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“Whatever happens, happens for good”—it’s just a phrase for most of us, but for UK-based Dr. Umang Patel, it became a life-saving reality.
Dr. Umang Patel was supposed to take the same Air India flight that tragically crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12. But just three days before the journey, he developed a sudden fever. On his family’s advice, he decided not to travel.
“Nothing Short of Divine Intervention,” Says Dr. Umang Patel
Dr. Patel and his family call it nothing short of divine intervention. They say it’s the blessings of Mataji.
Patel, who has been living in the UK for the last five years with his wife and children, had returned to India on May 24 to drop back his parents. Originally from Virpur taluka in Mahisagar district, he now runs a shopping mall in Northampton, UK.
Initially, he had planned his journey for June 2, but he had to postpone it after his father suffered a heart attack on May 28. Later, he rescheduled it to June 12, but destiny had better plans.
He recalled how he went to his in-laws’ place and developed a high fever, which led to postponing the trip again.
While speaking to The Times of India, Dr. Patel said:
I went to my wife’s home in Himmat Nagar on June 9 and suddenly developed a high fever. I couldn’t even stand properly. My family insisted I postpone the trip, so I cancelled my June 12 ticket and booked one for June 15.
Dr. Umang Patel
He recalled being too numb to react at first and finally said, “I was saved by Mataji Krupa (grace). She protected me. I pray for those who lost their lives,” he added, visibly emotional.
His father, Ramesh, also said, “I told my son not to board the flight that day. Mataji saved him.”
The family keeps going back to how each delay, each change of plan, ended up saving his life.
While He Was Saved, Another Doctor Lost His Life
While Dr. Umang Patel was saved by a twist of fate, another doctor, Dr. Hitesh Shah, a renowned surgeon from Surat, wasn’t as fortunate.
Just before boarding the ill-fated Ahmedabad-to-London flight AI171, Dr. Shah had a final conversation with a colleague about a patient whom he said he’d check on after returning to Surat on July 1.
“The words of Dr. Shah about a patient’s treatment are still ringing in my ears. I had called him to refer a patient at about 12:30 PM, after which he boarded the flight,” said physician Dr. Rajesh Agarwal, speaking to The Times of India.
Dr. Shah, who had 40 years of experience, was traveling to London with his wife, Amita Shah, to celebrate his sister’s birthday. He had planned to return by July 1.
They Too Were Onboard
There were six other passengers from Surat onboard as well. Three members of the Nanabawa family—Akil Abdualla, his wife Hana, and their daughter Sara—were returning to London after celebrating Eid in Surat.
Other victims included Vibhuti Atulkumar Patel and Arjunsinh Vansadiya, along with his wife Divya Vansadiya.
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Pooja Bansal/MSM)
