Friends,
The recent Air-India Express plane crash at hilly Mangalore airport was heart-rending to say the least. As last reports came in 158 lives had been irretrievably lost. This is a grievous loss of lives for the victims’ families and the country.
The tragedy reminds me of a similar painful mishap when an airliner crashed in Ahmedabad many years ago. At that time I worked as a volunteer helping the affected. The Mangalore crash brought painful scenes of crash to my mind. I pray that such gory tragedies don’t occur and result in loss of precious human lives and trauma to the survivors and their families.
Excess heat is dogging Gujarat even as the State sizzles under temperature soaring to unthinkable 48.5 degrees Celsius, one of the highest this century. We are experiencing the effects of Global Warming. People are suffering and particularly the poor. Fortunately, unlike other States, Gujarat is free from power cuts and load shedding and one can access fans to cool themselves and get some relief. Mercifully, the forecast for normal monsoon give us hope and I wish our farmers do really benefit.
Due to ban on cotton export by Central government for unknown reasons, the farmers of Gujarat suffered heavy loss of about Rs 2000 crores in a span of one month. Though the central government rectified its decision and allowed export with license subsequently, the delay had already caused enough damage to Gujarat’s farmers.
Amitabhji is coming to Gujarat to promote Tourism in Gujarat and I welcome him. Gujarat is excited by his visit and a grand reception awaits him.
But I want to express my inner feelings.
There were plenty of innuendos and accusations when he became the brand ambassador of Gujarat tourism. Anybody in his place would have been shaken and backed out. Even his fans were worried whether he can withstand such onslaught.
But Amitabhji stood tall not only due to his physical height but also due to his determination in fulfilling his commitment. For the sake of Gujarat and India Amitabhji kept his words and this sort of commitment has set highest standard in professional ethics and has become a shining example for other professionals.
In this extreme heat wave conditions, when nobody from outside can even think of visiting Kutch even if paid, Amitabhji will spend three days in the white Rann of Kutch to promote tourism without charging a single penny. His altruism speaks about his love for Gujarat and India.
