Stranded in Kodagu by West Asia Conflict, Iranian Couple Finally Return Home

Naveena Biddanda of Kodagu and her husband Nader Azizi in Kodagu. File Photo: Special Arrangement

Madikeri: An Iranian couple with strong ties to Kodagu have finally reunited with their family in Iran after spending nearly five unexpected months in the district due to disruptions caused by the conflict in West Asia.

Naveena Biddanda, originally from Kanthur-Murnad in Kodagu, and her husband Nader Azizi returned to their hometown of Bojnord in northeastern Iran last week after overcoming months of uncertainty over international travel. Naveena is the daughter of retired Air Force officer Biddanda D. Bopanna and has been married to Nader, an Iranian national, for over 40 years.

The couple first met while working in Bengaluru before marrying and settling in Iran. Over the years, they built their life in Bojnord, where they raised two children, one a civil engineer and the other an architect.

Like every year, Naveena and Nader had travelled to Kodagu in December 2025 to spend time with relatives and friends. However, their planned return journey was thrown into disarray as tensions in West Asia escalated, resulting in flight cancellations and severe disruptions to travel routes.

Their first return ticket, scheduled for March 16 via Sharjah, was cancelled. A subsequent booking for April 15 also could not materialise as the regional situation continued to remain unstable. With no clear travel alternatives available, the couple found themselves stranded in India for months.

The prolonged stay also created additional challenges. Their visitor visas were due to expire in May, while internet restrictions and communication disruptions in Iran made it difficult to stay connected with their children and grandchildren. The uncertainty caused considerable anxiety for the family on both sides.

Naveena and Nader own orchards in Iran where they cultivate a variety of fruits and nuts, including apples, pomegranates, grapes, blueberries, almonds, apricots, walnuts and pistachios. The family is also involved in the construction business.

After exploring several options and seeking assistance from authorities, the couple eventually secured seats on a flight from Bengaluru via Oman and safely reached Bojnord.

Their arrival was met with an emotional reunion after months of separation. The family recently celebrated their granddaughter's birthday together, turning what had been a period of worry and uncertainty into a joyful occasion.

Now back home as the apple harvesting season begins, the couple are spending time in their orchards and reconnecting with family life.

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