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- Published: October 1, 2021 15:08
New Delhi: With the reports saying that Tata Sons has won the bid for beleaguered Air India airline, it’s history being re-written. Though government is yet to confirm this deal, Twitter is going gaga over ‘homecoming’ of the airline to Tata Group and also sharing the nostalgic and iconic moments of JRD Tata and the airline.
For years, Air India has remained neck-deep in debt and continues to bleed the exchequer. The airline is reeling under a debt of Rs 60,000 crore and continues to be a money guzzling business for the government. Successive governments attempt to sell it but failed. Today, with Tata Sons winning the bid for govt-operated airline, the decks are cleared for its takeover by a private operator.
JRD Tata and the Maharaja association
The Tatas have a long history with the national carrier. The airline was founded by Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy (JRD) Tata with a small capital of Rs 2 lakh. He founded the airline In fact, JRD Tata piloted the first flight that heralded the beginning of Indian aviation in 1932.
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JRD Tata, a trained pilot and renowned industrialist launched Tata Airlines in 1932 and developed it from a night airmail service to a leading commercial carrier.
Nostalgia grips social media
As the news broke about Tata Sons winning bid for Air India, netizens are going nostalgic and recalling JRD Tata and his love for airline.
Many netizens dug out old photos of the national carrier along with along with snapshots of the crew members.
IndianHistoryPics shared a picture of JRD from the 1970s, standing in front of Air India Boeing 747, with the carrier’s hostess in their iconic saree uniform.
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1972 :: Air India Bombay -New York – Bombay Flight at Rs 4125/- Only pic.twitter.com/VCm8IatK8p
— indianhistorypics (@IndiaHistorypic) September 24, 2021
1960s :: Air India Flight Destinations pic.twitter.com/RiMZjI4qU5
— indianhistorypics (@IndiaHistorypic) October 1, 2021
1970s :: Shri J.R.D Tata as Chairman of Air India pic.twitter.com/Kr0892bK3L
— indianhistorypics (@IndiaHistorypic) October 1, 2021
Life comes full circle for Air India after 68 years! Back to its rightful owners. It’s a landmark moment in Indian economic history – and the end of the dark ages of Nationalization. pic.twitter.com/6DEbgu6yq8
— Porinju Veliyath (@porinju) October 1, 2021
My own friend Nehru stabbed me in my back. I can only deplore that so vital a step was taken without giving us a proper hearing. – JRD Tata on the cruel and sudden nationalisation of his beloved Airlines.
68 years later, Air India returns to the Tatas. What a day. What a man. pic.twitter.com/ceks7lK79R
— Anand Ranganathan (@ARanganathan72) October 1, 2021
Note that it was #Tata Group which founded Air India, 88 years ago and then was forced to give the control to Indian Govt after independence.
it is true ‘Ghar Wapasi’ for #AirIndia , albeit after a gap of 88 years. pic.twitter.com/xZ2iiqvk8Z
— Anil Singh (@Anilsingh9761) October 1, 2021