Dharamshala: The Wuhan-originated COVID-19 pandemic has affected not only the global health and economy but the educational institution as well. Students all over are either at home or stranded at their universities in the direct consequence of the lockdown.

As directed by the Kashag, the Department of Education has been helping bring home the 93 Tibetan students studying at Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU), Baroda who were notified by the university authorities to return to their home states as part of the state’s measures to curb the rapid spread of COVID-19.

The most arduous journey was taken by the third batch of 27 students belonging to Tezu, Miao and Tuting which are situated at the remotest part of India. The DoE is happy to see them safely arrive at their destination.

The students started their journey on May 14 in what was a long and arduous journey but on 18 May, the students finally found moments of joy and relief as they safely reached their homes in Arunachal Pradesh.

“The journey was hard as we had to keep moving non-stop for four days, we ate our meals on the bus. We took minimum rest in between except at toll posts. The journey was indeed long but now that we have reached here we can finally relax,” said Dhechen Pember, Baroda Student Union Executive Member.

“I would like to convey my thankful regard to CTA and RTYC Baroda executive members for making this journey possible and comfortable. I really appreciate their hard work. I didn’t face any big problem throughout the journey. I am so appreciative not only the way you have taken us under your wing but your generosity with time and resources. Here we thank you for your great help that our heart is still smiling. Thank you!” Ms Dolma Lachi from Tezu settlement and a member of Tibetan Students Association, Baroda.

Tashi Woser from Miao says, “The thought of being in the hostel for almost 3 months was scary even though we do feel safe and secure in the premise but I was constantly thinking about my family and was wanting to be with them in such tense atmosphere. I was ecstatic when I heard CTA has opened their arms to make sure we are safely home. The non-stop journey in the bus for almost five days was tiring but to be back with your family was worth every pain. I would like to show my deep appreciation and gratitude towards CTA, Baroda student union and everyone involved in reuniting us with our families”.

The Miao students are being quarantined at Sambhota Tibetan Pre-primary School, Miao and on May 21 they had undergone swap test. They will be allowed for home quarantine if tested negative.

Students from Tezu are being quarantined at the state’s quarantine centre Indra Gandhi Government College and if tested negative will be allowed for home quarantine.

And those from Tuting was first quarantined in Yingkiong quarantine centre for four days and after a thorough medical screening, they have finally reached Lali Basti, Tuting village this morning and are put in quarantine centre of the settlement.

Since the outbreak of this pandemic resulting in a rapid rise of positive cases in Baroda, the parents and family members have been worried about the safely of their child. The homecoming was of immense relief to them and they felt out of words for the rapid service rendered for the safety of their child by CTA and all other involved in bringing them home safely.

Mr Nyima, a family member of one of the students said, “I would like to express my hearty thank you to Department of Education, Department of Health, CTA and Settlement Office Delhi and Miao and Tibetan Association of Baroda for their support in bearing the travel expenses and providing food. The students have reached here safely.”

-Filed by Department of Education