Sushma Swaraj comes to the rescue of a woman in distress

New Delhi, Oct 12: In prompt response to a request by a woman, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday directed the Indian Embassy in Washington to give visa to an Indian to attend his father's last rites despite the mission being closed for two days for Vijaya Dashmi and Moharram.

Swaraj's directive to the Embassy came after Sarita Takru, a resident of Karnal, appealed to the External Affairs Minister on Twitter to give visa to her US-based son Abhai Kaul so he can attend his father's cremation.

"Our Embassy in US is closed for Vijaya Dashmi and Moharram. I have sent a message. We will open the Embassy and give visa to your son," Swaraj tweeted.

Soon after Swaraj's instruction, the Indian Embassy asked Takru to share Kaul's contact details with it so that visa can be granted expeditiously. Takru said her husband died on Monday and she had expressed anguish after knowing that the embassy will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"...Can't get Indian visa before Local Thursday. Is this human?"

"This dreadful wait must end. Please give my son Indian visa in US so his father may be cremated. Please support. Need empathy," Takru had tweeted.

To this, Swaraj responded, saying, "I am sorry to know about the sad demise of your husband. Just wait - I will help you."

The External Affairs Minister is known for her prompt response to Indians in distress abroad. She has come to the rescue of several Indians and other nationals in the past who have approached her.

PTI