HYDERABAD: Months after attending online lectures, Indian students pursuing medical courses from Georgian universities are now in a fix as they are unable to return to the country to attend their final exams and practical sessions.
Mourya Jith Muraleedharan Nair, a third-year medical student from Hyderabad, had returned to India in March last year. Subsequently, the student met with an accident and was unable to return. “While my university has allowed me to take up final exams online, I am missing out on my practicals which may cost me a year. I would be able to take the practicals only when I return to Georgia,” said Nair, a student of Ivame Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University.
He is one among many other Georgia-bound students who are now in a fix as the Georgian government has barred entry to Indian students. Those from all other countries are being allowed to travel to Georgia.
“All students traveling from India and full course of vaccination, shall present negative PCR test conducted in the last 72 hours prior to their visit to Georgia and undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine at their own expense. Students from the Republic of India may travel to Georgia only by charter flights,” read a notification from Georgian government.
Students have requested the Indian government to intervene and initiate talks with the Georgian government for their return. “Exams in my university have already commenced. As a last resort, I have been allowed to appear for the exam in mid-August. However, I am unable to go back to the country as there are no flights. If I don’t go, I may lose an academic year for no fault of mine,” said Srishti Krishnani, second year medical student of New Vision University.
Many have taken to social media seeking intervention from respective governments. “@DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia We are a group of > than 150 Indian students pursuing the MD program in Tbilisi, Georgia. Due to unavailability of charter flights we are unable to sit for our exams which our university has made a mandate. NVU is not allowing online exams. Please help,” tweeted Suresh Krishnani, national sales head, Chembond.
