UAE-based Indian doctor pledges ₹6 crore for Air India crash victims
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Dubai: UAE-based Indian doctor and philanthropist Dr Shamsheer Vayalil has pledged ₹6 crore in financial aid to support the families of medical students and doctors affected by last week’s fatal Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.
The tragedy occurred when the ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (AI 171), bound for London, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft struck the Atulyam hostel complex of BJ Medical College during the lunch hour, destroying student living quarters and the dining hall. All but one of the 242 passengers and crew onboard were killed, along with 29 individuals on the ground, including five MBBS students.
Dr Shamsheer, the founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings and managing director of VPS Healthcare, announced the relief from Abu Dhabi. He described his deep emotional response to the incident, especially after seeing the aftermath of the crash.
“I saw the footage from the mess and the hostel, and it truly shook me. It reminded me of the places I once called home — the corridors, the beds, the laughter, the pressure of exams, and the anticipation of a call from family,” he said. “No one expects a commercial aircraft to come crashing into that world.”
Reflecting on the devastating loss of young lives, he added, “Those students started the day thinking about lectures, assignments, and patients. Their lives ended in a way none of us could ever imagine. It hit close. Too close.”
The ₹6 crore relief package includes ₹1 crore for each of the four deceased students’ families, ₹20 lakh each for five students who were seriously injured, and ₹20 lakh each for the families of doctors who lost loved ones in the crash. The disbursement will be carried out in coordination with the Junior Doctors’ Association at BJ Medical College to ensure swift and appropriate distribution of funds.
Dr Shamsheer is known for his timely humanitarian responses. In 2010, following the Mangalore air crash, he also provided financial assistance and employment opportunities to affected families through Burjeel Holdings, a leading healthcare provider in the Middle East.
With PTI inputs
