Saturday 27 / July / 2024
MUSCAT: In the serene halls of Indian School Wadi Kabir (ISWK) International, grief casts a heavy shadow as the news of the school’s IT teacher Nambi Rajesh’s sudden demise on Monday reverberates through the community.
At just 42 years old, Rajesh leaves behind a family - a wife, a son, and a daughter. Yet, amidst the collective mourning, a tale of profound injustice unfolds, highlighted by the callous indifference of airlines, deepening the agony for Rajesh’s grieving kin. As Rajesh fought for his life in the hospital in Muscat, his wife, Amrita, yearned to be by his side in his final moments.
However, fate, coupled with the indifferent operations of Air India Express, thwarted her every attempt. Despite Amrita’s desperate endeavours to traverse the distance from Thiruvananthapuram in the southern Indian state of Kerala, each effort was met with insurmountable obstacles.
Amrita’s ordeal began when she booked tickets to fly to Muscat on May 8 upon learning of her husband’s hospitalisation.
However, her hopes were dashed as her flight fell victim to the Air India Express crew strike, leaving her unable to reach her ailing husband. Subsequent attempts to travel were equally futile, with cancelled flights and impassable barriers hindering her path.
On the fateful Monday, news of Rajesh’s passing reached Amrita, shattering her world irrevocably.
“It was so unfair that she could not see him for one last time,” lamented Amrita’s mother to an Indian TV channel, echoing the profound anguish of a wife robbed of the chance to bid farewell.
Kind person
ISWK International Principal D N Rao, said, “Rajesh was renowned for his warm and welcoming demeanour, always ready with a kind word whenever needed.”
He added: “Throughout his tenure at ISWK, he exhibited unwavering dedication and compassion.”
Such sentiments were echoed by former student Palak Singhvi, who fondly remembered her IT teacher as “a beacon of warmth and wisdom.”
Palak, who is a class 10th student in India, said, “His gentle way of dealing with us and dedication left an indelible mark on all of us as students. We will miss him.”
The impact of Rajesh’s departure extends far beyond the school walls, touching the hearts of parents who recognised his unwavering commitment to student welfare.
“Mr. Nambi Rajesh was extremely helpful with any technology-related matter,” lamented one parent, reflecting on Rajesh’s invaluable contributions.
“Be it online classes or access to the student portal, he ensured that all the academic information was easy to access. He was helpful and kind to students and often went out of his way to ensure students’ welfare. His death is a profound loss for all of us.”
However, the tragedy exposes deeper systemic failings within the airline industry, as Amrita’s harrowing ordeal highlights the toll of logistical indifference and corporate apathy. “Despite her impassioned pleas, the airline remained obstinate,” Amrita revealed to an Indian news agency, underscoring the urgent need for empathy and accountability.
As Muscat mourns the loss of a cherished educator, Rajesh’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the need for greater compassion and responsibility, particularly in moments of profound vulnerability.”
