This article reflects on the emotional aftermath faced by Anil Ambalal Patel, who lost his world when his loved ones were tragically killed in the Air India Flight 171 disaster.
A Father's Grief: The Heartbreaking Impact of the Air India Flight Crash

A Father's Grief: The Heartbreaking Impact of the Air India Flight Crash
A tragic incident leaves a father mourning the loss of his son and daughter-in-law in a devastating plane crash.
On a quiet morning, Anil Ambalal Patel found himself confronting the immense grief following the sudden loss of his son Harshit and daughter-in-law Pooja in the Air India Flight 171 crash. Twelve days earlier, the couple had returned from Britain to visit him, infusing hope and joy into his home. The unexpected tragedy occurred when the flight crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, claiming the lives of 239 passengers, including Mr. Patel's beloved family members.
As a 60-year-old widower working in a security role, Patel reflected on the impact this loss has had on his life, stating, “They were my everything,” underscoring how vital they were to his emotional well-being. Each memory of Harshit and Pooja served as a painful reminder of what he once cherished. He longed for the warmth and support they provided during their brief stay, wishing them safe travels as they embarked on what was meant to be a new chapter in their lives.
In his solitary moments of mourning, the vastness of India and its systemic inequalities weighed heavily on him. The daily struggle faced by families like the Patels often goes unnoticed in a population of over 1.4 billion, leaving individuals feeling lost in the crowd. With each passing hour, Anil considered the fragmented pieces of his existence, as the vibrant echoes of laughter and love faded into silence following the tragic events of that fateful day.
The emotional landscape reshaped by their absence marks a profound loss, not just for Anil, but for a broader community grappling with such tragedies. As he prepared to disperse their ashes in the Narmada River, he was not only bidding farewell to his loved ones but also seeking closure in a world that suddenly felt much colder and emptier.
As a 60-year-old widower working in a security role, Patel reflected on the impact this loss has had on his life, stating, “They were my everything,” underscoring how vital they were to his emotional well-being. Each memory of Harshit and Pooja served as a painful reminder of what he once cherished. He longed for the warmth and support they provided during their brief stay, wishing them safe travels as they embarked on what was meant to be a new chapter in their lives.
In his solitary moments of mourning, the vastness of India and its systemic inequalities weighed heavily on him. The daily struggle faced by families like the Patels often goes unnoticed in a population of over 1.4 billion, leaving individuals feeling lost in the crowd. With each passing hour, Anil considered the fragmented pieces of his existence, as the vibrant echoes of laughter and love faded into silence following the tragic events of that fateful day.
The emotional landscape reshaped by their absence marks a profound loss, not just for Anil, but for a broader community grappling with such tragedies. As he prepared to disperse their ashes in the Narmada River, he was not only bidding farewell to his loved ones but also seeking closure in a world that suddenly felt much colder and emptier.