Returning from Manipur, hoping for some quiet time to process my experiences, I boarded UK 615—unaware it would become a journey of connection and care.
Seated next to a co-passenger watching a web series on the IC 814 hijacking, we started talking. He mentioned hearing about the incident from his parents, which sparked our conversation. However, something more unexpected unfolded about 1.5 hours into the flight.
A lady on board suddenly felt unwell while waiting to use the restroom. She collapsed, and if not for the quick reactions of fellow passengers, she could have fallen hard. Seated on 1D and 1E, my co-passenger and I immediately stood up to help, along with the cabin crew. As fortune would have it, there was a senior citizen doctor couple on the flight. Without any panic or fuss, the crew, the doctors, and other passengers worked together seamlessly.
We asked people for smartwatches to check her vitals, and soon enough, we learned she had hypertension and high blood pressure. The crew followed their protocol perfectly, ensuring she was soon back in her seat, stable and calm. Meanwhile, a group of schoolchildren from the Creative School watched with curious but worried faces.
What touched me most was their concern. As the situation stabilized, one child came up to me and asked, “Ma’am, is she okay? I hope she feels better.” Another chimed in, “Thank you for helping out.” These were such heartfelt words from young souls—proof that compassion and care run deep in this generation. Their concern was a reminder that empathy is alive and well, even in the smallest of passengers.
As the flight settled back into its rhythm, the captain sent his thanks via the crew. Later, I received a message that truly warmed my heart:
“Good Evening Dr. Gitanjali, this is Capt Shiraz Jayabhanu. Just returned to BLR, so excuse the slight delay in reaching out to you. Just wanted to say thank you for your help with the individual who was having issues due to High BP in flight UK615. Your selfless assistance in the matter saved us a lot of trouble. Especially since we knew, the individual was in good hands. Thank you once again, for helping us reach our destination without having to divert. Enjoy your weekend and have a safe trip. Rgds.”
In aviation parlance, it was an honor to fly with the Captain, crew, and passengers on UK 615. These small acts speak volumes about how people come together to care, making the world better. To the crew, passengers, and the children who asked, “Is she okay?”—well done. This flight was a reminder of the power of choosing to care.
