The tragic Air India Ahmedabad-London flight crash, designated AI-171, continues to reverberate across the nation. As investigations into the cause of the crash proceed, stories of those on board are beginning to emerge, painting a poignant picture of lives cut short. Among those remembered is Clive Kunder, the flight's co-pilot, who is being fondly recalled by a former professor as a "brilliant and disciplined" student.
Professor Urvashi, who taught Kunder Physics in Class 11 and 12 at Wilson College in Mumbai, shared her memories of the young pilot, her voice breaking with emotion. "Very difficult for me to digest the news," she said, describing Kunder as a "very brilliant student, very disciplined, very punctual, intelligent... His work was very neat, clean, very systematic." She believes his disciplined nature was a key factor in his success as a pilot.
Kunder's dedication and passion for aviation were evident even in his school days. According to Professor Urvashi, he once expressed a desire to "do something different" with his life. This ambition led him to pursue a career in aviation, initially as an aeronautical engineer before fulfilling his dream of becoming a pilot.
Reverend Sam Munni, pastor of Christ Kanthi Church, where Kunder was a dedicated member, also spoke warmly of the co-pilot. He described Kunder as a soft-spoken and humble individual who actively participated in church services whenever he had time off. "He actively participated in the Easter service this year. His friendly nature and willingness to connect with everyone made him beloved in the community," Pastor Munni said. Despite his profession, he "never displayed any arrogance".
Floyd D'Souza, a neighbor, echoed these sentiments, noting that Kunder and his family were "very good-natured people" who were overjoyed when he achieved his dream of becoming a pilot. The news of the crash and Kunder's involvement came as a shock to D'Souza.
AI-171 crashed minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday, claiming the lives of 241 of the 242 people on board, including 12 crew members. The aircraft crashed into the complex of a medical college, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people on the ground. The Aviation Ministry stated that the pilot's last message was "Mayday". The damaged tail portion of the aircraft has been recovered from the crash site.
The sole survivor of the crash has been identified as Ramesh Vishwaskumar, a British national who was seated in 11A.
The disaster has prompted widespread grief and mourning. The Civil Aviation Minister acknowledged the difficulty of the past few days. Authorities are working diligently to investigate the cause of the crash and provide support to the families of the victims.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life. Even for those "soaring high," as a family friend remarked, tragedy can strike without warning. The memories of Clive Kunder, a "brilliant, disciplined," and "humble" young man, will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
