Thiruvananthapuram: At least 1,132 students, who are living in the conflict-torn Ukraine, have reached out to NORKA for help so far. They are students of 27 universities in Ukraine, which has been invaded by the Russian forces. Their details have been passed on to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Ukraine.

The details can be uploaded on the website (www.norkaroots.org) of the NORKA Roots (Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs). The aim is to make a comprehensive data collection, including details of the passport and the university where the students are studying. The information collected by the NORKA will be handed over to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Ukraine.

Contact details

The Indian Embassy in Kiev: +380997300483, +380997300428.

Email: cons1.kyiv@mea.gov.in

Ministry of External Affairs: 1800 118797, +911123012113, +911123014104, +911123017905

Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in ‌

To pass on information about the Keralites in the war-torn country, the relatives back home can contact NORKA's toll-free number 1800 425 3939 or email ceo.norka@kerala.gov.in.

There is also a missed call service - 0091 880 20 12345.

Govt will bear travel expenses

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the state government will bear the travel expenses of students to Kerala after they arrive in Mumbai or Delhi from Ukraine as part of the evacuation process of the central government.

"A lot of hardships have been brought to notice amid the war. Trying to find a solution for these after informing the Centre. The general administration department and NORKA are taking the necessary action,” the Chief Minister said during a meeting of the MPs.