Air India crash claims dream of a doctor couple to raise their three kids in London

Thursday’s Air India plane crash claimed the lives of 11 Rajasthan natives, but the story of one family of five stands out for its heartbreaking tragedy.

Dr Prateek Joshi, his wife Dr Komi Vyas, and their three young children, daughter Miraya and twin sons Pradyut and Nakul, were on board the ill-fated flight, hoping to begin a new life together in London. What was meant to be the start of a new chapter ended in unimaginable loss.

Dr Prateek had initially moved to London for higher studies. After three years of building his career, he was ready to reunite his family overseas. Dr Komi had recently resigned from her position at Pacific Medical College and Hospital in Udaipur, excited to join her husband and raise their children in London. Just days earlier, she had shared her plans with colleagues.


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"Prateek came a month ago, full of excitement and plans. They went shopping together across Udaipur, choosing everything with the vision of raising their children in London," said Lokesh Shukla, a close family friend and neighbour.

Dr Prateek’s father, J P Joshi, runs a sonography centre in Udaipur, while his mother, Dr Anita Joshi, also served in the medical field. The family was widely respected not only for their professional success but also for their humility, warmth, and strong values.

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The devastating crash also claimed the lives of several other Rajasthan natives. Five Udaipur residents, siblings Shubh and Shagun Modi, brothers Vardi Chand and Prakash Chandra Menaria, and Payal Khateek, were among those who died. Shubh and Shagun were headed to London for a vacation, while Payal was pursuing higher studies. The Menaria brothers, both chefs employed in the UK, were returning to work after a family visit in Udaipur.

In Balotra, Khushboo Rajpurohit, who had married just five months ago and was travelling to the UK to join her doctor husband, was also among the victims. Bikaner's Abhinav Parihar, on a business trip to the UK, lost his life as well.

Udaipur district officials stated that the victims' bodies are expected to arrive by Friday evening, after DNA identification is completed. Cremations are likely to take place on Saturday. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reached out to the bereaved families and assured all possible support.

(With inputs from TOI)