Twitter users suggest shopping options for Nirmala Sitharaman after Air India loses her luggage on way to Australia

Union Minister of State for Finance Nirmala Sitharaman had to miss the G20 reception in Cairns, Australia, on Friday after Air India misplaced her luggage. Stranded without her formal clothing, Sitharaman took to Twitter to lament the non-appearance of her luggage, and was soon flooded with ideas of possible shopping options from Twitter users, who suggested where she could get hold of her beloved “sarees”.

Landed in Sydney to take a connecting flight to Cairns. My checked in luggage not traceable. :( :(

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 18, 2014

On board my connecting flight to Cairns. All my formal wear in the lost suitcase! Not sure I can buy Saris in Cairns! Situation precarious!

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 18, 2014

Soon after her posts on Twitter, Sitharaman, who is representing India at the G-20 meeting of Finance Ministers and central bank governors​, was given several suggestions of shopping stores that would cater to her demands. Not only was she given names of shopping places, she was also offered support from Indians living in Melbourne. Some of them even offered to personally deliver her sarees.

@nsitharaman Shanti Shanti is a shop at Smithfield centre. Ask someone to confirm if it stocks what u need pls. @Vamsee9002

@nsitharaman If there is an Indian community in Cairnes, you should be able to buy sarees there. Quality not guaranteed @Vamsee9002

— Neha Srivastava (@neha_aks) September 18, 2014

@Mosiqi how far from Sydney ?? My sis has many she can be of help @nsitharaman

— नंदिता ठाकुर (@nanditathhakur) September 19, 2014

@nsitharaman @Moneylifers The Indian Bazaar Grocery Store, Cairns may know where to get Saris. Ph: (07) 40416590 Mob: 0425 112820 (Googled)

— Deepak Mohoni (@deepakmohoni) September 19, 2014

Other Twitter users mocked her 'precarious' situation, and advised her to have backup clothing and better contingency plans. They even suggested taking help from Sonia, "the Queen". 

@nsitharaman I f I am in your position Embassy advised before hand to keep spare dress handy... Contingency plans ☺

— Rajaram Bojji (@rbojji) September 18, 2014

@nsitharaman my goodness. I have two. But I am in Melbourne. I am sure the Consul General of Melbourne Manika Jain can help you out.

— Mosiqi Acharya (@Mosiqi) September 18, 2014

@nsitharaman @pushp_onenonly Sonias cousin can help you. Remember Sonia ? Our Beloved Queen !

— Rajiv Seth (@ranikhet) September 19, 2014

Despite the offers from several helping hands, Sitharaman missed the reception held at the Palm Cove, Cairns.  

Sorry to miss the evening reception at the Palm Cove, Cairns. Staying put in the room. No word yet on my lost luggage.

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 19, 2014

All's well that ends well, and Sitharaman finally got her luggage back. However, while she was happy to get her sarees back, she was overwhelmed with joy and relief for having her phone and iPad chargers back!

At last, my lost luggage arrives. Thanks every one for your wishes.Thanks #Air India.Oh yes, relief first to get the phone & iPad chargers!

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 19, 2014