Our Prayers and thoughts are with the families of the deceased
And hopes for the speedy recovery of the injured
Venkat Raman
Auckland, June 14, 2025
The news that ripped through the airwaves and across our screens on Thursday, June 12, 2025, stopped the world in its tracks.
A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Air India Flight AI 171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed moments after taking off from Ahmedabad, at about 1.38 pm IST. The sheer scale of the disaster, the horrifying images of smoke billowing from a residential area, and the sombre reports of widespread fatalities struck a chord deep within the global consciousness.
In that instant, borders blurred, and the vast expanse of the internet became a shared space of grief, anxiety, and profound human connection.
Our shared vulnerability
Such incidents, sudden and cataclysmic, serve as stark reminders of our shared vulnerability. The lives extinguished on that flight were not just numbers; they were sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, friends, colleagues, and dreams yet to be realised. Each passenger carried a unique story, a tapestry of experiences, hopes, and futures that were cruelly cut short. From the vibrant families embarking on new beginnings to the dedicated professionals travelling for work, their journeys ended in a way no one could have foreseen.
But the tragedy extended beyond the confines of the aircraft. As the reports unfolded, we learned with heavy hearts of the innocent lives lost on the ground, particularly the promising medical students in their hostel at B J Medical College, caught in the devastating impact of the falling giant. Their aspirations, their dedication to healing, and their potential contributions to society, all vanished in a terrifying instant. This heartbreaking extension of the casualty list deepened the collective sorrow, highlighting how easily life can be irrevocably altered by events seemingly far removed from our daily routines.
A flicker of Miracle
Amidst the unimaginable devastation, a flicker of miracle emerged: a lone survivor. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 38-year-old British national of Indian origin, was pulled from the wreckage, disoriented but alive. His story, a testament to the capricious nature of fate, immediately captivated and humbled the world. He recounted the horror of the ascent, the sudden jolt, the green and white flashes, and the deafening impact.
Thrown from the aircraft as a section of the fuselage broke away, he miraculously landed near an open ground, far from the direct impact zone. His survival, against all odds, offered a fragile symbol of hope amidst the despair, even as he grappled with the physical scars and the crushing grief of being the sole survivor, knowing his brother, Ajay, was also on the doomed flight.
His travails, the shock, the disorientation and the painful realisation of loss became a poignant human face for the tragedy.
The reaction from world leaders was immediate and unequivocal.Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing profound sorrow, stated the tragedy had “stunned and saddened” the nation, calling it “heartbreaking beyond words.”
On Friday, June 13, he visited the devastating crash site and amidst the still smouldering debris and the solemn silence, surveyed the scene. He then proceeded to the Civil Hospital, where he met with Vishwash, offering words of comfort and solidarity, a gesture that resonated deeply across a grieving nation. He also met with other injured individuals and spoke with medical staff, ensuring that all possible care was being provided.
Later, he chaired a high-level review meeting, galvanising officials to continue relief and recovery operations, emphasising the need for comprehensive support to the bereaved families.
Beyond India’s borders, condolences poured in from across the globe. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the scenes “devastating,” given the significant number of British nationals on board, assuring continuous updates and support.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed their “desperate shock” and “deepest possible sympathy,” paying tribute to the heroic efforts of emergency services.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed heartfelt prayers, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed similar sentiments of grief and solidarity, underscoring the international impact of the disaster.
Stating that he was saddened by the tragic crash, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said,” We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.”
Pakistan’s Prime Minister This outpouring of global support transcended political differences, demonstrating a universal human response to shared pain.
We at Indian Newslink pray for the departed souls of all those who perished, both on board Air India Flight AI 171 and on the ground in Ahmedabad. May they find peace, and may their memories be a blessing. Our deepest sympathies extend to the families concerned, grappling with an unimaginable loss that will forever alter the landscape of their lives. There are no words sufficient to alleviate their anguish, but we hope that in the collective embrace of humanity, they might find a flicker of solace.
Our Shared Humanity
This tragedy, like others before it, reminds us that beneath the surface of our diverse cultures and myriad beliefs, we are fundamentally connected by our shared humanity. It is in these moments of profound sorrow that we witness the strength of our collective spirit, the willingness to reach out, to offer comfort, and to stand together as one. Let the echoes of this tragedy serve not only as a poignant reminder of loss but also as a powerful affirmation of our interconnectedness, strengthening our resolve to foster a world where compassion and unity prevail, even in the darkest of hours.
