A response from the CMD, Air India!

 

Dear supporters and fellow Planet-eers -

I first started chasing this cause through an 'open-letter to Air India' on social media, about a year ago. It was a few months of diligent re-sharing before I finally got a luke-warm response on twitter from Air India's digital PR team, claiming they would escalate the concern. After about 3 months of waiting and seeing no action or further response (and also noticing that they'd infact deleted their response-tweet), I, once again took to re-sharing the letter. Additionally, I started this petition on change.org.
I didn't know what could happen of it. But I couldn't allow myself to stop.
After about a year of chasing this cause, today I have experienced the power of perseverance.

Let me begin by first thanking you each for your enthusiasm and support towards my petition- without which I don't believe I'd ever have had the opportunity to share the exhilarating piece of news I am about to-

As on 28th June, 2019, Mr Ashwani Lohani (CMD- Air India) has personally responded to this petition in an official letter as well as an acknowledgement on our petition page at change.org.

Not only has Mr Lohani very kindly accepted that Air India (and he) have made note of our petition, but in his response he has agreed with the critical nature of the concerns that our planet faces, given the continual use of single-use plastic- and the dire need to assume responsibility and take action.
Mr.Lohani has stepped up to the responsibility, in his promise that Air India vows to take corrective action, and phase out single-use plastic.

This here, is a victory dedicated to the planet!
I am absolutely over the moon, with his response.

I would like to take the liberty to, on behalf of every petitioner here- thank Mr.Lohani for taking the time to understand the concern, it's impact on the planet and take charge of change.

Today, Air India has demonstrated that not every Government or National Enterprise shies away from responsibility. That some (national) corporations do swear to live up to their mission of striving to priorities public welfare and interest.

With Mr.Lohani's positive and reassuring response, Air India has, yet again, re-claimed it's place in the hearts of the people of India.
And for this, I sincerely thank Air India and Mr.Lohani.

And each of you- thank you for your support that came in many forms- signatures, shares, comments, messages to me, ideas of how to take this forward, pledges to give up plastic- and so much more.
Thank you for supporting a small cause, that leaves a big impact.

I'd also like to express my gratitude to the team at change.org- who have been supporting this petition more than I ever expected! They have given me direction, advice and kept me motivated to keep at this.
They've followed up with Air India, and ensured the petition reaches Mr.Lohani himself. This victory was not possible without change.org.

I hope this win helps us all believe a little more in the possibility and probability of real change.

I have seen now that perseverance does pay off. And I promise, I will continue to strive towards taking up more causes, that affect us all.
And I hope the same applies to everyone who supported this.

Congratulations to each of you, for winning one for the Earth! :)

As Captain Planet would say- "The Power Is Yours".