In 1966, I, along with 18 others from India, had an opportunity of flying by the Trans World Airlines or TWA for short. We were going to Cleveland, Ohio, as Fulbright Scholars, to participate in the 5-month Cleveland International Programme for Youth Leaders and Social Workers. The CIP, as it is called, had two components. One - To live in three host families, for two weeks with each host family; and study at the Case-Western Reserve University, Cleveland. Two- To do field work for the next five weeks.
We left Delhi after a briefing, for London, by PanAm, which, according to me, was a lousy airline. After a stopover at London, we flew TWA the next morning. We had with us Miss Sumati Barnabas, daughter of the famous Social Work Professor, Dr. John Barnabas.
We came to the Heathrow Airport, and after collecting our baggage from the custody of PanAm, checked in at the TWA Counter, handled by the British Airways. Then it was called the British Overseas Airwasys Corporation or BOAC. After passing through Emigration and Customs, we boarded the flight. In the huge plane, we were only about 25 passengers, all in the Economy Class. After occupying our respective seats, and settling down, when I started looking at each member of the CIP Group, I found that Sumati was missing. I got worried and nervous, and without making any noise about it, went to the Cockpit, and told the Captain that a passenger, Miss Sumati Barnabas, was missing. He got equally worried and contacted the TWA Counter, the Emigration and Customs and was informed by them saying that Sumati has passed through the Departure Hall, and gone to the Plane. I and the Captain made a spot checking and found that Sumati was fast asleep. I laughed and told the Captan, ’’Look. Here she is. Comfortably enjoying her siesta.’’ The Captain, in typical American Style clapped and laughed saying ’’ Hey. What are you doing here ? And all of us, including this Guy from your Group, are searching for you. ! Hey. You are really great. You are really fantastic’’. Sumati smiled at me and said, why this fuss ? I was the first to enter the carrier. I took my seat, and went to sleep. Last night I slept very late. The Captain treated everyone with drinks, and finally the flight took off. We flew at an altitude of 33, 000 feet, after going through the white clouds. A very good breakfast was served by the pretty Air Hostesses. We took seven hours to cross the Atlantic, and arrived New York at 3 PM local time. The flight was good in every respect, excepting the fact that Sumati was lost for some time. Isn’t that interesting ?