Rishabh has been studying computer engineering in Ukraine for the last 3 years. He’s an extremely bright student. This is the last year of Rishabh’s college.
Rishabh’s family is also engaged in business in Ukraine. As soon as the family members understood that the dispute between the two countries could escalate, on February 19 and 20, the entire family, consisting of about 7 members, somehow booked tickets and left for Dubai.
The family asked Rishabh to move to Dubai but Rishabh refused to leave just because his pet dog “Malibu” with whom Rishabh has been living for the last 1 year could not go on the flight. Therefore, Rishabh told his family members that he would return home with his “Malibu” (Ukrainian name of dog which means ‘sweet’) after taking NOC from the Government of India and all the departments in 2 to 3 days. The family felt that the situation had not worsened so far, so they accepted Rishabh’s words.
As the dispute escalated between Ukraine and Russia, Rishabh’s father Madhukant spoke to Rishabh immediately and arranged for the visa, and also made complete arrangements to move him out of Ukraine. Even then, Rishabh insisted on coming back with his pet “Malibu”. Rishabh started completing all the paperwork.
Whatever correspondence that Ukraine and the Indian government wanted him to do, Rishabh got those papers made and submitted online with immediate effect, but no response was received. Because of this Rishabh went back to his hostel. We asked Rishabh why he is risking his life for a dog. Rishabh replied I am not putting my life in danger; I am currently safe in my hostel.
I want my request to reach the officials of the Government of India, who are not ready to talk even after the paperwork to bring my dog to India.
He contacted Delhi airport officials over the phone but they did not offer any help. The same thing happened to me at the Kyiv Embassy as well. He wants to come back home with his dog. He questions if I return alone, who will take care of “Malibu” here?
He is afraid that if he leaves “Malibu” in prevailing conditions he’ll never see him again… Rishabh is currently in Kyiv. Bombing is happening outside at a distance of about 5 to 6 kilometers from where he is in Bunker. Rishabh is very saddened that such a situation has arisen between the two countries, but he hopes that everything will be back to normal soon.
Praising the beauty of Ukraine and the people there, Rishabh says that everything is very beautiful here. All of a sudden the roads are deserted. People are very scared. I have not seen such Ukraine in 3 years to date. I will pray to God that everything will be fine soon.
