Delhi-Dubai flight: Indian state chief minister’s charger saga with ‘Gamocha’ twist

Dubai: Popular Indian politician and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is in the spotlight for acknowledging a simple act of kindness by a fellow passenger onboard a New Delhi–Dubai flight.

Last week, Sarma borrowed an international plug and charging cable from a passenger but forgot to return them as he dozed off.

“Unfortunately, he disembarked in Dubai while I was asleep, and I couldn’t return them,” he wrote on X last week.

When Sarma reached Amsterdam, the chief minister felt “deeply apologetic” for not returning the cable.

“If this message reaches him, please send me a direct message so I can arrange to return your charger and cable promptly. Thank you for your kindness, and I regret any inconvenience caused.”

The post went viral, and after a few days, the passenger – identified as Deepak Kapoor from Noida, a city in Uttar Pradesh – was traced. Expressing gratitude, Sarma offered his family an Assamese Gamocha – a handwoven cloth and a recognisable symbol of Assamese identity and culture.

“Deepak had given me the charger without knowing anything about me. His selfless act touched me deeply, and I felt compelled to honour that rare kindness. I wanted to ensure that his spirit of helping a stranger lives on – a small tribute to a truly generous soul.”

Sarma’s gesture has been widely appreciated online, with people highlighting the Chief Minister’s humility and personal touch in acknowledging a small act by a fellow passenger.