I had to leave the IAF to take care of my sick father as my mom passed away at a young age .It was indeed painful to break a love affair of 12 long years to give priority to the one person for whom I did it all . The cancer was painful and eventually he passed on to the next 1/n
Having made the choice of leaving IAF and a family to feed , I took up commercial flying and picked up job in Mumbai in 2003. I started my civil career and was operating happily. One day we had some gora auditors walk in 2/n
My boss told me that we had to fly the chairman of a major international oil and gas giant .British Petroleum and probably a few VIPs in various places in the country .3/n
We positioned on the morning of the flight and we were told the state CM also would fly with us .My IAF days had developed a healthy disrespect for politicians mainly due to the stories of corruption and high handedness. So was least bothered of the politician coming with us. 4/n
I told the co pilot , surely these fellows are likely to delay all of us . When we arrived to pick up the VIPs from the Helipad, I was surprised o see that the CM cavalcade had arrived 15 minutes before scheduled departure time and was waiting for us . 5/n
Upon shutdown the CM came with his team and stood waiting for BP chairman to arrive .I stepped out shook his hand and stood few steps away .Listening to them speak. One thing I noticed was the clear eyes and absolute clarity of thought on the face of the politician's face . 6/n
Eventually we took off snd landed at our destination 50 minutes later. At the Helipad all the police and crowds of a 1000 odd had gathered for the welcome.The VIPs were whisked away after the customer garlanding etc. I was looking at a place to rest as we had to wait for 3h. 7/n
As all the cars started moving forward , I noticed the CMs car stop . The local SP was called to the car . The CM stepped out and gestured towards me and the SP to connect and all the cars drove away. The SP came to me and I asked him what was the CMs message ? . 8/n
The message was to take care of us and give us a place to rest. He took us to the government guest house. And the rest of the day and the subsequent flight back was uneventful. That was probably the best I have seen a politician treat his pilot having flown a few many later 9/n
The flight was Ahmedabad-Pipava - Ahmedabad . The politician was Shri Narendra Modi . I have been following him and his every move from that day onwards .Never ever felt disappointed .. 🙏🇮🇳 Thank you @narendramodi ji.
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