For Saurin Palkhiwala, the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad was more than a national tragedy—it was a haunting repeat of personal loss. In 1988, he lost his sister’s prospective father-in-law in an air crash. Now, 37 years later, he has lost his only daughter, 26-year-old Sanjana, in one of India’s worst aviation disasters.
Grief Revisited After Decades
The news of the June 12 crash brought back painful memories for Saurin. “I had seen a crash site before. When I heard about this one, I instinctively knew something had gone terribly wrong,” he said. He rushed home from work, picked up his wife Sonali, and went straight to Civil Hospital.
In 1988, he had done the same—hurried to the crash site, only to learn that merchant banker Pradeep Harkishandas Dalal, who was to be part of their extended family, had died in the accident. Now, history repeated itself in the most devastating way.
Sanjana’s Life Cut Short
Sanjana was on her way to the UK for a reunion with her college friends when the crash happened. Born 14 years after her parents’ marriage, her family considered her a divine gift. She had completed a BBA in Pune and a master’s in Management of Technology from New York University. She was full of ambition and had dreams of starting her own venture in the food industry.
A Home Full of Her Memories
The Palkhiwalas’ home in Ahmedabad now stands as a silent tribute to Sanjana, decorated with her paintings and photographs. “Just days ago, we were planning her engagement. Now, we’ve performed her last rites,” said Saurin, unable to hold back tears.
Remembering Sanjana
Sanjana’s cousin Saloni described her as someone full of life—passionate about dancing, painting, travelling, and even tennis and cricket. “We were more like twin sisters,” she said, remembering the deep bond they shared.
The Palkhiwalas are left with cherished memories and a deep sense of loss, having faced the unimaginable pain of losing two loved ones to air disasters—decades apart, but equally devastating.
