Daughters are Special Gift....!!!

 

GoSavvy Goes Global!!!

We had planned to take a one-week break and approached Mr.Abhijit Bhandari, who heads our travel vertical – GoSavvy. No sooner had I mentioned our plans than the GoSavvy team took complete charge, requesting a free hand in planning and scheduling our travels.

On the penultimate day of our trip, our children bombarded us with questions, concerned about the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. But Abhijit confidently assured us that our travel route was safe — we were flying south of the hemisphere. Much to our relief, that very evening, both nations declared a truce.

As scheduled, we boarded a late-night flight from Namma Bengaluru to Hanoi, followed by a connecting flight to Da Nang.  Upon arrival, we were warmly received by our smiling guide – Andy, holding a placard. What caught my eye and stirred my heart was the GoSavvy logo alongside our names. A thrill ran through me — and in that moment, I whispered to myself, “GoSavvy has made me proud by putting MAL on the global map.” A dream I have often cherished and vociferously advocated!

Thank you, Team GoSavvy, for your tireless efforts and for making my heart swell with pride.  I had already seen our Chamundi Silks earn global recognition, but this was the first time I personally experienced being welcomed by our group in a foreign land!

Vietnam — Nam & Nu - Chin Chau, Chau Ming Sang (Ladies and Gentlemen – Hello and Good Morning) — is how we are greeted.  During peak season, I hear that 10,000 to 15,000 Indians visit Vietnam daily. Indians are highly respected here, for contributing significantly to their booming economy.

The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong — ₹1 equals about 306 Dongs.  Interestingly, women are deeply respected here, and they actively participate across all segments of business and society.

Having read about the Vietnam War, it was humbling to see how valiantly the Vietnamese fought the French, Japanese, and Americans.  Their founding Father, Ho Chi Minh, is revered — his image graces their currency.  Hearing about his sacrifices moved me deeply. Ho Chi Minh remained a bachelor all his life, since his fiancée left him during his struggle to protect Vietnam. He passed away at 79, a hero and a humanitarian.  My heart swelled yet again — as a global citizen.

The most popular industrialist here, akin to our Tatas and Ambanis, is Pham Nhat Vuong of the Vingroup — a conglomerate with interests in housing, real estate, supermarkets, and even car manufacturing. Their VinFast (WIN) cars dominate the streets!  Vietnam, though a small country, has achieved wonders.  It is certainly giving strong competition to holiday destinations like Singapore, Malaysia, and more.

Among the many breathtaking places, we visited, Ba Na Hills and Ha Long Bay stood out. Ba Na’s cable car ride and the hilltop brewery with live music created unforgettable moments. It’s impossible not to join in the celebration, sipping freshly brewed beer amidst the mountains!

Ha Long Bay is a picture-perfect paradise, dotted with small islands and serene, turquoise waters.  Every view is a frame-worthy memory!

This journey was not just about travel — it reinforced my belief in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One World Family.”