In prompt response to a request by a woman, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday directed 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.
Ms 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. https://t.co/W5may5dy0H
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 11, 2016
"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," Ms Swaraj tweeted.
Soon after Ms Swaraj's instruction, the Indian Embassy asked Ms Takru to share Mr Kaul's contact details with it so that visa can be granted expeditiously.
This dreadful wait must end. Please give my son Indian visa in US so his father may be cremated. Please support. Need empathy.
— Sarita Takru (@saritakru) October 11, 2016
Ms Takru said her husband died on Monday and she had expressed anguish after knowing that the embassy will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Please please do something so our only child can see his father.
— Sarita Takru (@saritakru) October 11, 2016
"...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," Ms Takru tweeted.
@saritakru please send your contact details too ssvisa@indiagov.org @SushmaSwaraj
— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) October 11, 2016
To this, Ms Swaraj responded, saying, "I am sorry to know about the sad demise of your husband. Just wait - I will help you."
@saritakru we are trying to contact you. Please share your or son's contacts. Pls call us at 202531226 to expedite visa @SushmaSwaraj
— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) October 11, 2016
The External Affairs Minister is known for her prompt response to Indians in distress abroad.
