Some Ukrainian universities to start online classes from May 14

VISAKHAPATNAM: As uncertainty looms large over the continuity of the education of students returning from

Ukraine

, the demand from various quarters to accommodate them in local medical schools as a one-time measure has grown stronger.

This is considering that the presumed resolution for the ongoing conflict between Russia-Ukraine is only a matter of speculation and nobody knows how long the war will prevail. The Indian Medical Association a few days ago wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting the latter to absorb the returning students in medical colleges in India.

The students in the universities located close to the border of Russia or in the capital region of Ukraine are the ones most affected. Even though several medical institutions in Ukraine announced holidays till the second week of March, there is no further communique from a majority of the universities.

According to students, a few institutes like Uzhhorod National University announced

online classes

from March 14. Yet to overcome the harrowing experiences, some students are in no mood to return to Ukraine anytime soon, even if some peaceful resolution is found for the armed invasion that is underway. They have asked for online classes for the time being. P Venkata Laxidhar Reddy, a first-year student from Kadapa at Uzhhorod National University, said they have got a communique from the university regarding the resumption of classes in virtual mode from March 14.

“The university is located far away from the capital region. As the first year has no major practical sessions, online classes can be offered for first year students,” said Laxidhar Reddy. V Vamsi Kumar, a final year MBBS student from Guntur, said that as the final year students would graduate this June, they would prefer online classes. “Any decision would immediately affect the final year students as they are pursuing their final semester,” said Vamsi. Potnuru Somasekhar, father of a student from Srikakulam studying in Ukraine, said that online education may not work for MBBS.

“According to information, the university where my daughter is studying will take a decision this week. We are also expecting some decision from the Indian government as the Indian Medical Association has also asked to accommodate them in the local universities,” said Somasekhar