October is Here

October is here.
As he monsoons recede and give way Autumn and  better weather, the spirits also soar
Now one can sit on the terrace and enjoy the morning cuppa of tea without sweating in the earlier hot and humid weather
The month has always been special to me.For one I was born in Oct and also found my soulmate in Oct when I got married way back in 1974.
Over a period of the past 68 odd years I have had various birthday celebrations,with family,friends at different places all over the world where I had been posted with Air India during my career spanning 35 years
I would like to share one such celebration today
I was posted as Manager Natal,Durban South Africa from 1993 to 1997.The Miss World contest was held on 19 Nov 1994 in Sun City South Africa on the outskirts of Johannesburg .Aishwarya Rai aged 21  was representing India at this event.
As part of the pre function preparations  all participants were at the Wild Coast Sun on the outskirts of Durban for a weekend on 26 and 27 Oct .The resort, a part of the Sun International Chain,is a 4 hour drive from Durban.
At that time Casinos and gambling was not allowed in South Africa and hence these casinos and resorts were set up outside South Africa and within drivable distances from the major cities like Durban,Johannesburg and Capetown

Air India had sponsored the opening of a  new Indian Restaurant ,opening  at the resort and as was fitting Aishwarya was to inaugurate the same
AI was a part of the proposed opening and had given away free tickets through a lucky draw. As Manager of AI I was present at the opening .I along with my wife had the opportunity to interact with Aishwarya as she along with the other contestants were staying at the resort as guests of Sun International. Sun International was the major sponsor of the event and the main function was being held at their resort in Sun City

Aishwarya one must confess was an ethereal beauty and carried herself elegantly .All types of dresses suited her .Though poised and confident outwardly.one could sense her nervousness when one spoke to her at a personal level/She was of course happy to see an Indian Family and interact with us

At the dinner on 26th Oct ,a Saturday,Aishwarya walked up to a Lady journalist and pecked ger on the cheek wishing her a happy birthday on 27th Oct .We were also on the same table and I loudly told her that since it was also my birthday on 27th Oct I also deserved the same

However she shrugged it off calling it a farce

Next day my friends from Durban had arranged a surprise Champagne Breakfast for me
As I cut the cake and all present burst out in  Happy birthday song,I looked at Aishwarya,who was also present there, reminding her of last nights conversation.She simply grinned and looked away sheepishly.This was at a function to honour Amitabh Bachchan by the British High Commission.
I happened to get a few moments with all the three Bachchans .I reminded Amitabh our two meetings in Durban during my stay .He was very polite and graceful .However when I reminded Aishwarya about our meeting in Durban and how she was nervous before the event, she skirted the conversation.
So much for personalities

In conclusion would like to wish all of you a happy Diwali and hope the festive season brings fulfillment of your dreams. peace and happiness

Stay safe and stay happy
.

start of my AI journey....a prelude

Aye retired from Air India on 31 Oct 2008 after 35 years and 9 months of service. My last posting was in Mumbai as Executive Director Cargo I joined Air India in Delhi in 1973 and travelled all over the world with AI both for business and pleasure Out of a total of 35 years of service I spent 12 years abroad in various stints at Muscat (Oman),Durban(South Africa),London (UK)and New York (USA),Paris(France) In addition I spent time in Mumbai and Bengaluru On the domestic front. With this brief background....on with the start of my journey in Air India My first memory of Air Travel dates back to mid fifties when my father,a government contractor had taken up construction assignments in Agartala We used to study in Delhi and visit him during our summer holiday In those days the quickest way to get to Agartala was by train from Delhi to Calcutta(Now Kolkatta) and then fly from there to Agartala by Indian Airlines in a Dakota aircraft over Now Bangla Desh (earlier East Pakistan) We used to stay overnight at the Railway Station in Kolkatta before taking the early morning flight to Agartala The evening in Kolkatta used to for be spent Shopping in the new Market,stick jaws at Firpos n shoes from JennKi...a Chinese shop.
Little did I know that I will join the airline industry and be a part of the Indian Aviation for over 35 years..More of that  later