Kashmiri Medical Student Chooses to Stay in Iran During Conflict, Expressing Solidarity
In a remarkable display of empathy and courage, a 22-year-old medical student from Kashmir has decided to remain in Iran despite the ongoing war, stating he cannot leave the country "when it is in distress." While nearly all Indian medical students have returned home following the outbreak of hostilities, Asif Gulzar has opted to stay back, living alone in a nine-storey hostel in Ahvaz after his peers departed.
Decision Made with Family Support and Personal Conviction
Gulzar, who is in his third semester of MBBS at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Khuzestan province, emphasized that his choice was made with his family's full support. "I am here by choice and I am safe," he told The Times of India. "I realised I cannot leave Iran when it is under attack." He described his life as stable, with essential supplies available, even as the conflict rages on around him.
Challenges and Inspirations in a War-Torn Environment
Despite the relative stability, Gulzar faces significant challenges, particularly with communication. Internet connectivity in Iran is very poor, forcing him to rely on a paid VPN borrowed from an Iranian friend to stay in touch with his family. His decision to stay stems from a deep-seated belief in solidarity. "When innocent people are suffering, I cannot choose the easy option and leave only for my own comfort," he said, adding that staying silent in such circumstances would haunt him for life.
Inspired by revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Gulzar draws from the idea that silence in the face of oppression amounts to complicity. With classes currently suspended, he spends his time reading works by thinkers, philosophers, and revolutionaries, while also writing poetry to capture the atmosphere of resilience and struggle around him.
Nearly All Indian Students Have Returned Home
According to Nasir Khuehami, national convenor of the Jammu & Kashmir Students Association, which assisted in the repatriation efforts, approximately 2,000 Indian medical students returned to India in phases after the war began on February 28. This included around 1,200 students from Kashmir. "Almost all of them had returned," Khuehami noted. "If someone has chosen not to return, there is little we can do in such a case. We did our best to ensure the return of every student with the help of Indian authorities."
Gulzar's stance highlights a unique perspective on global solidarity during times of crisis, blending personal safety with a profound sense of moral responsibility. His story underscores the complexities faced by international students in conflict zones and the power of individual choice in the face of adversity.
