Frank Mascarenhas
My dear Srinivas,
We are very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing away and we offer you and all your family our sincere condolences and our prayers.
We have very warm memories of our one week’s stay with you , your family and your Dad after a long separation.
You are quite right to point out his meteoric rise from an 8 sq foot rented shop to the spacious and solemn office of the chairman of Air India.
I remember bringing to his notice that it was the first time that a “grease monkey” (that was how we mechanics were nick named) rose to be the Chairman of a World Airline.
But above all I am grateful to him for the part he played in my life.
I was languishing with an ” A “airframe” licence with no prospects of promotion .
When he became Director of Engineering he forced me to get a” C “Licence on Engines and then had me posted to London.
That changed my life radically for the good.
That was how I met Marie who was then a Ground Hostess/Secretary in Air India Paris.
It was quite painful to have to resign from Air India. But there again looking back I am convinced that it was providential also as far as my career and personal life were concerned.
It is a proof (for me ) that “God writes straight with Crooked Lines”. and that he was the pen in God’s hands.
I think he was very happy that I put him in contact with Jean-Marie and then with you. I was happy too that I could render him this service.
Just a few hours ago I was going through some personal papers in the cabinet near my bed when I came across a very nice letter from him dated July 8 1991 in which he mentioned the sentiments you just quoted.
Marie and I are with you and all the family in these painful circumstances.
We pray to God to grant him eternal rest.
Affectionately
Frank and Marie