The Indian Panorama

Tag: JFK airport

  • Air India relaunches direct flight from New York to Mumbai from JFK Airport, New York

    Air India relaunches direct flight from New York to Mumbai from JFK Airport, New York

    Lighting of the lamp. Ambassador Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, Consul General of India at New York lights the lamp . (Photo:Vijay Shah)
    Mr. Roel Huinink, CEO, JFK Airport lights the lamp. (Photo : Vijay Shah)

    I.S. Saluja with Vijay Shah

    NEW YORK (TIP): Tata Air India, on February 14, relaunched from JFK airport the direct flight from New York to Mumbai. Impressive ceremonies, from seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings to the beat of the Maharashtrian Dhol Tasha, to exquisite dances, with the usual ribbon cutting, lamp lighting to cutting of the cake, marked the festive occasion. Ambassador Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, Consul General of India at New York who was the chief guest, cut the ribbon to inaugurate the relaunch ceremonies in the presence of Mr. Roel Huinink, CEO JFK Airport, Mr. Sunil Daware, Regional Manager (Americas) Air India, Mr. Girish Salian, Air India Manager at JFK, Capt. Shomu Sinha, Amarjit Singh, Deputy Manager, JFK, community leaders and Air India staff.

    Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Randhir Kumar Jaiswal thanked the Tata Group-who now owned Air India for relaunching the direct flight from New York to Mumbai which he said, will help the passengers to save time and experience less travel fatigue.

    Mr. Sunil Daware, Regional Manager, Americas, Air India lights the lamp. (Photo : Vijay Shah)
    Air India New York to Mumbai flight crew poses for a photograph. (Photo : Vijay Shah)

    Mr. Sunil Daware gave a brief history of Air India. The airline came into being in 1932. Bharat Ratna J.R.D Tata founded the airline which was acquired by Government of Indian 1953. It is after 70 years that Air India came back to Tata Group on 27th, January 2022 . Tata Group now fully owns Air India. In order to strengthen the fleet, Tata Group has announced purchase of 470 aircraft with Airbus and Boeing, including 260 widebody planes, the largest order ever. Mr. Daware said that soon more direct flights on various routes will be added.”

    Mr. Roel Huinink said that Air India will now increase traffic at JFK Airport since direct flights are going to be added for convenience of travelers. He appreciated the Indian community which he said is very diverse and courageous.

    Ambassador Jaiswal, Mr Daware, Mr. Huinink, Capt. Shomu Sinha, Mr. Amarjit Singh, the Air India staff and a few community leaders joined in cake cutting, followed by a breakfast.

    The Maharashtra Dhol Tasha celebrating the occasion.(Photo : Vijay Shah)
    One of the dance groups. (Photo : Vijay Shah)
    Ambassador Jaiswal presenting Air India Star award for excellent services to Amarjit Singh, Air India Manager at the JFK airport. (Photo : Vijay Shah)
    Time to cut the cake and celebrate the relaunch of the flight. (Photo : Vijay Shah)
    The check-in time. (Photo: Vijay Shah)

  • Remembering Mom on Mother’s Day

    Sangeet Sharma

    I vividly remember standing at the JFK Airport with flowers in hand and my entire family in tow eagerly anticipating the arrival of my mother from New Delhi. During the 45 minutes, it took her to clear the immigration and to come out, I experienced a bundle of emotions – excitement, joy, euphoria and anxiety- all at the same time. This was the longest time since I had seen my mom and realized how much I had missed her since moving to New York.

    All along, my eyes were glued to the swinging doors and when I saw her emerge from behind a group of tourists, I could hardly contain myself and started crying uncontrollably with tears of joy. I ran and hugged her, just holding her tightly, long enough to erase any distance or passage of time between us.

    Despite her long and tiring journey, her face lit up when she first saw me.The familiar pet name she had given me sweetly echoed in my ears. She included my brother in that long protective embrace like a typical loving mother, blessing both familiar and new members of our respective families with a moist smile.

    Now that she has passed on, I can still feel that embrace and see that beautiful smile every night I go to bed!

    Memories bring on nostalgia and cherished pleasures.  Mom’s family famous tasty food, great cup of tea any time of the day/ evening, her friendship, company, thoughtfulness, abundant love and so many other memories pop up every now and then. Her love for music, mountains,has genetically surfaced in me    with time.

    Miss you Mom and hope you are spreading Smiles and are happy, loved and blessed wherever you are in the Universe now.

    Mom, Kamal Bhatia, we are remembering and thanking you today with fondness, love and eternal gratitude.

    Sangeet Sharma – Daughter

    Rajeev Bhatia – Brother