I had the opportunity to enjoy Speedy’s friendship since 1970, and during our frequent interactions, he was always keen to see that the media gets to know the details of aviation and the tourism industry. Old timers, like this scribe, will recollect that S. P. Dutt was instrumental in organizing “Know India” seminars in many parts of the world to promote tourism along with the Department of Tourism and other tourism and travel stakeholders.

S. P. Dutt was admitted to Medanta Hospital in Delhi on April 21, reportedly 8 days after he fell ill. He was admitted to the ICU, but as his condition worsened, he was placed on a ventilator at 3 AM on April 24, and he passed away 3 days later chifukwa cha COVID-19.

Like me, there will be many who will be recollecting the times spent with him as he crosses into his next journey.