Iranian students in Pune lament Iran-Israel conflict: We just want a normal life
As tensions between Iran and Israel continue to rise following recent airstrikes and retaliatory attacks, Iranian students studying in Pune are quietly grappling with fear, sadness, and a longing for peace.
'All of us are affected, not just me. Whether it is people back home or people here, it is impossible not to feel the impact of something like this,' said an Iranian student who did not want to be named.
His companion expressed similar emotions, 'It is heartbreaking to see people in my country dying. Even though I am far away, I think about my family and friends back home every day. No one knows what might happen next,' she said.
She continued, 'Innocent people are caught in a conflict they didn't choose, yet they are the ones suffering the consequences.'
For many Iranian students across the city, the emotional weight of the conflict is hard to put into words. One student shared a more reflective view, shaped by his identity as a traveler. 'I do not belong to any political side. I am not defined by borders or religion but when people die, it is always tragic.'
'Whether it is the Air India plane crash or a bombing, any loss of human life is painful. All this destruction is deeply sad. I just want to live a normal life like anyone else,' he said.
When asked about the possibility of peace, the students offered different perspectives but shared a common desire for an end to violence. 'I believe peace is possible, but only if the governments truly want it. Right now, war benefits political and economic agendas. That is why innocent people continue to suffer,' said a student.
Another added, 'Yes, I believe there is a chance for peace, but only if the governments truly want it. Even now, with the ongoing nuclear talks, there is an opportunity to move toward peace. At the end of the day, borders are man-made. What truly matters is that we are all people with the same hopes, fears, and dreams, living in overlapping cultures.'
Kivi Lydia Vito is an intern with the Indian Express
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