Indian Restaurant ‘Saathiya’ Becomes Safe Haven In War-Torn Ukraine

New Delhi: In the midst of all the bombings and missile attacks in Ukraine, Gujarat’s Manish Dave, 52, has offered his restaurant ‘Saathiya’ as a safe haven for people.

Just like its name, it has turned out to be a true friend of the people.

Saathiya was started for Indian students studying in Ukraine but before it could really make a go of it, the war broke out. And now it is a safe house for anyone who wants a respite from the airstrike, shelling, and a hot meal. But how long will Dave be able to provide food in a war situation? “As long as I can,” Dave said Washington Post.

Dave has posted a message on Telegram, spreading the word that his restaurant is in the basement and a safe place to stay in the situation. “Dear friend from India or any national, our restaurant is in basement and it’s called safe place to stay in this situation. If you don’t have proper safe place to stay during this time, please go here, We will try our best to arrange free food and stay according to our capacity. Stand united with Ukraine,” the message read.

Dave started working for the restaurant a few months ago in 2021. It is located at about a three-minute walk from the hostel of the international students of Bogomelets National Medical University.