Bathinda college principal recounts terrifying experience after returning from Dubai

Mohali: A sense of relief and gratitude marked the return of several Punjabis, who arrived safely at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport after being stranded in Dubai amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Among them was Dr Neeru Garg, principal of SSD Girls College Bathinda, who described the days of uncertainty as one of the most frightening experiences of her life. Garg returned with her husband, Parveen Garg, after spending several tense days in Dubai as the situation in the Middle East deteriorated. The couple, along with other families from Punjab, was unable to travel due to disruptions and growing fears of a wider conflict.Narrating the ordeal, Dr Garg said the atmosphere in Dubai became tense as reports of missile strikes and explosions from the ongoing conflict filled the air with fear. "We are thankful to the Almighty for bringing us back safely to our native land," she said. "It was a horrifying experience. Until our flight finally landed in Mumbai, we remained under constant fear. We could hear and see explosions and missiles flying across the sky and destroying buildings a few kilometres away." She said the fear was compounded by health concerns as the family ran out of essential medicines while stranded. "We exhausted our blood pressure medicines and there was no proper medical assistance available. Even the hotel staff had no idea where we could get medicines from. Those days were terrifying," she recalled. Along with Dr Garg and her husband, several other passengers, including Sanjeev Sardha and Satyam Sardha from Pathankot, Vishal and Harjot Kaur from Patiala, and another family from Panchkula, also returned safely. According to special secretary (NRI Affairs) Amandeep Kaur, "Many stranded families in Dubai arrived safely here today. The passengers included Dr Neeru Garg, principal of SSD Girls College, Bathinda, along with her husband, Parveen Garg. Around 9 to 10 people arrived today, and they said that there were around 22 people who boarded the flight from Dubai to Mumbai and will be arriving on other flights to Chandigarh." She said that the NRI affairs department established a special help desk at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali, to assist Punjabis stranded abroad.
Dr Sunny Singh Ahluwalia, chairman of the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board, received the returning families at the airport and assured support to Punjabis stranded abroad. He said the govt also set up a special help desk at the airport and issued helpline numbers to assist families affected by the crisis.Dr Ahluwalia stated that the safety of every Indian living abroad is the responsibility of the Central Govt. He urged that Punjabis residing in affected regions, including Israel, Iran, Dubai, and Qatar, should be identified immediately and contacted directly. If required, their safe return should be ensured through special flights or chartered flights.He further stated that the state govt is ready to extend every possible support at its level. To assist family members, helpline numbers 0172-2260042, 0172-2260043, and WhatsApp number +91 9478779112 were issued. MSID: 129089753 413 |