All India Medical Students Association seeks early return of Indian students from Iran, postponement of scheduled exams
New Delhi, February 24
The All India Medical Students Association-Foreign Students' Wing has urged the government to ask the Indian Embassy in Iran to urgently coordinate with Iranian universities and authorities for postponement of all scheduled examinations for Indian students studying there in view of the security situation and the advisories to Indian nationals to leave the country.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Association said that in the prevailing tense geopolitical and security environment, it is neither safe nor feasible for students to remain in Iran merely to appear in examinations.
The Association requested the government "to direct the Embassy in Iran to urgently coordinate with Iranian universities and authorities to postpone all scheduled examinations for Indian students".
It also demanded facilitation for safe evacuation and repatriation of Indian students at the earliest and ensuring that no student suffers academic loss due to circumstances beyond their control.
"We firmly believe that your compassionate and decisive intervention will safeguard the lives and futures of thousands of Indian students studying abroad," the letter said.
It said Embassy of India in Tehran has issued an advisory on Monday calling upon all Indian nationals, including students, to leave Iran immediately in view of the evolving security situation.
"In the prevailing tense geopolitical and security environment, it is neither safe nor feasible for students to remain in Iran merely to appear in examinations. Their safety and well-being must be treated as the highest national priority. Furthermore, uncertainty regarding exams is causing immense psychological stress and academic disruption among students and their families," the letter said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone with a cousin studying medicine in Tehran, I can tell you the anxiety in our family is through the roof. We are constantly checking news. Thank you to the association for raising this. The embassy advisory is clear - leave. Universities must cooperate.
While safety is paramount, I hope the government and universities have a solid plan for the academic continuity. These students have invested lakhs and years. Just postponing exams isn't enough; a clear roadmap for completing the semester is needed to prevent loss.
The psychological stress mentioned is so real. It's not just about physical safety. Being stuck in a tense environment, unsure about your academic future, is a huge mental burden. Kudos to the association for highlighting this aspect.
Operation homecoming should be launched immediately. We have done it before, we can do it again. The authorities must ensure smooth evacuation. Jai Hind!
A respectful criticism: The government's advisory to leave was issued on Monday. It's now Friday. What concrete steps have been taken since then to facilitate this? Coordination should have started the moment the advisory was out. Speed is crucial in such situations.
This is the right move. No parent in India
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.