Jaipur, June 14
Amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, several countries have suspended international flights due to heightened security concerns. This disruption has left many Indian citizens stranded abroad including 61 people from Rajasthan which also includes Mangalam Group Chairman N.K.
Gupta and his wife. The stranded people were part of a delegation attending a professional event in Tbilisi, Georgia. These individuals, mostly Chartered Accountants (CAs) and their families, were attending a Residential Refresher Course organised by the Rajasthan Tax Consultants Association.
The delegation, comprising 65 people in total -- including 29 CAs and their family members -- departed from Jaipur on June 8. The group includes 60 members from Jaipur, one CA each from Jaisalmer and Kota, along with their spouses and children.
CA Bhavik Bhatia of Jaisalmer, accompanied by his wife and child, is among those stranded. He has made a public plea to the Indian government for evacuation through a video message sent from Georgia.
Bhavik also tweeted directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and other officials seeking urgent assistance.
Although there is currently no war-like situation in Georgia, the group remains anxious due to the geopolitical tension and flight disruptions.
Originally, the group was scheduled to return to Jaipur via Sharjah on June 13, with their flight expected to land on June 14 at 4:45 AM.
However, flight operations were suspended amid the ongoing conflict, leaving all 61 Rajasthanis stranded in Georgia.
Rajasthan Tax Consultants Association President Ratan Goyal, speaking to the media, confirmed the situation and appealed to both the Indian government and Rajasthan state authorities to intervene and ensure the safe return of all members.
He emphasised that while everyone is currently safe and accommodated in a hotel, they are eager to return home due to growing concerns over the regional conflict.
Meanwhile, Bhavik's father, Pramod Bhatia, expressed deep worry and urged the government to facilitate the safe evacuation of his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson at the earliest.
Among the stranded are also Mangalam Group Chairman CA N.K. Gupta and his wife, further highlighting the scale of the issue and the urgency for diplomatic intervention.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Our government should act swiftly to bring back all stranded Indians. This is a testing time for our diplomatic channels. Hope MEA is working on alternative routes via friendly nations like UAE or Russia. #BringThemHome 🇮🇳
Why do professional groups plan international events during such volatile times? The Middle East situation was already tense. Organizers should have considered postponing. That said, hope our Rajasthan brothers-sisters return safely soon ðŸ™
Georgia is relatively safe compared to conflict zones, but the uncertainty must be terrible for families. Our embassies have handled worse situations before - remember Ukraine evacuation? Have faith in our systems!
As a CA myself, I know how important these refresher courses are for professionals. But safety comes first! The association should have travel insurance covering such emergencies. Praying for their safe return 🪔
The presence of a prominent industrialist like N.K. Gupta in the group might actually help get faster government attention. Not saying it's right, but that's how things work sometimes. Hope all get equal priority though!
Can't imagine the stress for families with small children stranded there. Our government should arrange special flights like during COVID. The Rajasthan CM should also intervene - after all, most are from Jaipur!
While we focus on evacuation, let's not forget this shows how interconnected our world is. A conflict miles away affects Rajasthani CAs in Georgia
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.