Mangalore : Survivors Thank God and Leave

Pics by Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Watch Video - Click Here

MANGALORE, May 25 (Times of India): Not many get a chance to cheat death. But Pradeep, 28, Moin Kutty, 48, and Krishnan, 49, three of the eight survivors on board IX-812, not only did so, but are now looking forward to start their lives afresh. These survivors were given a fond farewell on Tuesday at SCS Hospital where they were admitted for treatment. However, they are yet to fully overcome the trauma of Black Saturday.

The three were unanimous that the fateful last few minutes prior to the crash, and their survival, will haunt them for the rest of their lives. So fazed are they by the entire incident that they are yet to make up their minds on whether they would like to board a flight again. Incidentally, all three hold paying jobs back in the Gulf, and a decision not to return has major financial implications, as they agreed.

Interestingly, now that they have had a rebirth of sorts, they have left the final decision on getting airborne again to their families. Krishnan's wife Bindu, Pradeep's brother Chandrakanth, and Moin Kutty's wife Bee Fathu are, indeed, happy to see their loved ones firmly on terra firma. Bee Fathu said the family, which depended on Kutty's Gulf earnings, would assess their next step after taking a breather.

GOD'S MYSTERIOUS WAYS

Another aspect of their renewed tryst with life is further deepening their ties and admiration for the way the Almighty works. The first thing we will do once we reach home is pay our tributes to the Almighty, they said. It will then be some personal moments with our near and dear ones, and some time alone to reflect on the past few days, Krishnan said. Kutty said if he is still alive, it is only due to God's grace.

Krishnan's daughters Kripa, 9, and Keerthi, 13, who appeared a bit taken aback by the overt interest in their father, told TOI they are glad their dad is still with them. It is God's will, was all these young minds could conjure up, when asked if they could comprehend the scale of the tragedy.

As did Bee Fathu: "It is God's will that Kutty is still with us and will reunite with Munnavar and Jumanna, our children.''

The survivors and their family, in their hour of crisis, did not fail to thank the hospital management for the care. They treated us very well, Kutty, Krishnan and Pradeep said. They were particularly thankful to Jeevaraj Sorake, managing director of the hospital who took keen interest in their treatment and recovery. Krishnan has a minor fracture on his left arm, Pradeep has minor burns and Kutty a bruise on his head.