Indian Students Evacuated from Iran Recall Acts of Kindness Amidst War's Turmoil
In a heartening display of humanity amidst conflict, more than 150 Indians, including numerous MBBS students, have successfully returned home from war-ravaged Iran. Their evacuation was facilitated through the Armenian land border, but for many, the most enduring memory of this perilous journey is not the fear of bombardment, but the unwavering support and kindness shown by ordinary Iranians.
The Heroic Bus Driver: A Beacon of Hope
Among the evacuees was Labeeb Qadri, a 24-year-old fifth-year MBBS student from Srinagar, studying at Urmia University of Medical Sciences in Iran's West Azerbaijan province. Qadri, one of the 104 Indians who landed in Delhi on March 16, shared his profound gratitude for an Iranian bus driver who ferried the students to safety. "We just can't thank the Iranian bus driver enough for what he did for us in that situation," Qadri told TOI. "His words still echo in my ears: 'It is my duty to ensure you all reach the border safely.' That gave us much-needed reassurance at a time when we were deeply worried."
The driver's calm demeanor and reassurances during the eight-hour, 300-kilometer journey from the university to the Armenian border checkpoint at Nordooz provided a crucial sense of security. "He was very helpful and held his nerves in the war," Qadri added, emphasizing how the driver's actions exemplified courage under fire.
Shelter and Support in Times of Crisis
As bombings intensified on March 4, students at Urmia University took refuge in the basement of their hostel, remaining there until March 12. During this harrowing period, university officials and Indian embassy staff played pivotal roles in ensuring their safety. "They took care of us like their own family. We will never forget that gesture," Qadri said, noting that officials regularly checked on the students and arranged for food while they were confined indoors.
The evacuation was coordinated by Indian embassy officials, who organized the bus journey to the Armenian border. Despite reaching the border without incident, the trip was fraught with tension. Another student, who wished to remain anonymous, described the eerie silence and fear that pervaded the journey. "While crossing the city, we could see dark smoke rising from the ground after the bombings. We kept wondering how a beautiful city had changed in a matter of hours," the student recounted.
"On the near-empty road towards the border, many of us kept looking out of the bus windows for incoming missiles or jets. There was an eerie silence inside, except for the engine, but each one of us was carrying uncertainty and prayers." The mood only lifted upon reaching the Armenian border, where students expressed immense relief and gratitude to the driver.
A Grueling Journey Home
However, the path to safety was far from over. After crossing into Armenia, the students embarked on an additional 11-hour bus ride to Yerevan before boarding a flight to Dubai. Their journey faced further delays when the Dubai airport was hit by a drone, causing a 20-hour setback. "We finally breathed in relief when we landed in Delhi after a journey of around 72 hours on the night of March 16, and then reached home in Kashmir by road. We will never forget this journey in our life," Qadri shared, highlighting the extended ordeal.
A Promise to Return
Despite the traumatic experience, Qadri expressed a deep connection to Iran, considering it a second home after five years of study. "It is like my second home. Once the war ends, I will definitely return to Urmia to serve the people at the hospital there. It is the least we can do," he stated, underscoring his commitment to giving back to the community that supported him during the crisis.
This evacuation story not only sheds light on the challenges faced by Indians in conflict zones but also celebrates the resilience and compassion of individuals who rise above adversity to help others. As global tensions persist, such acts of kindness serve as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity.
