A tragic heart-wrenching incident occurred just outside Ahmedabad on Thursday when an Air India aircraft crashed just a few minutes after taking off and killed 241 people. Among them was a five-member Banswara, Rajasthan, family — a doctor couple and three of their small children — who were all set to begin a new life in the United Kingdom.
Final Moments Caught in a Heartwarming Family Selfie
After taking a happy selfie with the family inside Flight AI171 before getting on board, the family’s joy was cut short when the aircraft crashed. Embodying excitement and togetherness, the photo is now a heart-wrenching reminder of what might have been. The photo had been widely shared on social media platforms featuring Dr Pratik Joshi and wife Dr Kaumi Vyas smiling together with their kids — eight-year-old daughter Miraya and five-year-old twin sons Pradyut and Nakul.
A Dream Shattered: Who Was the Rajasthan Family?
Dr Pratik Joshi had been employed as a radiologist in London for six years now. His dream wish was to join his family in the UK. His wife, Dr Kaumi Vyas, was a valued physician at Udaipur’s Pacific Hospital and had quit her job two days prior to the journey, eager to start their new life abroad.
The couple, who have been married for close to a decade, had spent most of their married life separated because of work obligations and visa processing. Kaumi had been residing with the kids in Banswara while getting the documents finalized. “She was temporarily in Banswara while getting the paperwork completed,” said cousin Nayan Joshi, according to Business Today.
Pratik had come back to India a few days ago to bring his family back to the UK. “They were all ecstatic,” said Nayan. “They had been planning for this for a month.”
Community in Mourning: ‘They Were Warm, Progressive Parents’
The tragedy has shaken the town of Banswara. People recall the couple as affectionate, hardworking individuals dedicated to their work and children. “The whole town is mourning,” a friend of the family said to News18. “They were a progressive, loving couple who sought the best for their children.”
Kaumi had posted the last selfie on social media just before boarding the flight — an act of joy that has now become poignantly significant.
More Rajasthan Victims Identified
The Joshi family was not the sole family from Rajasthan that was impacted by the crash. It has been confirmed by officials that 11 state passengers lost their lives in the tragedy. Among them are brothers Shubh Modi (24) and Shagun Modi (22), who were sons of marble businessman Pinku Modi from Udaipur.
Vardi Chand Menaria and Prakash Menaria, both villagers of Rundeda in Udaipur, were also killed in the accident. Khushboo Rajpurohit (27) of Balotra was another victim who had dedicated her life to women’s education.
Leaders Express Condolences Over ‘Heartbreaking’ Loss
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma termed the accident “extremely sad and concerning.” Past Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot characterized the disaster as “heartbreaking,” as others reacted in solidarity with mourning families throughout the state.
गुजरात के अहमदाबाद में हुई विमान दुर्घटना में राजस्थान के निवासियों सहित अनेक नागरिकों की दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण मृत्यु का समाचार अत्यंत दुःखद एवं हृदयविदारक है।
राजस्थान सरकार संबंधित अधिकारियों के साथ निरंतर समन्वय बनाए हुए है और इस दु:ख की घड़ी में मृतकों के परिजनों एवं घायल नागरिकों…
— Bhajanlal Sharma (@BhajanlalBjp) June 12, 2025
While rescue workers still identify victims and collect evidence, families such as the Joshis are in the thoughts of many grieving thousands throughout India — a testament to lives promising futures brutally cut short.
