A remembrance program took place in Rajkot to honor the first death anniversary of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who tragically lost his life in the Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 241 out of 242 lives on board. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12 last year, causing casualties on the ground as well.
In Rajkot, the Jain Vision Group organized a ‘Navkar mantra’ chanting program attended by members of the Rupani family, including his wife, Anjali Rupani, and son Rishabh Rupani. Former Rajkot Mayor Dhansukh Bhaderi and other participants also paid their respects to the late Chief Minister at the event.
During the program, Jain representative Milan Kothari highlighted the various religious and service activities held throughout the day, such as bhajans, food distribution, cow service, and collective chanting of the Navkar mantra. Contributions were made to charitable organizations involved in food distribution and service work in memory of the deceased, including support to a deaf and mute ashram.
Former Mayor Dhansukh Bhaderi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Vijay Rupani, praising his leadership style as personal and engaging. He recalled Rupani’s habit of addressing workers by name and staying closely connected with party members, with his guidance and approach to public life still being cherished and followed by many.
The tragic Air India crash not only claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew but also resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals on the ground when the aircraft struck buildings near the airport after take-off. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is actively investigating the crash’s cause, with final findings pending.
