Visakhapatnam Collector Extends Financial Lifeline to Iranian Pharmacy Students
In a compassionate response to an urgent plea, Visakhapatnam District Collector Abhishikth Kishore has provided significant financial assistance to two Iranian women pursuing higher education in the city. The gesture aims to support them during a distressing period marked by family separation due to geopolitical turmoil in their home country.
Immediate Relief Amidst Personal Crisis
On Thursday evening, Collector Kishore personally handed over a cheque for Rs 50,000 from the district Sanjivani Nidhi fund, along with an additional Rs 50,000 in cash contributed by the Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple management. This total aid of Rs 1 lakh was delivered at his chamber, offering crucial support to the students who have been grappling with severe financial hardships.
The beneficiaries, Jenab Mahmmadi and Soolmaz Mahmmadi, are married Iranian nationals who arrived in Visakhapatnam four years ago to enroll in a pharmacy program at a private college located behind the ACA-VDCA cricket stadium. Their educational journey, however, has been marred by adversity from the outset.
A History of Challenges and Current Struggles
Financial Deception and Academic Perseverance
During their admission process four years ago, both women were allegedly cheated by an agent, losing approximately Rs 7 lakh each. Despite this setback, they demonstrated remarkable resilience by completing their pharmacy studies. They are currently engaged in an internship and plan to return to Iran in the coming months.
Family Disconnection Due to Conflict
The recent escalation of conflict involving Iran, Israel, and America has plunged the students into a dire situation. They lost contact with their family members in war-affected Iran about ten days ago, compounding their existing financial woes. The whereabouts of their relatives remain unknown, adding emotional strain to their circumstances.
Swift Administrative Action and Ongoing Efforts
Upon learning of their plight, the students approached district officials on Wednesday evening. Collector Kishore acted promptly, addressing their request within 24 hours. This rapid response underscores the administration's commitment to humanitarian aid.
In addition to the immediate financial support, district authorities have proactively escalated the matter to higher levels of government. They have submitted a formal request to both state and central governments, seeking assistance for the safe repatriation of the two women and their three children to Iran.
This initiative highlights the role of local governance in providing solace and practical aid to international students facing extraordinary challenges far from home.
