- Cheques distributed in the presence of the Dean and Junior Doctors Association in a symbolic gathering as BJ Medical College resumes academic activities.
Ahmedabad: As BJ Medical College reopened today after the devastating Air India Flight 171 crash, the atmosphere remained heavy with grief. Amid the quiet return to classes, a deeply emotional moment unfolded inside the Dean’s Chamber as financial aid reached the families impacted by the tragedy. The support, announced last week by UAE-based healthcare entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, was formally handed over during a private gathering. Representatives from VPS Health traveled from Abu Dhabi to deliver the cheques, which were distributed in the office of Dr. Minakshi Parikh, Dean of BJ Medical College, in the presence of Dr. Rakesh S. Joshi, Superintendent of the Hospital, and the Junior Doctors Association.
The gesture was carried out with a sense of quiet dignity, guided by the college’s leadership and student community.
Families Receive Support on a Day of Mixed Emotions
The first to receive support were the families of the four young medical students who lost their lives in the crash. Each family was handed a cheque of ₹1 crore. The parents of Aryan Rajput, a first-year MBBS student from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, arrived at the college still trying to come to terms with their loss. Alongside them were the families of Manav Bhadu from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, Jayprakash Choudhary from Barmer in Rajasthan, and Rakesh Gobarbhai Diyora from Bhavnagar in Gujarat.
All four had just begun their medical careers, filled with dreams and determination. Their lives were suddenly and cruelly cut short.
“He was the hope of our entire family—the first to make it to medical college. We come from a farming background. He loved children and wanted to become a pediatric heart surgeon. This tragedy came as a shock. We have four sisters, and our father is unwell. He carried all our hopes. This support means a lot to us,” said Vipul Bhai Gobarbhai Diyora, the brother of Rakesh Diyora, a second-year student who died in the crash.
In addition to these families, the kin of six other deceased received support. Among them were Dr. Pradip Solanki, a neurosurgery resident, who lost his wife and brother-in-law, Dr. Nilkanth Suthar, a surgical oncology resident, who lost three family members, and Dr. Yogesh Hadat, a BPT student, who lost his brother. They received ₹25 lakh for every deceased relative.
Support for the Injured
Based on a proposal from the Junior Doctors Association in consultation with the Dean, 14 individuals who were seriously injured were also identified for financial support. They required hospitalization for five or more days due to injuries like burns, fractures, or internal trauma. Each received ₹3.5 lakh.
The beneficiaries included first- and second-year MBBS students recovering from head, neck, and limb trauma. The list also included residents like Dr. Kelvin Gameti and Dr. Pratham Kolcha, who suffered extensive burns, and relatives of faculty members like Manishaben and her 8-month-old son, whose recoveries are ongoing.
A Pledge Fulfilled Within Days
The distribution of the ₹6 crore marked the fulfillment of the commitment made by Dr. Shamsheer on June 17, just days after the crash that tore through the Atulyam hostel complex.
At the time, he shared how the tragedy struck a deeply personal chord, reminding him of his own years in medical hostels.
“The dreams your loved ones carried were shared by all of us who believe in the calling to heal and serve. Please know that you are not alone. The medical community stands beside you,” he assured in a personal letter handed over to the families.
After the handover, a special prayer gathering was held in memory of those who died. Faculty, students, and staff gathered in silence. For many, it was the first time they had returned to campus since the crash.
Dr. Minakshi Parikh, said, “We are still coming to terms with an unimaginable loss. In moments like these, gestures of solidarity carry great meaning and remind us that the medical community stands together in times of grief.”
Dr. Shekar Parghi, a representative from Junior Doctors Association, added, “We’ve lost friends. The pain is real. What Dr. Shamsheer did meant a lot. It felt like someone who understands what it means to be one of us reached out in a moment when we needed it most.”
