The tragic Air India AI171 crash on June 12, 2025, has left the nation in deep mourning. While the crash took away 260 precious lives, a miracle emerged from the wreckage — a copy of the Bhagavad Gita that remained untouched by flames. That sacred book belonged to one of the brave cabin crew members, Maithili Patil, whose loss has sent shockwaves through her hometown and across the country.
The Miracle Amid Tragedy
In the aftermath of the crash, investigators and rescue teams recovered charred remains, melted metal, and debris, yet found a pristine hardcopy of the Bhagavad Gita. The photo of the holy book went viral, with netizens calling it a divine message. It was later confirmed that the sacred text belonged to 22-year-old Maithili Patil, a devout Krishna bhakt who always carried it along with an idol of Lord Krishna on her flights.
“She Was My Kaleje Ka Tukda,” Says Her Father
Speaking to BBC Hindi, Maithili’s father, Moreshwar Patil, couldn’t hold back his tears. His daughter was the heartbeat of the family — their only financial support, emotional strength, and source of pride.
“Maithili ki dost ne meri patni ko phone kiya aur bataya ki hamari beti crash huei viman mein thi. Woh hamesha apne saath Bhagavad Gita rakhti thi. Uske bahut sapne the. Woh kehti thi, ‘Papa, aap sab kuch akele nahi kar paoge.’”
Due to Moreshwar’s ill health, Maithili had taken over the entire family’s responsibility, working hard not only to fly high but to lift her entire family with her.
From Small Village to Skies: Maithili’s Inspiring Journey
Maithili hailed from Nhava village of Uran Taluka in Navi Mumbai — a small fishing settlement with limited opportunities. Yet, she broke barriers, becoming the first woman from her village to become a cabin crew member. Her success was not just personal but a beacon of hope for girls from similar backgrounds.
Even after joining Air India, Maithili never forgot her roots. She often returned to her school to guide students, telling them:
“Aviation is not out of reach for girls from small towns. If you work hard, you can achieve anything.”
Just two months before her untimely death, she gave a speech at her school’s career guidance seminar, encouraging young girls to dream big.
A Final Call That Never Came
On the day of the crash, Maithili had called her father before boarding her flight to London. She promised to call again upon landing. That call never came. Her mortal remains were brought to Nhava on June 17, 2025, leaving her family and villagers shattered.
Out of the 12 crew members on board, Maithili was one of the youngest. Her life and spirit remain etched in the memories of her family, colleagues, school, and all those inspired by her story.
Nation Mourns, A Family Devastated
Maithili’s father, a former ONGC labor contractor, now sits in silence, holding on to the last thing his daughter left behind — a Bhagavad Gita that survived flames but not fate. Her family, villagers, and even strangers who learned about her dedication and sacrifice now remember her as more than just a crew member — she was a symbol of strength, belief, and dreams with wings.