Durban - KwaZulu-Natal student Abishek Bunwarie, who was attacked in India, is recovering well and writing his exams with the assistance of a scribe after his arm was injured.
Bunwarie, 19, of Dannhauser, left for India last year after he obtained a scholarship to study from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
He is studying for a Bachelor of Hotel Management degree at the Acharya Institute of Management Science in Bangalore.
Bunwarie’s mother Ashika told The Mercury last week that her son had been walking with two women friends when they were approached by a group of men.
Bunwarie stepped in to help the women, who were being harassed, but the men turned on him and severely assaulted him.
He sustained severe injuries to his face and his right hand.
On Thursday Ashika said the university had agreed that Bunwarie could complete his exams with the use of a scribe.
“Abishek was adamant that he be allowed to write the exams. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations asked the university to allow him to write via a scribe and they agreed. He has completed two exams so far.”
Bunwarie posted a thank you message on Facebook earlier this week: “Thanks so much guys. I am really humbled. I cannot even express my gratitude towards all of you. I am currently healing with a lot of support from my friends in India. I just ask that you keep me in your prayers.”
Ashika said the council had also been assisting the family with the medical bills.
“They have really gone the extra mile and my husband and I are extremely grateful.”
She said the family were also grateful to the people who had directly donated to her son, including Mercury readers. She said the funds were being used to help Bunwarie deal with his recuperation and extensive expenses.
“He has to travel to the hospital every second day to go for check-ups, so he is very grateful.”
Bunwarie would probably be ready to travel back to South Africa next month.
The Mercury