The Air India plane crash.
To many, it was just another headline.
To me, it was a deep, painful reminder
Of how quickly life can change…
And how the things we take for granted can vanish in an instant.
Four stories. Four lives.
And four truths that shook something deep in me.
First:
A family who had spent years chasing one dream
To migrate to the UK.
They worked hard, saved, sacrificed, waited.
There were delays, responsibilities, “not now, maybe next year.”
But finally, it happened.
They boarded that plane with hope in their eyes…
But never arrived.
It broke me.
Because how many of us keep saying, “someday”?
Someday, I’ll rest. Someday, I’ll travel.
Someday, I’ll finally live the life I want.
But we forget someday isn’t promised.
And sometimes, someday never comes.
Second:
A woman who was meant to be on that flight.
She got to the airport late. Missed the check-in.
She begged, pleaded, cried. She was angry at everyone.
But when the crash happened… she realized:
What felt like a failure was actually protection.
That shook me.
Because how many times do we get upset when things don’t go our way?
Not knowing… that maybe it’s grace in disguise.
Not every closed door is rejection.
Some are rescue missions.
Third:
A man survived.
The plane split in half chaos, smoke, fire.
But his section didn’t catch fire.
He stumbled out, barefoot, bloodied, shocked… but alive.
It wasn’t luck.
It was purpose.
Because when it’s not your time, it’s not your time.
And that verse echoed in me:
“To everything, there is a season.”
It reminded me: We’re not here by accident.
We’re here for a reason.
Fourth:
And then, those who didn’t make it.
People who had plans.
People who had kids waiting at home.
People who said “see you soon”…
Never knowing it was the last goodbye.
It crushed me.
Because how many of us assume we’ll always have another chance?
To say I love you.
To fix a mistake.
To forgive.
To live.
But time isn’t guaranteed.
Tomorrow is not a contract.
All we really have… is now.
And while these stories made my heart ache, what angered me too
Was this:
Could this have been prevented?
Was the plane safe?
Did the airline cut corners?
Did the leadership choose profit over people?
These lives were not just lost they were failed by a system
That too often values money over safety.
Because when you look closely,
You realize: these weren’t just accidents.
They were symptoms of a deeper problem
Where maintenance is delayed, staff are overworked, red flags are ignored…
All in the name of efficiency and revenue.
And we’re left mourning people who should still be here.
So now, I sit with this grief, this clarity, this responsibility.
To live more urgently.
To love more boldly.
To demand more accountability.
Because life is short, yes.
But that doesn’t excuse negligence.
We owe it to the ones who didn’t make it
To hold those in power accountable.
To protect lives before it’s too late.
To value people over profit.
So if you’re reading this…
And you still have breath, strength, and a choice
Don’t wait.
Say what you need to say.
Do what you’re called to do.
Be the person you were meant to be.
Because sometimes…
There isn’t a next time.
We’re all sold the same dream: study hard, get a good job, make money, travel, build a life. Do everything right. But what’s the point when people who do all that still end up in a collapsed building, a burning aircraft, or under a messroof that decided today was its last?
You survive 12 board exams, competitive entrances, office politics, traffic, and relatives asking “what’s next?” — only for an airoplane to jump mid-sky.
It’s almost darkly funny — how we think life has a pattern, a reward system. As if effort equals safety.
[15/06, 19:17] Me Ra: Doctors, students asked to vacate overnight
The urgency of the evacuation order set for 9 pm on June 13 left doctors and medical students scrambling to pack up and move out on short notice. Among them was Dr Anil Panwar, whose home was in one of the affected hostel buildings. Dr Panwar’s daughter and maid were both injured in the crash and admitted to the hospital. Tearfully addressing the media, he pleaded for more time.
“It is not so easy to vacate overnight. My daughter is admitted, my maid is also admitted. I am not from Gujarat, I don’t have family here. I was doing my duty at the hospital,” Dr Panwar said, visibly emotional. “Please give me two-three days to vacate. I am helpless. Have some humanity, please.”
Dr. Panwar also mentioned that he and his wife were on duty when the crash occurred, while his daughter and maid were at home.
“I was mentally disturbed”
However, a day later, a new video of Dr. Panwar surfaced, in which he appeared calmer and more composed. He clarified his earlier remarks, stating that he had been mentally disturbed and emotionally unstable at the time.
“I said a lot of things I didn’t mean. I was overwhelmed. But I want to say now that the police and hospital administration have helped us tremendously. We have been given shelter, and we are safe. I am grateful,” he said.
MBBS students, staff and people around in that building getting the lunch ready....reminds me yet again, "Life is what happens to you, when you are busy making other plans".
We have the count and details of the people from the flight though 'bodies' and few people yet to be identified and DNA matched. But the plight and count from the Medical College and those around is still a mystery. Prayers. 🙏
