Srinagar, June 19 — In the quiet echoes of war-torn whispers from the Middle East, one resounding truth rises from the dust—our children are not alone. As conflict tightens its grip around Iran, over 700 Indian students, predominantly from Kashmir, are on an emotionally charged journey home. Orchestrated under the Government of India’s “Operation Sindhu”, this evacuation isn’t just a logistical feat—it’s a human lifeline.
These young minds, full of ambition and hope, left their homes for the promise of a future in medicine and education. Now, they find themselves navigating a world on edge, where safety is fleeting, and every mile home is hard-earned.
They gathered in Qom, many leaving behind dormitories, memories, and classrooms amidst rising fears of escalation between Iran and Israel. The urgency to act became a moral imperative. With the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) coordinating efforts across borders, students were moved to Mashad, a city nearly 1,000 kilometers from Qom—by bus, under protective watch. Their next stop: Turkmenistan, and then flights back to Delhi.
“This isn’t just about bringing people back,” says one student. “It’s about not letting fear define our future. It’s about faith that someone is watching, someone cares.”
As of now, Kashmiri students form the largest cluster of evacuees. These are not just statistics. They are our brothers, sisters, children—each with a story, a dream, and a family awaiting their safe return.
Earlier, 110 students had crossed into Armenia, coordinated with missions in Tehran and Yerevan. Their flight landed in Delhi on June 19, sparking both relief and deeper concern for those still on the road.
Amid the rising tensions in Tehran, with violence creeping closer to civilian zones, the MEA has remained vigilant. They’ve issued advisories, activated a 24×7 control room, and coordinated efforts with international governments.
Yet, behind every statistic is a mother who can’t sleep, a father glued to his phone, a sibling whispering prayers through tears. This is not just news—this is lived reality for thousands of families across India.
A Call for National Urgency and Empathy
Let this be a moment of national solidarity. Let us speak not just of “evacuation” but of rescue, dignity, and responsibility. These students represent the soul of our nation—the future doctors, scientists, leaders—and they now need our collective voice.
Let Operation Sindhu stand as a reminder that every Indian life matters, regardless of geography, race, or religion. We must ask ourselves:
-
Are we prepared for future emergencies?
-
Are our embassies equipped and proactive?
-
Is enough mental health support being provided to returning students?
What You Can Do Right Now
-
Share their stories. Don’t let them fade into news cycles.
-
Demand continued transparency from our government.
-
Support returning students through local NGOs or community platforms.
-
Pray. Reach out. Listen. Offer a home. Every action counts.
The ground situation is fluid. But what remains constant is the spirit of these students and the strength of a nation that refuses to leave its children behind.
The question isn’t just “What is the government doing?” It is also: What are we doing as a people?
Let this be our shared resolve: No student, no citizen, no Kashmiri—no Indian—is ever alone. Not now. Not ever.
