Ukraine-Russia war: Father's last advice to Indian student who died in Ukraine, here's what he said

The Indian student who drew his last breath during the Russian shelling in Ukraine yesterday was advised by his family to "put an Indian flag" outside the building he was in.

A clip of his final exchange with his family revealed that the idea was also suggested by Piyush Goyal, who seemingly informed them that both Russia and Ukraine had ensured the safety of Indian students.

The 21-year-old, identified as Naveen Shekharappa, lost his life in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, which has been under intense Russian attack since yesterday.

In the last exchange, Naveen's father can be heard recounting their conversation with Union minister Piyush Goyal, who oversees the commerce and industry portfolio in the present Indian government.

"We have talked to minister Piyush Goyal. He said that there is a little problem. If we try to move from there, then rescue is possible. He has said that our government has talked to both the countries, both the countries has assured them that nothing will happen to the Indians there," his grandfather is heard saying.

"If you have a big flag, place it on the building... You show the flag outside the building you are in... The minister told the same thing. He told that you people should show the flag as much as possible," victim’s father said.

It looks to be that Naveen and other Indian students had taken shelter in a bunker from where "only 2 per cent people were able to leave".

Asked why he had not gone, Naveen told his father, "There is a rush and the situation is critical".

The final year medical student said he had gotten information that "now the trains have started running... there is a train at 6 am 10 am and 1 pm".

"Take a decision after seeing the situation there. If you leave 40-50 km, then some way will be found. But without any help, don't take any risk on your own," his father said.

Soon following Naveen's demise, Pooja Praharaj, a student coordinator in Kharkiv, told news channel NDTV, "He lived near the Governor's House and had been standing in the queue for food. Suddenly there was an air strike that blew up the Governor's House and he was killed".

At the border areas, where the majority arrived after walking miles in the sub-zero temperature, they are being made to wait without any food or water, the students have said.

Also Read: Ukrainian farmer 'steals' Russian tank, see hilarious reactions