Delhi Schoolchildren Present Hand-Drawn Tributes at Iranian Embassy for Minab Attack Victims
In a poignant display of solidarity, students from an east Delhi school visited the Iranian embassy in New Delhi on Monday, offering hand-drawn tributes for the children killed in the Minab school attack. The embassy is currently hosting an exhibition titled ‘Minab Children Still Draw the Sun,’ which showcases 28 drawings—the final artworks created by some of the Iranian children who lost their lives in a US missile strike. This heartfelt initiative has attracted significant attention, leading the embassy to extend the viewing period multiple times due to steady footfall.
Exhibition Details and Extension
The exhibition originally opened on April 12 and was initially scheduled to close shortly after. However, due to overwhelming public interest, it was reopened on April 15 and extended until April 21. In response to continued visitor turnout, the embassy has now decided to keep the exhibition open until April 28. Viewing hours are from 11 am to 4 pm daily, allowing ample opportunity for the public to pay their respects and reflect on the tragic event.
Student Visits and Tributes
On Monday, approximately 80 students from MM Public School in Mustafabad, east Delhi, made a special trip to the embassy. Motivated by a desire to express solidarity and remembrance, they left behind their own drawings as a gesture of support. Additionally, a group of students from Delhi University’s St. Stephen’s College also visited the site, adding to the collective tribute.
Among the many heartfelt contributions was a poster created by two girls, which poignantly questioned: “Warmongers, is this your target? A child, a little girl, a student?” This message underscores the innocence lost in the conflict and has resonated deeply with visitors.
Student Perspectives and Condolences
Hargun, a student from St. Stephen’s College, shared his thoughts on the visit: “When we learned that the drawings of the Minab children are exhibited here, we felt it was our responsibility to come, write a condolence message, and emphasize that small children should not be martyred. The American and Zionist regimes are wrong to target such young kids, who may not even understand what war is.” This sentiment reflects a broader call for peace and accountability in the wake of the tragedy.
Origin of the Drawings and Attack Details
The 28 drawings on display were discovered in the school bags of children buried under the rubble following the missile attack on February 28. These sheets were found amidst the debris of the Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ Elementary School in Minab, Iran. After being carefully scanned and restored, they now serve as a powerful memorial to the victims. The attack resulted in over 175 fatalities, including numerous schoolchildren and their teachers, highlighting the devastating human cost of the conflict.
Ambassador’s Response and Indian Support
Iranian ambassador Mohammad Fathali met with the visiting children, accepted their drawings, and addressed other attendees at the exhibition. He expressed gratitude for the support received from India, stating: “The Indian government and its people have stood by us during this difficult time. Since these challenges emerged, the people of India have shown unwavering solidarity. Inshallah, we pray that such incidents do not recur.” His words acknowledge the international empathy and diplomatic support extended in the aftermath of the attack.
Visitor Statistics and Broader Impact
The exhibition has drawn a diverse audience, with officials reporting nearly 60 visitors on a recent Sunday and 25 students from a Gurgaon school visiting on Saturday. This steady stream of attendees underscores the widespread concern and compassion for the victims, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. The event not only honors the memory of the deceased children but also fosters a dialogue on the impacts of war on innocent lives.
