Parents of Indian student killed in Ukraine to donate body for research

The parents of the Indian student killed in Kharkiv, Ukraine, have decided to donate their son’s body for medical research, the father said on Saturday, as per Asian News International.  

Shankarappa, the father of Naveen Shekarappa Gyanagoudar, the former medical student said “My son wanted to achieve something in the medical field, that didn’t happen. At least his body can be used by other medical students for studies. That’s why, we at home, have decided to donate his body for medical research”. 

He added, “My son’s body will reach Bengaluru on 21st at 3 am. From there the body will reach our village by 9 am. Then we’ll perform Pooja as per the Veera Shaiva tradition then we’ll keep it for the public view and then we’ll donate the body to SS Hospital Davanagere for medical studies”. 

Also Read | How President Volodymyr Zelensky can assist Ukrainians displaced by Russian invasion: Explained

Notably, earlier on Friday, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had clarified that Naveen’s body would reach the Bengaluru airport at 3 AM Monday, and not Sunday as previously informed. 

The dead student’s father further said, “We got the message from the Haveri District Collector office and also got the message from the Emirates flight service. At least we are happy now that the body of our son is brought back. CM spoke to me and expressed his gratitude. He also said that he will come to Bengaluru airport and to the village as well. He said he will speak to me later in the evening”. 

Also Read | Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky tells Russia ‘it is time to talk’

The 21-year-old was a student at the Kharkiv National Medical University. He was reportedly in a queue to buy food when struck and killed by Russian shelling. Naveen’s death shone a light on India’s tough MBBS program which urges many to go abroad to pursue their dreams. There was also some controversy about bringing his body back at a time when Indians were still trapped in Ukraine, awaiting evacuation. 

The Karnataka CM has already given a cheque worth Rs 25 lakh to the family and promised a job for a family member.