21-year-old Naveen tells his kin that ‘only 2%’ of those sheltering in the bunker have been able to leave. When his uncle asks why he has not left, he says, “There is a rush and the situation is critical.”

Naveen also shared that he had received information that “now the trains have started running… there is a train at 6 am 10 am and 1 pm”.

Also Read: IAF takes charge of Ukraine rescue as India tells citizens to flee Kyiv

“Take a decision after seeing the situation there. If you leave 40-50 km, then some way will be found. But without any help, don’t take any risk on your own,” his father advised, according to the NDTV report.

“Do try. Don’t wait there thinking someone will come and help you escape,” Naveen’s uncle told him.

Naveen Gyanagoudar Shekharappa was a native of Chalageri in Ranebennur taluk in Karnataka’s Haveri district, as per The Week. They reported that he was studying medicine at the Kharkiv National Medical University. Speaking about the 21-year-old’s demise, Karnataka Chief Minister’s Office stated, “CM Bommai spoke with his father. All efforts will be made to bring back Naveen’s body to India. The CM said that the matter is being negotiated with foreign ministry officials.” 

Also Read: PM Modi offers condolences to father of Indian student who died in Ukraine

While Naveen had moved to a bunker for safety, he died of the missile attack when he’d emerged from the hiding place and gone to the supermarket to get some groceries. The Week also interviewed Naveen’s friend, Srikanth, who said, “Nine of us (students) were in the bunker. After the night curfew ended, he left the bunker after 6.30am to buy some food. He had called me around 7.58am and asked me to transfer some money to his card. When I called his number, some locals received the call and started crying. They informed us that Naveen had died”.