Remembering 9/11

In the year 2001, I was just one year into my career, stationed in Mumbai and employed by Patni Computer Systems, which would later undergo several transformations, ultimately becoming a part of Cap Gemini. Those were the days when working until 7.00 pm was a routine practice, owing to the numerous customer calls and the necessity to wrap up work after conference meetings.

One of our prominent clients at the time was Guardian Life, whose office building was located just a few blocks away from the iconic Twin Towers in New York City. It was a regular evening on September 11th when, at around 6.30 pm IST, I overheard murmurs from the adjacent cubicle about planes being hijacked. We initially continued with our work, not fully comprehending the gravity of the situation.

However, as the evening progressed, the shocking news reached us that two planes had crashed into the Twin Towers. Despite my relative inexperience in the corporate world, I couldn't help but sense that this event would have far-reaching implications for both the industry and the global economy. While our immediate circle of colleagues and contacts remained safe, we were acutely aware of the devastating toll the attacks had taken, with over 3,000 lives lost that day.

Another vivid memory associated with September 11th is from 2007 when I had a U.S. visa interview scheduled for this very date. Back then, the sole U.S. visa consulate in Southern India was situated in Chennai. To attend the interview, I had traveled to Chennai the night before, gearing up for an early morning appointment that carried a unique significance due to the date itself. 

I am reminded of the profound impact of September 11, 2001, It was a day that changed the course of history and left an indelible mark on all those who lived through it.