The tragic Ahmedabad AI171 plane crash that claimed more than 265 lives has left behind heart-shattering stories, none more emotional than that of 21-year-old Deepanshi Bhadouriya. A brilliant law student who returned to India to surprise her father on his birthday and stayed back just to celebrate her parents’ anniversary — her life was cut short just hours later.
🎓 A Dreamer, A Daughter, A Devoted Soul
Deepanshi Bhadouriya was a final-year law student at Exeter University in the UK. Described by her loved ones as a cheerful and goal-driven girl, she came to India on March 27, 2025, to celebrate her father’s birthday. Her father, S.S. Bhadouriya, serves as a Deputy Superintendent of Police, and Deepanshi was very close to both her parents.
Initially scheduled to return to the UK on May 20, she changed her plans to stay longer and celebrate her parents’ wedding anniversary on June 11.
📸 Her Last Moments: A Celebration, A Selfie, Then Silence
On June 11, Deepanshi and her family celebrated the joyous occasion of her parents’ anniversary with laughter, love, and family time. She boarded the ill-fated Air India AI171 flight on June 12, just hours after the celebrations.
Before boarding, she clicked a final selfie with her parents at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport — unaware that it would be their last photograph together. Minutes later, the flight crashed during takeoff.
🕊️ A Voice of Responsibility and Love
Deepanshi’s relatives shared that she was an exceptional student who had already represented her college in six different countries. Known for her maturity and deep sense of duty, she often told her father:
“Papa, once I complete my studies, you can always leave this job. I shall take care of everything.”
Her parents are devastated by the loss of a daughter who had the world ahead of her, but chose her family above all.
💥 The AI171 Crash: What We Know
The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, flight AI171, was headed to Gatwick, London, when it crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025, hitting the Atulyam Complex near Meghaninagar in Ahmedabad. The crash killed 241 passengers onboard and additional civilians in the surrounding area — leaving only one survivor.
Authorities have launched multiple international investigations to determine the cause. Air India has announced compensation of ₹1 crore to each of the families of the deceased.
🙏 Final Goodbye
Deepanshi’s last rites were performed after a prayer meet at Umiya Mata Temple in Gandhinagar, where family, friends, and community members gathered to mourn her loss. Her memory lives on not just in the hearts of her parents but also in every young girl who dreams big while holding her family close.
🕯️ Our Condolences
We extend our deepest condolences to the Bhadouriya family and to all the grieving families affected by the Ahmedabad plane crash. Their loss is immeasurable, and their strength is inspiring.