Kozhikode Air India crash: Dubai businessman Dhananjay Datar donates Rs. 2 million to families of deceased passengers

Masala King Dr. Dhananjay Datar, Chairman & Managing Director of Al Adil Trading, as part of his social responsibility initiatives, will give a total of Rs. 2 million as financial aid to the families of all those who died in the Air India Express flight that recently crashed at Kozhikode airport. “The aircraft was captained and operated by one of the most distinguished and experienced commanders, Captain Deepak Vasant Sathe, a decorated IAF officer.  My father, Mr. Mahadev Datar, was an ex-IAF officer and I have a strong affinity with the Air Force. When I heard this news I immediately felt the urge to do something for the victims and this is a small gesture from my side,” said Dr. Datar.

“The ill-fated flight had many passengers who had lost their jobs. In addition, there were many people who were going back after their visit visas expired. As I understand, many of the passengers had financial difficulties. This is a personal initiative from my side to reduce the burden on the families who were dependent on those who passed away in the air crash. Though this will in no way compensate for the loss of lives, at least this gesture from my side will help the family to tide over their difficulties,” he added.   

This is a CSR initiative from the side of Dr. Datar and so far he has spent more than a million dirham from his own fund to repatriate many Indians who got stuck on account of the pandemic.  His efforts to repatriate over 3800 stranded Indians were well appreciated by the Indian community as well as the local and expatriates living in this region. Dr. Datar, apart from providing the air tickets, also met the COVID test fees. In addition, he also provided food kits and made free quarantine arrangements, the cost of which was paid by him. “I have initiated the financial assistance process and I am coordinating directly with the Air India disaster management team to ensure that the aid reaches the right hands in a seamless manner. As always, I have the total support from Indian Consulate in this mission also,” he said.