The nation is still grieving the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives. Among the departed was 20-year-old Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, one of the youngest flight attendants onboard. Her untimely death has sent shockwaves across the country and left her family and community heartbroken.
Nganthoi’s Journey: A Dream Cut Short
Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, a bright and ambitious young woman from Manipur, had always dreamed of becoming a flight attendant. She achieved her goal through a campus recruitment process at her college in Imphal two years ago. At just 20, Nganthoi was already living her dream and was proud to be working for Air India.
Her dedication and passion for her job were evident to all who knew her. Tragically, her journey came to a devastating end on June 12, 2025, when the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
The Fateful Flight And The Aftermath
The aircraft, heavily loaded with fuel for its long-haul journey to London, faced technical issues immediately after takeoff. The pilot made a distress “Mayday” call, but within moments, the plane lost control and crashed into the BJ Medical College Hostel mess building in Meghani Nagar. All but one onboard lost their lives.
Mourning In Imphal: A Heartbreaking Homecoming
After days of waiting in Ahmedabad, Nganthoi’s family finally received confirmation of her identity through DNA testing. Her mortal remains were brought back to Imphal’s Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, where a sea of mourners, including elected leaders, senior officials, and community members, gathered to pay their respects.
Her father, K Nandeshkumar, her mother, and two sisters are devastated. Nganthoi was the second of three siblings. The family is still reeling from the tragedy and struggling to come to terms with their loss.
No Last Goodbye: Impact of Manipur’s Internet Ban
The family revealed that due to the internet ban in Manipur, they couldn’t have a video call with Nganthoi before her flight. She had messaged her sister that she was flying to London and would return on June 15. Her sister, still in school at the time, had wished her a safe journey. Later, an aunt informed the family about the plane crash, shattering their world.
“It was her dream to become a flight attendant… She messaged me before the flight. When the internet was back, we heard about the crash.”
Air India’s Commitment To The Families
Following the tragedy, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, on behalf of the Tata Group, announced a compensation of Rs. 1 crore for each bereaved family. In addition, all medical expenses for the injured and support for rebuilding the BJ Medical hostel have been promised.
Final Thoughts
Nganthoi Sharma’s story is a stark reminder of how fleeting life can be. Her dreams, her passion, and her vibrant life were cut short in a tragic event that has affected the entire nation. While monetary compensation may offer some support, the void she left behind can never be filled.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Nganthoi’s family and all those who lost loved ones in the Air India tragedy.