Ajit Pawar's Harrowing Helicopter Experience: A Tale of Faith and Fear
In a poignant recollection that has gained renewed significance, the late Ajit Pawar once narrated a terrifying mid-air experience during a helicopter journey to Gadchiroli in July 2024. The anecdote, shared publicly after a safe landing, now serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks of air travel, following Pawar's tragic death in a plane crash.
The Fateful Flight to Gadchiroli
On July 17, 2024, Ajit Pawar embarked on a helicopter trip from Nagpur to the Maoist-affected district of Gadchiroli. He was accompanied by then deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and industries minister Uday Samant. Their mission was to attend the foundation laying ceremony for the Surjagarh Ispat project. However, the journey quickly turned perilous due to severe weather conditions.
The helicopter encountered heavy rain, dense fog, and dark cloud cover, resulting in near-zero visibility. Pawar later described the scene vividly, noting how the aircraft wobbled uncontrollably within the clouds. "When we started from Nagpur, everything was fine. But later, when the helicopter went into the clouds, I looked around, we couldn't see the ground or trees. We were flying blindly," he recounted during a public address at Wadlapet in Gadchiroli.
A Contrast in Reactions: Panic and Poise
As fear gripped him, Pawar admitted to feeling a knot in his stomach. In sharp contrast, Devendra Fadnavis, seated beside him, remained remarkably calm and unperturbed. Fadnavis continued to chat casually, even as the situation grew increasingly tense. When Pawar expressed his concerns, Fadnavis offered reassurance based on his own experiences.
"Don't worry at all. I have faced six such situations. Whenever I am in a helicopter or plane, nothing happens to me. So, nothing will happen to you either," Pawar quoted Fadnavis as saying. This remark, though intended to comfort, initially amplified Pawar's anxiety. "I thought to myself, 'My goodness, what is he saying? I had a sinking feeling and was constantly chanting 'Panduranga, Panduranga'. And here was this ‘maharaj' (Fadnavis) giving me advice," Pawar humorously recalled.
Spiritual Solace and a Safe Landing
Throughout the ordeal, Pawar found solace in spirituality. It was Ashadhi Ekadashi, and he kept chanting the name of Lord Pandurang to calm his nerves. "It was Ashadhi Ekadashi and I kept chanting the name of Lord Pandurang in the tense moments," he shared. He also attributed their safe arrival to the good deeds of Fadnavis's elders, adding a touch of humility to his narrative.
The tension finally eased when Uday Samant, seated to Pawar's right, spotted the ground. "Uday Samant was sitting to my right, and he said, 'Dada, Dada, look… The ground is finally visible'. Jokes apart, everyone must take care," Pawar concluded, emphasizing the importance of caution in air travel.
A Somber Reflection After Tragedy
Following Ajit Pawar's untimely death at the age of 66, this once light-hearted anecdote has transformed into a poignant reflection. It underscores the unpredictable dangers associated with flying, especially in challenging weather conditions. The story not only highlights Pawar's personal vulnerability and faith but also showcases the contrasting composure of his colleague, Devendra Fadnavis.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the bravery required by public figures who frequently travel to remote and risky areas for official duties. It also resonates deeply with the public, offering a humanizing glimpse into the fears and experiences of political leaders amidst their demanding schedules.
