Sofia from Chernobyl

03rd April 2024

"That's all from my side! If anyone has any questions, you are free to ask them now!" addressed the Dean to the 20 students who had come from different countries as a part of the Special Student Exchange program.

"I know it will be too early to ask this Sir, can I know the stream that lets me study thyroid cancer in detail? Like a specialization or something?" asked Sofia in her barely understandable English. Sofia landed up in KEM Mumbai as a part of the student exchange program. Her knowledge of medical sciences was phenomenal and she worked hard to grab this spot. The Dean redirected her to the respective department.

A month later, Pratik who has been noticing Sofia's focus on Thyroid cancer was curious to know the reason behind it. Pratik was born and raised in Australia, his father wanted him to learn Indian Ayurveda. After the first session with Dean, the 20 students were sent to the department of their choice. However, Pratik couldn't help but be reminded of Sofia's longing to learn more about thyroid cancer. One day he saw her sitting alone at the canteen table and asked for permission if he could share the table with her. With a smile, she agreed. She knew that face, although she did not remember his name. Pratik introduced himself, "Hi! I am Prateek from Sydney, Australia. I am here to study Indian Ayurveda."
"Hi, Pratik. Nice to know that. I am Sofia from Chernobyl."
"... and where is it? I am sorry, I am hearing about this place for the first time", interrupted Pratik.



"An accident happened in 1986 as the result of a flawed reactor design that was operated with inadequately trained personnel. The resulting steam explosion and fires released at least 5% of the radioactive reactor core into the environment, with the deposition of radioactive materials in many parts of Europe. Two Chernobyl plant workers died due to the explosion on the night of the accident, and a further 28 people died within a few weeks as a result of acute radiation syndrome. The slow-killing poison still kept killing people directly or indirectly. I lost my father 4 years after this incident. And I lost my mother 9 years after him, both to thyroid cancer. Nobody off-site suffered from acute radiation effects although a significant, but uncertain, fraction of the thyroid cancers diagnosed since the accident in patients who were children at the time are likely to be due to intake of radioactive iodine fallout" informed Sofia.
"That's bad yaa... I am sorry for your loss. I am sure it would have been tough to cross borders and make this student exchange possible. But tell me one thing, there is no mention of this accident anywhere. Do you think it was not natural?" asked Pratik.
"The Chernobyl disaster was a unique event and the only accident in the history of commercial nuclear power where radiation-related fatalities occurred. The design of the reactor is unique and in that respect, the accident is thus of little relevance to the rest of the nuclear industry outside the then Eastern Bloc. However, it led to major changes in safety culture and industry cooperation, particularly between East and West before the end of the Soviet Union. Natural or not, the following generations are still facing its aftereffects. Recently I learned my brother's wife, who is 5 months pregnant, has been detected at an early stage of thyroid cancer. When there, even breathing feels risky, such is the fear." said teary-eyed Sofia as she quietly turned her face to wipe off the tears.
"This is terrible. I am here to help you with whatever I can. Also, would request you to consider Ayurveda. The process will be slow, but it won't have any side effects. Just think about it," says Pratik.
" See Pratik, at this point, I am not concerned about the way, I only want to make my country thyroid cancer-free," said Sofia in a concerned tone.
"Looking at your determination I am sure you will do it! And I want to work with you for this cause.' Pratik assured her.

This post is a part of the #BlogchatterAtoZ challenge.