As Ukraine is bleeding under the dread of war, a man from Gujarat is doing his bit to bring a ray of hope to the common people around him. Gujarat’s Manish Dave had launched his restaurant Saathiya in Kyiv in January, especially to cater to a large number of Indian students who are studying in Ukraine. But the 52-year-old probably had little idea that within a span of three months, the entire scenario would take a 360-degree turn. People in Ukraine are now struggling for their survival and many of them are living without proper food and water. Thus, Dave has now turned his restaurant into a makeshift home for Indians as well as other nationals.
A man called Manish Dave has turned his restaurant into a shelter for over 125 vulnerable people in Ukraine. He & his staff cook food & risk their lives in search of ration for them all. The world needs more people like Manish Dave. pic.twitter.com/ZnQlViwDoZ
— GOOD (@good) February 27, 2022
Also Read: Indian Student Killed In Kharkiv Shelling Amid Russia-Ukraine War
The Eatery Sits Three Minutes Walk Away From International Students’ Hostel
Making a telegram announcement, Dave stated that his basement restaurant can be a safe rescue for anyone and he has welcomed people to take shelter there. He added that the restaurant staff will try their best to provide free food and stay depending on the capacity. The restaurant sits just around a 3-minute walk away from Bogomelets National Medical University hostel for international students. The word ‘Saathiya’ means ‘companions’. And by offering a roof and home to the war-struck population, Dave is proving that he is the true companion at the hour of need.
The Restaurant Is Giving Shelter To Students, Children, Pregnant Women And More
According to a Washington Post report, Saathiya has become a shelter now for many children, elderly people, students, pregnant women and also homeless people. In October 2021, Dave had flown to Kyiv to launch his restaurant. Although the business did not get enough time to pick up, Dave is now acting to the call of the hour amid the back to back explosions in Ukraine. A couple of days ago, a video surfaced on the internet showing a Sikh man offering Langar on a train to students who were leaving Ukraine.