Odisha medico stranded in Ukraine walks 40 km in sub-zero temp without food to reach Poland

Bhubaneswar: Ordeal for those stranded in war-torn Ukraine continues unabated as a medical student from Odisha studying in the crisis-hit country had to walk around 40 km without any food amid sub-zero temperature to reach Poland in a bid to get himself rescued.

Battling the hostile weather condition and war situation, Abinash Nayak of Hadagodia Sahi in Puri took six days to reach the neighbouring country.

Worse, he witnessed the death of a person during the journey.

Nayak, who is a medico of Ternopil National Medical University in Ukraine, was initially asked to leave the city in view of the war situation. Nayak and his friends then arranged a vehicle on February 24 to reach Ukraine-Poland border as they were advised by the Indian Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine to do so.

However, the vehicle was intercepted at a place around 40 km away from the border. Optionless, Nayak and his friends decided to cover the remaining distance on foot.

With temperature varying between minus 4°C and minus 10°C in the area, it was indeed a tough task for Nayak to carry on. On the way to the border, one of the students breathed his last.

Displaying immense courage, Nayak didn’t let the death take a toll on his mental strength as he continued heading towards the border despite all odds.

It took the group of students six days to reach the border. On their arrival at the border, they were taken to an airport of Poland in a bus arranged by the Indian Embassy.

Till last reports came in, they were waiting for an India-bound flight at the airport.

In a video message, Nayak said he hopes to reach home soon and safe with the blessings of Lord Jagannath.