- BILKULONLINE
- By Rafat Quadri
Ahmedabad, June 19: In the aftermath of the tragic plane crash on June 12 in Meghaninagar, quiet acts of humanity emerged at Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital—where nurses, counsellors, doctors, and transport officials worked selflessly behind the scenes to support grieving families.
From DNA Testing to Final Goodbyes: Standing by the Grief-Stricken at Every Step
These unsung heroes ensured every phase—from DNA identification to the respectful handover of mortal remains—was handled with empathy and dignity. Over 350 relatives received emotional counselling from a team of psychiatrists working in shifts around the clock.
( Heroes: L to R: J V Badani, Dr. Alpa Mankadia)
Staff Nurse Surekha Rawal, who guided many families through official formalities, shared a deeply moving moment: “An elderly woman held my hand, looked into my eyes, and said, ‘You reminded me of the daughter I lost.’ She embraced me and we cried together. It was as if, for a brief moment, she found a piece of her child in me.”
Psychiatrist Dr. Nisha Prajapati recounted how one uncle broke down while giving his DNA sample. “He was inconsolable. We sat with him for hours—sometimes silence speaks more than words. Eventually, he found enough strength to face the next steps.”
( Heroes: L to R: Surekha Rawal and Dr. Nisha Prajapati )
Once DNA matches were confirmed, Dr. Alpa Mankadia’s team promptly contacted the families, explained the procedures, and arranged handovers with utmost sensitivity. To ensure the final journey was dignified, the Ahmedabad RTO, led by ARTO J.V. Bhadani, coordinated with Air India and arranged more than 15 vehicles to transport mortal remains and accompanying relatives back home.
In moments when grief seemed unbearable, these acts of compassion and quiet service offered a lifeline—reminding us that even in the darkest times, humanity endures.
(Rafat Quadri can be contacted at editorbilkul@gmail.com)
Image created by AI.