Seven months have passed since the devastating Air India 171 flight crashed in Ahmedabad. Families of the victims continue to face their profound loss. They do so through personal belongings recovered from the wreckage. Air India has carefully catalogued these items.
Fragile Connections to Lost Lives
For many, these objects provide a delicate link to loved ones who are gone. A child's toy airplane, a single gold earring, or a pair of shoes can mean everything. For others, seeing these items reopens wounds that are still fresh and painful.
Among the salvaged possessions is a slightly damaged prayer book. It contains a poem titled "Mangal Mandir Kholo…". Gujarati poet Narsinhrao Divetia wrote this verse in 1934 after his grandson Premal died. The poem asks God to bless a soul that left life too soon. Finding this book at the crash site has deeply moved families struggling with grief.
The Tragic Flight and Recovery Efforts
The Boeing aircraft was bound for Gatwick. It crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12 last year. The disaster claimed 260 lives. This included 241 of the 242 passengers and crew on board.
After the crash, recovery teams gathered personal items from the aircraft's storage and the site itself. Air India states it has handled the return process with great respect and care. A spokesperson explained that returning belongings is a sensitive task. Teams have spent considerable time cataloguing and documenting items that can be returned.
A Vast Catalogue of Memories
The airline has preserved over 22,000 personal belongings. About 10,000 of these have been identified using names or other markers. Passports, identity documents, and personal effects helped with identification. These items are now being returned to families.
The remaining roughly 12,000 items lack clear identification. They have been uploaded to a special online portal. Registered relatives can view photographs and descriptions to try and claim them.
Air India shares information about items through email and a dedicated website. Once details are confirmed, belongings are handed over physically after necessary clearances.
Fragments of Interrupted Lives
The digital catalogue is organized into categories. It reads like a collection of shattered dreams. A toy airplane marked 'Kids Airways', religious idols like Lord Ganesha, jewellery, footwear, and books. Each item tells a story of a life cut short and plans left unfinished.
It offers a glimpse into the passengers' worlds. Some were traveling to reunite with family. Others were flying to pursue higher education. Some were starting anew in a different country.
"Going through the items was a really emotional experience," said Mukti Vansadiya from Surat. She lost both her parents in the crash. "There are objects that connect directly with the incident. When I saw a page with 'Mangal Mandir Kholo' and 'Prabhu Sau Nu Karo Kalyan', it overwhelmed me."
The Claim Process and Challenges
Sources indicate Air India opened a 45-day window from January 5 for families to claim belongings. This includes both identified and unidentified items. While the process is largely digital, the airline set up a facilitation centre in Ahmedabad. Families can collect items there by appointment.
However, navigating the system proves difficult for some. Mohammad Rafiq from Diu lost his son Faizan in the crash. He said the telephonic helpline is no longer functional. He visited the Ahmedabad centre but was not allowed to see any items without an appointment.
Choosing Not to Collect
Several families have decided not to collect the belongings at all. A close relative of one victim from Mumbai spoke anonymously. The victim's mother has remained ill since the crash. She has not recovered emotionally.
"In such a situation, what would we do with the belongings? His memories are with us, and that is enough," the relative said.
"These items are memories of loved ones lost forever," noted Ayush Dubey. He is part of the legal team assisting AI171 families across multiple countries. "It is difficult to identify everything because families may not know what all was packed. Many are not comfortable with email-based systems. So, phone support would help reduce emotional distress."
Air India's Classification System
According to Air India sources, recovered items fall into two categories. Associated items are clearly linked to a specific passenger or crew member. In these cases, families do not need physical re-verification at the collection centre. The centre functions only as a facilitation point.
Sources also clarified that the helplines used earlier remain operational. The airline is working to support passengers in navigating the digital process as smoothly as possible.
The tragedy leaves a heavy legacy. Ordinary objects now carry unbearable weight for those left behind.
