A dream wedding reception in Karnataka turned into a virtual reality for a newly-married couple after widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo left them stranded over a thousand kilometers away. The couple, Sangram Das and Megha Ksheerasagar, were forced to greet their guests and accept blessings through a video conference screen, a poignant symbol of the travel chaos affecting thousands across India.
Plans Grounded by IndiGo's Operational Disruption
Sangram, from Bhubaneswar, and Megha, from Hubballi, both software engineers based in Bengaluru, had their wedding in Bhubaneswar on November 23. They planned a grand reception in the bride's hometown of Hubballi, Karnataka, on December 3. Their travel itinerary involved flying from Bhubaneswar to Bengaluru on the evening of December 2, followed by a road journey to Hubballi.
However, their plans were derailed when their IndiGo flight was delayed for hours and finally cancelled around 4 am on December 3. This cancellation was part of a larger operational meltdown for the airline, which led to thousands of passengers being stranded at airports nationwide. As the reception venue in Hubballi was decorated and guests began to arrive, the couple remained stuck in Bhubaneswar with no feasible way to reach in time.
A Father's Quick Thinking Saves the Day
Faced with a hall full of waiting guests and an absent bride and groom, the bride's father, Anil Ksheerasagar, sprang into action. A chemist by profession who is accustomed to online client meetings, Anil conceived a tech-savvy solution. "Realising that there was no immediate mode through which my daughter and son-in-law could make it to the reception, we had to come up with a solution," Anil told The Indian Express.
He quickly arranged for a large screen and a high-speed internet connection at the venue. The couple was instructed to get ready for a virtual appearance. Within hours, a live video link was established, allowing Sangram and Megha to participate in their own celebration remotely. Anil noted that the guests were initially surprised but eventually embraced the unique situation, offering their greetings and blessings to the couple through the screen.
Apologies and an Alternate Journey Home
During the virtual reception, the couple apologized to their assembled family and friends for not being able to be there in person. Meanwhile, Anil and other family members hosted the guests at the physical venue in Hubballi. The disruption forced a change in their travel plans. The couple eventually managed to reach Bengaluru on Friday, December 4, via a different airline, and were undertaking the final leg of their journey to Hubballi by road.
This incident highlights the severe personal impact of large-scale flight disruptions, turning a milestone celebration into an unforgettable, albeit unexpected, virtual event. It also showcases the resilience and quick adaptation of families using commonplace technology to overcome significant logistical hurdles.
