Operation Ummeed (Hope) – My Untold Story

Whatsapp( w/o WhatsApp none of this would have been possible) Carlos in Madrid (I met him on a trip to Madrid in 2017) connected me with Ohad Tzur (An Israeli) whose apartment we stayed at in 2019 contacted Chaban and sent an email with their reference, brochure, etc.  Nir & Gershon: Owners of Chaban group(Both of them X IDF Navy) & an Israeli Ministry of Health supplier Ajai Hooda whose call changed it all after my messages of sourcing & procurement of oxygen concentrators went viral worldwide  Ajith Pai CEO of Delhivery & Zomato Anil Bal( we chartered the AN124 from his company)

As the devastating wave of COVID-19 swept across India in April 2021, I was feeling a sense of helplessness as I saw the news filled with reports of hospitals being overwhelmed, shortages of oxygen, and people making desperate pleas for help. As a veteran and entrepreneur who loves my country, I knew I had to act quickly to make a difference. Every minute of the day, a horror story was unfolding.

As I sat down in my makeshift home office, I couldn’t help but think about how I could help alleviate the suffering around me. I initially thought about procuring oxygen concentrators from China and the USA, but I quickly dismissed the idea. The recent skirmish with China left me with negative feelings towards the country, and the equipment made in the USA was not suitable for the Indian environment due to its 110V standard. I spent hours scrolling through endless articles and reached out to my contact Ohad in Madrid, who is from Israel, to see if he could help me find a way to contribute meaningfully.

On April 25, 2021 (Sunday), amidst the chaos and confusion, I found a glimmer of hope. With the help of Ohad Tzur, I contacted Chaban Group, the manufacturer of oxygen concentrators. Without hesitation, I sprang into action, determined to secure oxygen concentrators from Israel, that are designed to operate in a 230V environment. I felt a surge of optimism as I realized the potential of this breakthrough.

Armed with determination and a keen eye for negotiation, I initiated discussions with the supplier (Nir & his father Gershon, who also happened to be Ex. Israeli Navy, about securing a substantial quantity of oxygen concentrators. By the night of 26th April 2021, I had confirmed the purchase of 2500 units as Ajai Hooda in Michigan (Through my messages that had gone viral worldwide) had connected me to Mr. Ajith Pai(COO of DELHIVERY) in the wee hours of 26th April and they were partnering with Zomato under (Help Save My India Mission).

Twists and turns with surprises galore awaited me in the form of being called over by the Israel Embassy in India who were trying to verify my credentials (That I was no hoarder or a black marketeer), armed with their approval and vetting, I was given a green light but then came about a refusal to sell as Israel was also beginning o face the Covid Challenge and the Government in Israel did not wish to be caught off guard. I had to reach out to PMO to help connect with Israel PM who then gave the go-ahead to ship these 2500 Oxygen Concentrators to India.

As I faced the daunting task of arranging transportation for the oxygen concentrators from Tel Aviv to Delhi, I was challenged by logistical issues.

Undeterred by logistical challenges, I embarked on the intricate task of arranging transportation, Through persistent efforts and a determination that never wavered. I coordinated with an aircraft chartering company and secured an AN-124 aircraft, renowned for its massive cargo capacity. However, obtaining landing permissions posed a significant challenge with all airports, airlines closed down it became a nightmare to connect dots across three different time zones.

Upon the aircraft’s landing in Tel Aviv on May 2, 2021, I felt a rush of anticipation and a mix of pride and relief. My mission was on the verge of being accomplished, and my vision was becoming a reality.

With constant communication and coordination, the oxygen concentrators were successfully loaded onto the aircraft and began their journey to India.

Chapter 7: Fulfilling the Mission

The precious cargo of oxygen concentrators was custom cleared on 03 May 2021 and handed over to DELHIVERY to complete their(OUR) mission, ‘Help Save My India’. With the help of local volunteers and medical professionals, the oxygen concentrators were swiftly distributed to hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country, potentially saving thousands of lives.

The impact of my actions reverberated far and wide, bringing hope to countless families in their darkest hour. Despite facing personal health challenges, my unwavering determination to make a difference stood strong, serving as a beacon of resilience and compassion in the face of adversity. Chapter 9: A Legacy of Compassion

My journey has been marked by remarkable acts of kindness and selflessness, each experience shaping my character and personality. From leading relief operations in earthquake-stricken regions to navigating the complexities of a global pandemic, my commitment to serving others has remained unwavering.

In June 2021, during the COVID-19 crisis, I faced a test of integrity. A significant sum of money was mistakenly deposited into my company’s account by CHABAN. The amount was $187500, equivalent to ₹1.5 Crores. Despite the financial strain and uncertainty brought on by the pandemic, I did not consider keeping the funds. My moral compass remained unwavering. I knew that the money did not rightfully belong to my company, and keeping it would be unethical. I decided to return the money to its rightful owner. I navigated the intricacies of international banking with meticulous attention to detail and facilitated the seamless and timely return of the funds. This experience showcased the enduring power of honesty amidst a crisis. “The Israeli company was greatly impressed by my unwavering commitment to honesty and ethical conduct, especially during such challenging times. They praised me as a shining example of integrity, a beacon of light amidst the darkness of crisis.”

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for the opportunity that came to me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Though the road ahead may be uncertain, I remain steadfast in my commitment to serving others and inspiring positive change in the world.