In the wake of the tragic Air India plane crash on June 12, Vishwaskumar Ramesh emerged as the sole survivor, a miracle in the eyes of many. However, for Ramesh, this survival marks the beginning of a relentless nightmare, shadowed by the loss of his brother and the unbearable trauma that followed. The crash, which claimed the lives of all 241 passengers and crew, including his brother Ajaykumar, has left Ramesh deeply scarred.
Ramesh was seated near the emergency exit when the Gatwick-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad. While he managed to escape the inferno, his brother, who was on a different seat, perished in the disaster. The crash not only shattered Ramesh’s personal life but also decimated his business, forcing him to rebuild from scratch amidst profound grief.
In a recent interview, Ramesh recounted the harrowing experience and its ongoing impact. He described feeling “very broke down,” a sentiment shared by his family. The trauma has led him to isolate himself, spending his days in his room, consumed by thoughts of his brother. The physical toll is also significant, with persistent knee, shoulder, and back pain, as well as burns on his arm, necessitating his wife’s assistance with daily tasks like showering.
The emotional strain extends to his family life, as Ramesh admitted to not communicating effectively with his four-year-old son, Divang. The interviewer’s gentle probing about his son’s well-being was met with a somber nod, indicating the deep rift the tragedy has created.
Supported by community leaders, Ramesh is seeking more than just financial aid from Air India. His advisors highlight the need for comprehensive support, including help with his son’s schooling, daily living expenses, and crucial medical and psychological care. They are also calling for Air India’s leadership to engage directly with victims’ families, fostering human connection and empathy.
Air India has acknowledged its responsibility, expressing deep consciousness of its duty to support Ramesh. While an interim payment has been offered, Ramesh’s team emphasizes that it barely scratches the surface of what is needed to help him and his family regain a semblance of normalcy after this catastrophic event.