2 abducted profs freed in Libya, kith thank Ganesha
Two professors from India who had been abducted by ISIS terrorists in Libya in 2015 were rescued after more than an year on Thursday.
Union external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted about the release of Prof C. Balram Kishan from Hyderabad and Prof. T.V. Gopal Krishna from AP. They had been working as professors in the University of Sirte in Libya when they were abducted in July 2015.
As news of their release came, their families back home were overjoyed. On Thursday, Prof. Gopal Krishna spoke to his father Mr Narayana Rao and his wife Ms Kalyani while Prof. Balram Kishan spoke to his wife Ms Sridevi.
Both families said that in addition to the efforts of the state and Central governments and constant efforts of the family members, divine intervention had helped in their safe release.
Prof. Balram Kishan’s wife Sridevi said that though she had a tough time without her husband, she had never lost hope. Though she was regularly updated on his safety, she did not know his situation.
“On the 11th day of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, getting this news is really God’s grace. It’s a rebirth of my husband for all of us,” she said, adding that the family had started celebrating, but the real celebration would be when Mr Balram Kishan would come home.
Two professors from India abducted by ISIS terrorists in Libya in 2015 were released after more than a year on Thursday.
Prof. Balram Kishan’s wife Sridevi said that after she got the news of his release she started browsing the Internet for some news when she got the call from him. “I did not expect a call from him so soon," she said.
The wife of Prof. Gopal Krishna, Kalyani, said she was at a loss for words and was excited about seeing him. “The prayers of our family have been answered,” she said. He spoke to his wife and father and informed that he was in safe custody.
Prof. Gopal Krishna’s elder brother Murali Krishna said that the family had prayed to all gods and had been knocking at the doors of government offices and leaders with the hope that someone would come to their rescue.
“Every time he came for vacation, his return would somehow be on the day of Ganesh immersion. Last year, he was not here. This year it’s Lord Ganesha”s grace that on the day of immersion, we got the good news of his release,” Mr Murali Krishna said.
Prof. Gopal Krishna is a native of Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh hile Prof Balram Kishan is from Karimnagar district.