Navin’s parents to meet PM

NT Correspondent
Mysuru

The parents of Navin Shekerappa Gyangoudar who died in crossfire between Ukraine and Russia nearly two months ago, will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a brief period in Bengaluru on Monday.

Navin was pursuing the MBBS course when the war broke out between two nations and was about to return to India when he fell to shelling by Russian forces. Dr Navin’s parents, Shekarappa Gyangoudar and Vijaylakshmi, and his brother, Harsha will be meeting the PM.

Already, the troika have arrived in Bengaluru and are staying at National Law School of India University Guest House in Bengaluru. The PM wanted to meet them and offer his condolences. The meeting with the PM had been arranged by Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai since Dr Navin hailed from Haveri district.

Naveen’s father Shekarappa Gyangoudar had told a private Kannada TV channel that he was doubtful if the body of his son would be brought to his hometown due to the fierce battle between the two nations. But, the mortal remains of Navin reached his native village after 21 days thanks to the diplomatic efforts by PM Modi and CM Bommai, he said.

Vijayalakshmi, mother of Dr Navin, had said her son did not get a medical seat here despite scoring good marks in the second year PU exam. She felt the injustice her son faced must not happen to other kids. The government must make necessary changes in the education policy, she said adding that Indian students who were forced to discontinue the medical course in Ukraine and return, must be allowed to pursue their education in India.