Amid escalating conflict in Iran, a Bengaluru couple makes an emotional appeal to the Indian government for their daughter’s safe evacuation (photo-videograb)
A Family’s Nightmare: When War Hits Too Close to Home
Bengaluru Parents – For Imran and Shabana Mehdi, residents of Richmond Town in Bengaluru, the past week has been a waking nightmare. Their daughter, Fareehy Mehdi, a medical student at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, found herself caught in the crossfire of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. What began as a promising academic journey has turned into a harrowing ordeal, with the young student stranded in a war-torn region, far from the safety of home.
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The couple’s anguish is palpable. “My daughter does not know how to survive in war-like situations,” Shabana shared in a trembling voice. “She is already panicking so much. We are pleading with our Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister, please bring our children home.”
Their fears are not unfounded. Just days ago, a blast occurred dangerously close to Fareehy’s residence. Imran, who last spoke to her on June 13, immediately tried to book a return flight. But by June 15, Iran’s airspace had closed to commercial flights, leaving Fareehy and thousands of other Indian students stranded.
Operation Sindhu: A Ray of Hope Amid Chaos
In response to the crisis, the Indian government launched Operation Sindhu, a coordinated evacuation effort aimed at bringing home Indian nationals from Iran. The first flight, carrying 110 students who had been moved to Armenia, landed safely in New Delhi on Thursday morning. Among them were some of Fareehy’s peers, but not Fareehy herself.
The Mehdies were informed that their daughter had been relocated to a “safer” area, though her exact location remains undisclosed for security reasons. “We were told she’s about six to seven hours away from the Armenian border,” Imran said. “But we don’t know where she is. We’re only able to communicate through WhatsApp, and even that is unstable.”
The uncertainty is taking a toll. “It’s been five days since I last saw her face on a video call,” Shabana said. “I haven’t slept properly since. I speak not just as a mother, but for all parents. There are over 10,500 medical students and 4,000 other Indian students still in Iran. Please, bring them home.”
Beyond Borders: The Emotional Toll of Conflict for Bengaluru Parents
Fareehy’s story is not an isolated one. It represents the collective anxiety of thousands of Indian families whose children are studying abroad in volatile regions. The emotional toll is immense, sleepless nights, unstable communication, and the constant fear of the unknown.
Yet amid the chaos, there is gratitude. The Mehdies have expressed appreciation for the government’s swift action and the efforts of the Indian Embassy. “We know they are doing their best,” Imran said. “But time is critical. Every hour matters.”
Their plea is not just for their daughter, it’s for every student still trapped in Iran. It’s a call for compassion, urgency, and decisive action. As the world watches the unfolding crisis, stories like Fareehy’s remind us that behind every headline is a human life, a family waiting, and a future hanging in the balance.
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