Dombivli, Maharashtra | June 19, 2025 — A sense of collective mourning hung in the air today in Dombivli East as the final rites of Roshni Rajendra Songhare, a 26-year-old cabin crew member who tragically lost her life in the Air India Flight AI-171 crash, were performed. Hundreds of grieving relatives, friends, neighbors, and colleagues came together to bid farewell to the young woman who had been full of dreams and ambition.
Roshni’s body, brought from Ahmedabad where the crash occurred, arrived early Thursday morning at her residence in Nav Umiya Krupa Society. It was the same home where she had taken her first steps and dreamed of the skies. Her younger brother lit the funeral pyre, while her inconsolable mother, Rajshree Songhare, had to be supported by relatives.
“She was the light of our house. All she ever wanted was to fly and make us proud,” said Roshni’s father Rajendra Songhare, his voice shaking with emotion. “We were preparing for her engagement later this year. Now we are arranging her cremation.”
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A Dreamer, A Daughter, A Professional
Roshni had completed her cabin crew training in Mumbai and joined SpiceJet before securing a position with Air India in 2024. Her career was just beginning to take flight when tragedy struck. Those who knew her remember a vibrant young woman, always smiling, dedicated to her work, and loved by colleagues.
“She had that spark,” said one of her Air India batchmates who travelled from Mumbai to attend the cremation. “Even on the longest flights, she made passengers smile. She kept her team upbeat. This loss is not just to her family—it’s to all of us.”
Beyond her work, Roshni had also started sharing travel content on social media. She had amassed thousands of followers who admired her journey as a flight attendant.
The Crash That Shook the Nation
Roshni was one of 242 people on board Flight AI-171, which tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London on June 12. Only one passenger survived in what has been called India’s deadliest aviation disaster in nearly a decade.
The Boeing 787 aircraft reportedly experienced a mid-air systems failure within minutes of takeoff. While official causes remain under investigation, the black box—retrieved two days ago—is expected to reveal more about what went wrong during those final, terrifying moments.
As the Air India family comes to terms with the loss of 12 crew members, including co-pilot Clive Kunder, aviation authorities are under pressure to review safety protocols and aircraft maintenance standards.
“We are committed to a full and transparent investigation,” said a spokesperson for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “Our thoughts are with every single family grieving this unimaginable loss.”
Dombivli in Mourning
In Dombivli East, a close-knit neighborhood known for its sense of community, residents have been stunned by the sudden tragedy. Many watched Roshni grow up. Some recalled seeing her leave for work in uniform, smiling and full of hope.
“She was our pride,” said Meena Deshmukh, a neighbor. “I used to call her ‘Dombivli ki air hostess’. Every time she came back from a trip, she would bring chocolates for the children. It’s hard to believe she’s gone.”
Local political leaders, Air India officials, and school alumni members visited her home to offer condolences. The crematorium was filled beyond capacity, with several mourners having to wait outside.
A Legacy Remembered
In the aftermath of the crash, an alumni fund from her training institute has announced a scholarship in Roshni’s name to support aspiring cabin crew from underprivileged backgrounds.
Her friends are also planning to host a tribute event next week in Mumbai, where her journey in aviation first began.
“She had so many dreams—to travel the world, to care for her parents, to build something on her own,” said close friend and former classmate Priya Nair. “We’ll make sure her story is remembered, not just as a statistic of a crash, but as a symbol of courage and ambition.”
As the sun set over Dombivli, so too ended the final journey of a girl who touched the skies far too briefly. Amid cries of “Roshni, hum tumhe bhoolenge nahi,” her ashes were scattered, leaving behind memories that the city—and the nation—will carry for a long time.
For tribute messages or condolences, visit the Air India Memorial Page: www.airindia-remembers.com
(Inputs by Vidhu Singh)
