On June 12, 2025, a horrific aviation disaster struck Ahmedabad, India, when Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed moments after takeoff. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, plummeted into the Meghani Nagar residential area, claiming 241 lives, including the family of five of Pratik Joshi, a software expert based in London since 2019. Only one passenger survived. The tragedy sent shockwaves through India and beyond, touching the hearts of millions, including global country music star Carrie Underwood.
Pratik Joshi, a radiologist, along with his wife, Dr. Koni Vyas, a pathology researcher at a private hospital in Banswara, Rajasthan, and their three children—eight-year-old daughter Miraya and five-year-old twins Pradyut and Nakul—were aboard the ill-fated flight, pursuing a new life in London. According to relatives, Pratik had returned to India days earlier to bring his family to the UK. A family selfie taken on the plane, capturing their radiant smiles, went viral on social media, deepening the collective grief over their loss.
Amid this heartbreak, Carrie Underwood, one of the world’s most beloved artists, took an extraordinary step that left both the people of India and her global fanbase in awe and gratitude. Upon learning of the tragedy, Carrie used her social media platforms to share a heartfelt condolence message, specifically mentioning the Joshi family. She wrote, “My heart breaks for the lives lost on Flight AI171. The Joshi family, with their dreams of a brighter future, leaves an irreplaceable void. I pray for their souls and for strength for those left behind.”
But Carrie’s compassion went beyond words. She announced a virtual charity concert, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting the victims’ families and those affected in Meghani Nagar. Scheduled for late June, the concert will feature other prominent artists, though specific names are yet to be revealed. Carrie also pledged to collaborate with Indian NGOs to ensure the funds are used effectively, from providing financial aid to families to rebuilding damaged infrastructure in the affected area.
Her gesture sparked an outpouring of gratitude. Fans worldwide, particularly in India, flooded social media with appreciation. One X user wrote, “Carrie Underwood isn’t just a singer; she’s an angel. Thank you for bringing hope in the face of tragedy.” India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah, also expressed gratitude, calling her actions “a symbol of global solidarity.”
Carrie further urged her fans to pray and donate to support the victims, stating, “No matter where we are in the world, we’re one big family. Let’s share love and support together.” Her actions have transformed a moment of profound grief into a powerful narrative of compassion and unity.
The Ahmedabad crash ranks among the worst aviation disasters in over a decade. Investigations are underway to determine the cause, with early theories pointing to engine failure, a bird strike, or wing issues. As the world awaits answers, the focus remains on Ahmedabad, where stories like that of the Joshi family and Carrie Underwood’s response highlight the resilience of the human spirit.
Carrie’s charity concert promises to be a memorable event, not only honoring the victims but also spreading a message of hope and togetherness. In the face of tragedy, Carrie Underwood has shown that music and compassion can bridge divides, uniting people across borders in a shared mission of healing.
