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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Bhujbal’s chopper lands in Pune parking lot

Mumbai : In what is suspected to be a breach of aviation protocols, a chartered helicopter ferrying Food & Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal from Mumbai to Pune skipped a designated helipad and landed in a vehicle parking lot almost a km away.   The shocker happened in Purandar taluka, where Bhujbal was slated to attend a function marking the 200 th  birth anniversary of the social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in his home village Khanwadi.   As crowds of bewildered people watched...

Bhujbal’s chopper lands in Pune parking lot

Mumbai : In what is suspected to be a breach of aviation protocols, a chartered helicopter ferrying Food & Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal from Mumbai to Pune skipped a designated helipad and landed in a vehicle parking lot almost a km away.   The shocker happened in Purandar taluka, where Bhujbal was slated to attend a function marking the 200 th  birth anniversary of the social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in his home village Khanwadi.   As crowds of bewildered people watched from around the sprawling parking lot, the helicopter appeared to drop speed in its flight, flew over some overhead high-tension electric cables, and descended gingerly into the parking lot - raising a thick dust-storm in which it disappeared for seconds - before touching the ground.   Moments later, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) senior leader Bhujbal and others stepped out of the chopper, looked around in the unfamiliar territory before several vehicles and police teams rushed there. Minutes before there was chaos and confusion with some locals shouting warnings at the ‘wrong landing’.   Eyewitnesses said that the chopper’s powerful rotors created a thick dust storm and sparked alarm among the people in the vicinity, and many scrambled to the spot to check what exactly was going on in the parking lot.   Later, the Pune Police said that a designated helipad was available for the chopper landing but were at a loss to explain how the pilot missed it and veered off quite a distance away in the vehicle parking space. Subsequently, they asked the pilot to fly it to the correct landing spot.   Shaken and angry local NCP leaders questioned how a pilot flying a VIP on an official trip could mistake a parking lot for a helipad when the weather and visibility was clear. They demanded to know whether the helipad was improperly marked or it was a question of communication or sheer negligence.   The Pune Police indicated that they would report the matter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) which may take action against the errant pilot and the helicopter company.   “There was no accident. We all emerged safely. The helicopter pilot landed wrongly in a parking lot because the helipad was not visible. All of us are fine and there is nothing to worry,” said Bhujbal, before he was whisked off by his security team.   “There are many faults in numerous airplanes and helicopters, including maintenance issues and other problems. That's why I keep saying consistently that VIPs must exercise caution while flying. Fortunately, an accident was averted today, but that doesn't mean the authorities should be negligent. We expect the government to take urgent precautions.” Rohit R. Pawar, MLA, NCP (SP)

Global Emails, Powerful

Updated: Dec 23, 2024

Global Emails

In today’s hyper-connected world, where communication transcends borders, every email you send says more about you than you realize. Whether you’re interacting with clients in the U.S., partners in Europe, or collaborators in Asia, your emails create a snapshot of your personal brand. As an Indian professional operating globally—and currently experiencing Australia’s dynamic business environment—I’ve seen first-hand how email practices shape perceptions and determine opportunities.


An email is often your first impression, and sometimes the only impression, you make on someone. It’s more than just words; it’s a reflection of your professionalism, values, and how seriously you take your business relationships. In a world where physical meetings are becoming rarer and virtual connections more common, your personal brand is being crafted one email at a time.


Consider this: when you receive a vague, error-ridden email, what assumptions do you make about the sender? Now contrast that with a thoughtful, well-structured email that addresses your concerns, maintains clarity, and respects your time. The difference is stark. The first email may leave you questioning the sender’s competence, while the second instils confidence. The same holds true for you when you’re the one sending that email.


Your tone, clarity, and attention to detail all contribute to how others perceive you. For example, while casual language may work well with colleagues in some cultures, it may appear unprofessional to partners in others. Understanding these nuances and adapting your style can elevate your personal brand. Being in Australia has reinforced this for me— interacting with people from diverse cultural backgrounds requires heightened sensitivity to communication styles. These small adjustments can mean the difference between building a strong global network or losing potential clients.


Every part of your email matters. A clear subject line shows respect for the recipient’s time. A concise, well-structured message demonstrates efficiency and reliability. Proper grammar and punctuation convey diligence and care. Even your sign-off and signature—complete with your name, title, and relevant links—reinforce your identity and credibility. Including your LinkedIn profile or website adds another layer of authenticity to your brand.


Imagine pitching a business proposal to an international client. If your email is sloppy or unclear, the client may question your ability to handle the project. On the other hand, a polished email can establish you as trustworthy, organized, and committed to excellence. Your emails don’t just communicate ideas; they communicate you.


In this competitive world, personal branding through email is no longer optional—it’s essential. With global layoffs and market uncertainty, your ability to present yourself consistently and confidently could be the edge that sets you apart. Every email you send is an opportunity to demonstrate your value and professionalism, ensuring that clients and colleagues remember you for the right reasons.


As someone who navigates global communications from India, my current trip to Australia has reinforced a powerful lesson: geographical boundaries don’t limit your brand; how you show up digitally does. By treating each email as a representation of your personal brand, you build credibility, trust, and lasting relationships. In a world where deals are won and lost with a click, make sure your emails reflect the story you want the world to know.


Your brand isn’t just what you say about yourself; it’s what your communication says about you. Craft your emails thoughtfully, and you’ll not only connect with the world—you’ll stand out in it.


Stay tuned to my upcoming articles as I travel and explore another part of this world, I shall be sharing insights from my trip too. Connect with me on my social media handles to stay updated with what’s next in store.


(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+countries. Views personal.)

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