Woman who once travelled 1400 km to rescue son awaits his return from Sumy

Two years ago, Razia Begum rose to prominence after travelling 1400 kilometres on a scooter to rescue her son Nizamuddin Aman. This time, the mother has found herself in a quandary yet again, troubled over her son’s return from war-hit Ukraine.

Begum, who teaches at a government school in Nizamabad, Telangana, gained the spotlight for rescuing her son from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh in April 2020 during India’s first Covid-19 lockdown.

Now, Begum awaits the return of her son from Ukraine. Her son, Nizamuddin Aman is a first-year student pursuing medicine at Sumy State Medical University in Sumy, Ukraine. Several Indian nationals have been pursuing MBBS at the university. 

While the mother is well-known for embarking on a scooter rescue mission, Begum finds herself helpless this time and seeks the help of Indian leaders and officials. 

Also Read: ‘Deepest condolences’: Ukraine’s envoy to India on death of Indian student in Kharkiv

According to reports, the mother has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, and Home Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali to ensure that her son returns safely back home. 

“He (Aman) called to reassure me that he is okay and that I need not worry about him,” Begum told PTI. Aman was holed up in a bunker during the bombardment, according to his last update. 

Also Read: Russia-Ukraine crisis: No report of hostage situation in Ukraine, says India

Meanwhile, a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday urged students to  “stay inside shelters and avoid unnecessary risks.” The statement comes as a response to the emotional pleas sent by Indian students stranded in Ukraine’ Sumy. 

“Have advised our students to take safety precautions, stay inside shelters and avoid unnecessary risks,” Arindam Bagchi, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs wrote on Twitter.

“We are deeply concerned about Indian students in Sumy, Ukraine. Have strongly pressed Russian and Ukrainian governments through multiple channels for an immediate ceasefire to create a safe corridor for our students,” Bagchi added.