Twist Of Fate, Father Loses Daughter In Air India Crash, 37 Years After Kin Died In 1988 Plane Crash

An air crash is more than just a tragedy which can be measured in numbers. Behind every fatality, there are family members who are left shattered for the rest of their lives. Their shared dreams are broken, voices are silent, and the future seems lost. People who have ever lost a loved one in a tragedy live with a constant fear for the rest of their lives, praying that some other trauma doesn't strike back again. However, this nightmare came true for businessman, Saurin Palkhiwala, who lost his daughter in the recent Ahmedabad plane crash, 37 years after losing a relative in the 1988 tragedy near the same airport. 

Saurin Palkhiwala reveals their daughter was born 14 years after their marriage 

Saurin Palkhiwala is a businessman who recently witnessed his worst dream come true after he lost his 26-year-old daughter, Sanjana, in the recent Air India plane crash which took place in Ahmedabad. But the heartbreak wasn't new for him. Exactly thirty-seven years ago, in 1988, he had lost another relative, his sister's prospective father-in-law, in the Indian Airlines 1988 plane crash, which took place in the same city. For those unaware, that tragedy in the past claimed 133 lives after an aircraft from Mumbai en route to Ahmedabad crashed near the airport. 

In 1988, the eventual investigations concluded that the flight crashed due to an error of judgment by the pilot-in-command and the co-pilot, who reportedly didn't follow the laid down procedures for landing due to poor visibility conditions. It is counted among the five deadliest plane crashes which ever took place in India. Saurin Palkhiwala opened up about the incident to the media and shared that when he got a call about the crash, he was left in shock and instinctively knew that he had lost his daughter. In his words:

"When I got the news of the AI 171 plane crash, shock numbed me as I had witnessed a crash site before. Instinctively, I knew I had lost my daughter and prayed for her. I rushed home from the office, picked up my wife Sonali and left for Civil Hospital."

Back in 1988, Saurin ran to the crash site to look for his sister's prospective father-in-law, a merchant banker, Pradeep Harkishandas Dalal. However, he unfortunately passed away after suffering severe injuries. Now he is facing a similar and much deeper agony after his only daughter, Sanjana, who was heading to the UK to attend her college reunion with friends, passed away. Sharing how he and his wife conceived Sanjana after 14 years of their marriage, Saurin said: 

"Sanjana was born to us 14 years after marriage. My wife is an ardent devotee of Goddess Gayatri, and when Sanjana was born, we were grateful for the divine gift. She was a brilliant student. Our home is full of her memories and wonderful paintings. After completing her BBA from Pune, she pursued her master's in management of technology (MOT) from New York University. She was going to the UK for a reunion with her college friends."

Saurin Palkhiwala reveals he was planning for his daughter's engagement and instead completed her final rites 

In the same conversation, Saurin explained that it's a difficult time for them, and the only way for them to cope with the loss is to acknowledge that it was God's wish. He revealed that they were planning her engagement and now they are busy completing her last rites. Sanjana, who also held a deep knowledge of food, art and music, was planning to start her business in the food sector but all the plans were now left behind. Talking about her, her cousin, Saloni Palkhiwala, said:

"We bonded very well and were like twin sisters. She had just started playing tennis and enjoyed cricket. She was a lively person who loved dancing, reading, painting and travelling."

Sanjana Palkhiwala died in the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash on June 12, 2025, which claimed more than 265 lives, including those 241 lives. The investigation for the cause of the crash is being done, and the remains of those deceased are being handed over to their families after completing adequate DNA testing. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of Sanjana Palkhiwala and others who lost their lives in Ahmedabad Air India flight crash.

Next Read: Rahul Vaidya Boards Flight To Ahmedabad After Plane Crash, Says, 'Thoda Dar Lag Raha Hai..'

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