The tragic Air India AI171 plane crash near Ahmedabad has sent shockwaves across India, claiming 265 innocent lives—each with a unique story, a dream, and a future that will never be fulfilled. Among the victims were two young flight attendants from Manipur, whose dreams of flying high were cut short in the most heart-wrenching way.
Meet the Brave Souls: Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma and Lamnunthem Singson
1. Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma: The Girl Who Dared to Dream
Born and raised in the Thoubal district of Manipur, Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma was only in her 20s when she lost her life in the crash. She had been working as a flight attendant with Air India for the past two years after getting selected through campus placement at DM College of Commerce, Imphal.
Her elder sister, Geentanjali, shared that Nganthoi was excited about her flight to London and had messaged her family just hours before boarding. However, due to the ongoing internet ban in Manipur following violent clashes, the family couldn’t speak to her via video call—a routine they usually never missed.
“It was her dream to become a flight attendant. We couldn’t do a video call because of the net ban. She had messaged me that she was flying to London and would be unreachable. She promised to return by June 15. The next thing we knew, someone told us the flight had crashed,” her sister painfully recalled.
Nganthoi was the second of three sisters and known for her perseverance and courage. Her loss has left an irreparable void in her family and in the hearts of everyone who knew her.
2. Lamnunthem Singson: A Fighter Raised by a Single Mother
Another young life lost in the crash was Lamnunthem Singson, also in her 20s, who hailed from a displaced family affected by the 2023 ethnic riots in Manipur. Raised by her single mother, Nemneilhing Singson, Lamnunthem had overcome personal hardships to secure a job as a flight attendant with Air India in 2024.
Her mother recounted her last conversation with Lamnunthem just before she left for duty. The young girl had informed her mother that she was flying to Ahmedabad. Sadly, that would be the last time they ever spoke.
“She told me she was going to Ahmedabad. I didn’t know it would be the last time I’d hear her voice,” her mother said, holding back tears.
The family now lives in a small rented house, shattered by the news and holding onto memories of a daughter who aimed high and worked hard against all odds.
What Happened to Air India Flight AI171?
The Air India Boeing 787-8 (Flight AI171) took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, on June 12, 2025, with 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. Within minutes of takeoff, the pilot issued a chilling “Mayday” call to Air Traffic Control (ATC), indicating technical failure.
Before emergency actions could be taken, the plane tragically crashed into a nearby doctor’s hostel building, resulting in a massive explosion and fire.
Only One Survivor
Out of 265 people on board, only one survivor, Ramesh Vishvaskumar, is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU. His survival is being called nothing short of a miracle.
Manipur’s Loss is the Nation’s Loss
The people of Manipur have always shown resilience in the face of adversity, but this tragedy has left the entire state—and the country—shaken. Nganthoi and Lamnunthem represented the new, empowered generation of youth from the North-East who dared to dream beyond their circumstances.
India Grieves Together
As rescue operations conclude and mourning begins, we stand united in grief. The nation pays homage to the two daughters of Manipur and every soul lost in the Air India crash. Their journeys ended too soon, but their stories will forever live on as a testament to bravery, determination, and sacrifice.
Final Words
To the families of Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, Lamnunthem Singson, and all those who perished—our hearts go out to you. May the departed rest in eternal peace, and may their dreams continue to inspire others to rise, soar, and never give up—even when the sky seems unreachable.