BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
On November 7, I was both surprised and elated to receive an invitation from the Ministry of Information & Culture, Government of the State of Kuwait. The invitation was for me to cover the 45th Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Kuwait. As a journalist with nearly four decades of experience, this was a prestigious opportunity. Over the years, I have covered several high-profile events in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and South Africa between 2012 and 2020, but this was a milestone event for me—an invitation to join a global media delegation.
The excitement was palpable as I prepared for my journey to Kuwait. I was scheduled to fly out from Delhi on November 28. However, my enthusiasm soon gave way to despair. At the airport, I was informed that I could not board the flight due to a missing document known as “MARAHEB.” In that moment, my dream of covering this historic event seemed shattered. Darkness clouded my vision as I grappled with the reality of an obstacle that felt insurmountable.
Refusing to succumb to despair, I reached out to His Excellency, Mr. Mishal Mustafa Al-Shamali, the Ambassador of Kuwait to India. The following morning, I narrated my predicament to him, and his response was nothing short of remarkable. Within an hour, I received a call from the Counselor’s office at the Kuwaiti Embassy, assuring me that the missing document was being expedited. The Ambassador’s generosity and concern for my plight were evident in his swift actions and strict instructions to resolve the issue, as he was abroad.
Despite their assurances, I remained anxious. Time was slipping away; the Media Center for the summit was set to be inaugurated by His Excellency, Mr. AbdulRahman Ali Mutairi, Minister of Information, on November 29 at 1:45 PM. The window to make it on time was narrowing rapidly. By evening on November 28, I was informed that the matter was nearly resolved, and I was advised to proceed to the airport for my rescheduled flight at 7:00 AM the next day.
At Indira Gandhi International Airport, my anxiety peaked. It was 11:00 PM, and the MARAHEB document was still not in hand. Then, at 12:30 AM, my prayers were answered. Ms. Fauzia, a compassionate officer at the embassy, send me the document with a congratulatory message. It was a moment of immense relief and gratitude.
With my path cleared, I boarded the flight to Kuwait, ready to fulfill my professional duty. The support and dedication of His Excellency, Mr. Mishal Mustafa Al-Shamali, and the Kuwaiti Embassy staff had turned my despair into hope. This experience underscored the power of persistence, divine intervention, and the goodwill of those committed to assisting others.
As I reflect on this journey, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to officers of the Ministry of Information & Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Embassy staff for their unparalleled support. It is my sincere prayer that Allah blesses them with health, success, and endless mercy.
