‘Don’t Complain If You Don’t Vote’: IndiGo Pilot’s In-Flight Message Strikes A Chord

A video of an IndiGo pilot addressing passengers on a Singapore to Tiruchirappalli flight has gone viral, as many non-resident Indians travelled back home to vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

In the clip, Captain Pradeep Krishnan asks passengers how many of them are flying in specifically to vote. Almost the entire cabin responds by raising their hands, drawing attention to the scale of participation among overseas voters.

The pilot then uses the moment to remind passengers about the importance of voting. He says, “First-time voters, all the very best. Every vote counts.” Speaking in Tamil, he also tells passengers that voting is not just a right, but also a responsibility, and that their choices will shape the next five years.

What is getting attention is the caption. Sharing the video on Instagram, he wrote, “A full flight coming home to vote! Don’t complain about the future if you stayed silent on voting day.”

Perhaps expecting push back, in his post, the pilot added, “Disclaimer: This post is created solely to encourage responsible voting and promote civic participation. It is not intended to support, endorse, promote, or oppose any political party, candidate, or ideology.”

The video has since picked up traction online, with many viewers praising the dedication of voters travelling long distances. Others reflected on what that effort should mean for those in power. One user wrote that if politicians understood the effort people make to vote, travelling by flight, train or road and giving their time and energy, they should feel a responsibility to serve better, instead of taking citizens for granted.

For some, the video was personally inspiring. One person remarked that after viewing the video, he was inspired to exercise his right to vote for the first time during the Tamil Nadu elections. Others have also complimented the pilot, mentioning how his professional approach and leadership qualities made the trip worthwhile and secure.

This video has become a representation of the passion of voters, especially those who live outside the country.