Kasaragod: "The way we look at the UAE and Dubai today, Iran was even more beautiful back then," recalls Dr. KP Muhammed Kunji (Dr MK Kumbala) of Uppala Kaikkamba. Known affectionately as the ‘Irani Doctor,’ he shares his deeply moving experiences of serving in Iran four and a half decades ago. As the nation now stands on the brink of war, he remembers the people who upheld mutual love, brotherhood, and remarkable hospitality toward foreigners.

The doctor from Kasaragod had gone to Iran during 1975–80 as part of a medical team from India. It was then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who deputed around 250 doctors to serve in Iran. They were posted in different parts of the country.

"I was posted in West Azerbaijan. During those five years, there wasn't a single place in Iran I didn't visit. Unlike the grim situation today, there were no such bitter experiences back then. Everyone interacted with pure kindness. Today, seeing the helplessness of the people gives me a literal heartache," the doctor says. His eyes filling with tears as he recalls how even schoolchildren have lost their lives in the violence.

After completing his studies at Kozhikode Medical College in 1970, he worked at health centres in Mogral-Puthur and Arikady before leaving for Iran. After completing his five-year deputation, he returned and resumed service at Arikady. Later, he resigned from government service and started a clinic at Kaikamba in Uppala. Although he is now leading a retired life, the doctor still visits his clinic occasionally to serve his patients.