On June 12, 2025, a devastating tragedy struck as Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, carrying 242 people, exploded near the airport in Ahmedabad, resulting in the loss of 241 lives and leaving only one survivor. This catastrophic event left families reeling from unimaginable grief and prompted extensive efforts to identify the victims, many of whom were burned beyond recognition.

Among the many heart-wrenching stories is that of Harpreet Kaur Hora, an Indian woman whose spontaneous decision to surprise her husband, Robbie, on his birthday in London led to her fatal flight. Harpreet, who usually worked an IT job in Bangalore, had initially booked her flight for June 19 but rescheduled to June 12 to celebrate Robbie’s birthday on June 16. Furthermore, she chose to fly from Ahmedabad, her maternal home, to spend more time with her father who was recovering from heart surgery, instead of her usual departure city. Married in 2020, Harpreet had long-term plans to permanently relocate to London with her husband, viewing her visits as a bridge to their future together.

The crash also claimed the life of Deepak Pathak, a dedicated flight attendant with over 11 years of experience at Air India. Known for his discipline and profound love for his family, Deepak maintained a routine of calling home before every flight. On the day of the crash, he shared a