Want relaxed air travel? Pet a puppy at Hyderabad Airport
Hyderabad (PTI): The next time when you walk into Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGAI) here, don’t be surprised if you're greeted by a friendly puppy or even get a chance to pet one.
The GMR Group, which manages the airport, has introduced a "Therapy Dog Program" aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.
The initiative offers calming and joyful interactions, with the belief that the presence of dogs--Toy Poodles in this case-- can ease travel-related anxiety, uplift moods, and create a more welcoming and peaceful airport environment, according to RGIA sources.
Currently, the program which features four well-trained Toy Poodles and accompanied by professional handlers, is in its early stages, and future expansion may be considered based on passenger feedback and operational feasibility, they said.
"The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Passengers have appreciated the calming presence of the dogs. The initiative has been well-received as a thoughtful and comforting addition to the airport experience," sources told PTI.
While the dogs are certified therapy animals and trained for calm behavior, they are always under the supervision of professional handlers. These handlers are equipped to manage any unexpected behavior and ensure the safety and comfort of both the dogs and passengers, they further said.
A passenger who did not want to be identified said, "I was so happy to see them."
"It already feels like I'm beginning to heal. A truly wonderful initiative. Please keep up the amazing work. And a special thanks to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for helping fund and facilitate this incredible effort."
Having a pet dog brings so much joy and the initiative was a thoughtful and heartwarming one which deserves true appreciation, the passenger added.
Importantly, the dogs are only allowed to interact with passengers who willingly approach them, minimizing stress triggers.
They are stationed at key touch points in both domestic and international departure areas from Friday to Monday, (1500 hours-1900 hours) for approximately four hours.
The city airport witnessed a passenger traffic of 29.5 million during the last financial year.
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Cong leader Prithviraj Chavan defiant after facing verbal missiles on Op Sindoor remarks
Mumbai (PTI): Despite facing criticism, senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Wednesday stood by his controversial comments that India faced a "total defeat" in aerial fight with Pakistan on the first day of Operation Sindoor on May 7.
The former Union minister refused to apologise for his comments on the Indian military operation against terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK in aftermath of massacre of tourists at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in April.
Talking to reporters in Pune on Tuesday, Chavan claimed India faced a "total defeat in the aerial fight (with Pakistan) on May 7 which lasted for half-an-hour".
"One may believe this or not. After that the Indian Air Force got grounded and not a single aircraft took flight that day.... be it Gwalior, Bhatinda or Sirsa, there was a possibility of aircraft being shot down, so our complete Air Force was grounded," the former Maharashtra chief minister had said.
Hitting out at Chavan, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde accused the Congress of speaking the language of Pakistan. He said questioning the military action was akin to demoralising the morale of armed forces.
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"The criticism does not stem from the love of the nation, but love for Pakistan," said the chief leader of the Shiv Sena, a key constituent of the BJP-led NDA.
Chavan, however, remained defiant.
"There is no question of apologising. The Constitution has given me the right to ask questions," the Congress veteran asserted.
Chavan also questioned the need of having a 12-lakh strong Army when future wars will be about aerial combats and missiles. "During Operation Sindoor we saw that there was no movement of the Army even for a kilometre," he had said.
BJP Lok Sabha MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra said Chavan's remarks are loaded with sedition.
"He (Chavan) has refused to apologise. The Indian armed forces struck 100 kms inside the Pakistan territory and destroyed 11 air strips (of the Pakistani Air Force). He made remarks that the Indian Army did not even move an inch (during the military operation). This is nothing but a statement full of sedition, a statement of a traitor," Patra said, lashing out at the Congress leader.
The BJP spokesperson maintained the Congress appears to be standing with Chavan and alleged the Opposition party is playing into foreign hands.
Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should apologise for it, he added.
Union minister Giriraj Singh of the BJP insisted it was not right to devalue the valour of Indian armed forces.
Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh suggested that wherever armed forces are concerned, every Indian should be mindful of statements they make and ensure their comments do not demoralise the military.
Operation Sindoor was a result of "mistakes of politicians", he claimed.
TDP MP Krishna Devraylu said after the poll defeat in Bihar, the Congress is rattled and their leaders have been talking absurdly.
"Chavan's remarks are a prime example of this. This kind of disrespect to our armed forces is not necessary. If the Congress is angry with the NDA, it should show it in a different way and not drag armed forces into it," Devraylu opined.
AAP MP Ashok Mittal said such statements should not be made by any senior politician, especially by someone who has been a former chief minister.
The Indian armed forces registered a strong victory and destroyed terror launchpads in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Mittal added.
