Gujarati Family's Harrowing Escape from War Zone Culminates in Ahmedabad Safety
Ahmedabad: Sonal Bhagat, a resident of Robbinsville, New Jersey, USA, still experiences profound shudders when recalling the days spent navigating the perilous, conflict-hit regions of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia before finally reaching the safe embrace of Ahmedabad. "We saw the ground condition firsthand, and can only imagine what catastrophic outcomes might have unfolded if help had not arrived so promptly. We truly felt an overwhelming sense of safety only after our aircraft touched down at Ahmedabad airport," she recounted, her voice still laden with the heavy weight of those intensely anxious hours.
An Unplanned, Perilous Journey Across Borders
Bhagat was among a group of eighteen Gujaratis who were thrust into an unplanned and dangerous journey across two nations—Kuwait and Saudi Arabia—by road before they could secure a flight back to India. The group, which arrived in Ahmedabad ten days ago, attributes its survival and safe return entirely to the timely and selfless intervention of dedicated volunteers from the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, with crucial support emanating from its Abu Dhabi temple.
Swami Brahmviharidas from the Abu Dhabi temple detailed the urgent response. He explained that they received a desperate call from the Robbinsville temple regarding devotees stranded in Kuwait after their scheduled flight was abruptly halted on February 27 due to the escalating war situation between Israel and Iran. "Our volunteers immediately mobilized without hesitation, reaching the motels where the distressed families were staying, and ensured they received essential food and basic support," Swami Brahmviharidas stated.
Guided by Compassion in Crisis
"Guided by Mahant Swami's profound belief that our true happiness lies in the happiness of others, every single volunteer stepped forward with complete selflessness," he emphasized. With no clarity or certainty regarding onward flights from Kuwait, the group was advised to undertake the risky crossing into Saudi Arabia and travel onward to Jeddah to catch a flight to India.
Ashok Kotecha, chairman of the Abu Dhabi temple, highlighted the critical logistical support. He noted that a key logistics contact, Aslam Kazi, played an indispensable role in helping arrange the long, uncertain, and complex journey across international borders. The dedicated volunteers remained steadfastly with the group, providing continuous support and reassurance until they successfully boarded their flight home to India.
A Life-Altering Experience
Purvi Patel, another member of the evacuated group, shared that the entire experience has left a deep and lasting impact on all involved. "We were constantly living in a state of uncertainty, never knowing what lay ahead of us. The comprehensive care we received—from secure shelter to nourishing food and reliable transport—has fundamentally changed us. It has powerfully strengthened our collective resolve to give back to the community and help others in their times of need," Patel reflected emotionally.
The group's ordeal underscores the severe human toll of international conflicts, while simultaneously highlighting the extraordinary power of community, faith, and humanitarian aid in navigating such crises and ensuring safe passage home.
