Ukraine: Indian man's restaurant turns shelter home, provides free meals
A man of Gujarati origin became a savior for many people in Ukraine's capital Kyiv after converting his restaurant into a shelter home for them. Manish Dave's restaurant "Saathiya" serves fresh meals to war survivors and provides them with a sense of security. The restaurant was founded to serve Indian students studying in Ukraine. It is now a safe haven for the city's residents.
Why does this story matter?
Nearly 20,000 Indians were stuck in Ukraine when Russia invaded it last week. India has asked its citizens, including students, to move towards the western borders of Ukraine for safe evacuation. They are being evacuated from neighboring countries as the Ukrainian airspace is closed. The government has been operating emergency flights under the 'Operation Ganga' mission to bring Indians back to their home.
Restaurant began operation in January
Dave began working for "Saathiya" a few months ago in 2021 before it finally opened in January this year. The restaurant is close to the hostel at Bogomelets National Medical University, which houses over 1,500 international students including Indians. Dave told Washington Post that he will provide them food and shelter as long as he can to save them from the extremities of war.
"Come here if you don't have a safe place"
"Dear friend from India or any national, our restaurant is in the basement and it's called the safe place to stay in this situation. If you don't have a proper safe place to stay during this time, please go here," reads Dave's Telegram message. "We'll try our best to arrange free food and stay according to our capacity. Stand united with Ukraine," it adds.
Dave's initiative provides hope amid the despair of war
Dave's story is an amazing tale of hope and strength rising from a war-torn region. The little rations available at his restaurant were being used to serve everyone who had gathered despite the continual wailing of air raid sirens and explosions. "They too need a space to remain safe, food to eat, till things return to normal," Dave told TOI.
What is the current situation in Ukraine?
Russia has intensified its attacks in several cities as its invasion of Ukraine entered the seventh day. On Wednesday, Russian airborne troops landed in Kharkiv, located in eastern Ukraine, and attacked a local hospital, the Ukrainian army said. Reportedly, Russian forces have also seized control of Kherson, a city in southern Ukraine. However, there has been no official information on this.
India ramps up Operation Ganga , Air Force joins too
Meanwhile, India has ramped up the evacuation process as it is planning to operate 26 evacuation flights in the next three days, NDTV reported. Indian Air Force also joined Operation Ganga to expedite the evacuation process and safe return of all Indians. Indian Ministers Hardeep Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kiren Rijiju and Gen (Retd) VK Singh are in Ukraine to coordinate the mission.
