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Tunia Cherian George

Mumbai , Oct. 15

IT was a special way to celebrate a birthday. Air India marked the 71st anniversary of J.R.D. Tata's historic flight from Karachi to Mumbai via Ahmedabad, by treating 340 critically ill and physically challenged children to an hour-long joyride in the skies over Mumbai.

For the children, most of who were from the economically backward section of society, it was a dream come true.

A dream that became reality thanks to the combined efforts of Air India, the Make-A-Wish Foundation (MAWF), the Indian Cancer Society, and city-based NGOs Jyoti Seva Sangh-Apang Seva and the Sulabha Trust for Special Education and Research.

Film and television personality Javed Jaffrey also pitched in to add cheer to the occasion. Signing autographs, posing for snaps, cracking jokes and mimicking public personalities, he had the kids in good spirits right through.

The Maharajah, the endearing mascot of the airline, also made an appearance for the landmark flight.

Chitralekha Martin, CEO of MAWF, said: "The Make-A-Wish Foundation, founded in the US in 1980, was formed to grant the special wishes of children who have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. While a bowl of fruit may be the ultimate desire of some of these children, flying is the dream of many of them."

The foundation brought 35 children for the flight, each of whom was recommended by doctors working with various hospitals in the city.

According to her, a wish granted to a child who is sick and in despair gives hope and lifts spirits. She goes on to add that doctors have it that such acts even have a recuperative affect on the child.

The foundation has so far granted nearly 2,500 wishes, she said.

Sulabha Karun, who brought along 95 mentally challenged children from the Sulabha Trust, said all the children were very excited about the flight. In fact, their parents were equally enthusiastic and had reached the airport with their wards much in advance of the scheduled departure time.

The Trust teaches the children `functional academics' and skills to deal with their environment.

According to Karun, the children also make articles such as floor swabs, envelopes and chalk, which are then sold in the market.

Though it may have been just another flight for Air India, it was a special one for all the passengers on board. Not a bad way to mark the passing of yet another year in its long journey.

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