Nearly seven years after the devastating Takshashila Arcade fire in Surat claimed 22 lives and shook Gujarat, one of its unsung heroes is battling a different kind of tragedy. Jatin Nakrani, who risked his life to save numerous students that fateful afternoon, now lives with a severe brain injury, jobless and entirely dependent on his family.
The Hero’s Plight
Jatin, 30, once ran a successful fashion design coaching class at Takshashila Arcade. On May 24, 2019, he suffered critical injuries while rescuing students from the blaze. The incident left him with short-term memory loss, making it impossible for him to work or pursue his former career.
A computer applications graduate, Jatin had invested approximately Rs 1.5 crore in his coaching business after mortgaging his family home. The venture showed early promise, but the fire destroyed everything. Today, the financial burden has shifted to his father, Bharat Nakrani, 58, a former diamond artisan who now drives a goods tempo to support the family.
Family’s Struggle
Bharat is the sole caregiver and breadwinner for his only son and two married daughters. “My brother gave me a goods rickshaw so I could earn some money. I make between Rs 300 and Rs 500 on a normal day. Due to the current fuel crisis and slow business, I am not getting enough work,” Bharat told reporters.
During the fire, Jatin was among the first to raise the alarm. From his classroom on the second floor, he rushed upstairs after noticing the blaze, warning students in a mathematics class on the third floor and helping them escape. He then proceeded to the fourth floor to alert others, but the building’s only wooden staircase was already engulfed in flames. Trapped, Jatin broke window glass and assisted several students in escaping. He rescued around 14 individuals before losing his balance and falling from the building, sustaining severe head and body injuries.
Ongoing Health Issues
For a long period after the incident, Jatin was bedridden and paralyzed on his right side. While his physical condition has improved—he can now walk and manage daily routines—he continues to suffer from short-term memory loss, forgetting things within hours. According to his family, he cannot use a vehicle due to the risk of getting lost. He goes out for walks and returns home but remains unemployed, relying on medication aimed at improving his mental health.
The Nakrani family, originally from Amreli in Saurashtra, has lived in Surat for 33 years. Family members say Jatin becomes upset quickly and may shout or abuse if his demands are not met, reflecting the lasting psychological effects of the trauma.
Community Support
“Jatin’s and his family’s condition is challenging. While trying to save lives, his life changed completely,” said Jaysukh Gajera, father of Grishma, one of the deceased students. “Political leaders and the community came forward and helped the Nakrani family repay around Rs 40 lakh to free their home from the mortgage.”
