In a harrowing display of maternal instinct and courage, Manisha Kachhadiya risked her life to protect her 8-month-old son, Dhyaansh, during the catastrophic crash of Air India’s IC171 in Ahmedabad on June 12. The aircraft collided with the BJ Medical College hostel, claiming 260 lives. Amid blazing fire and suffocating smoke, Manisha wrapped her body around her son to shield him from the flames.
Despite suffering 25% burns to her hands and face, she ensured her baby survived — Dhyaansh, who endured 36% burns, became the youngest survivor of the tragedy. As both underwent extensive treatment at KD Hospital, Manisha took her sacrifice even further by donating her skin for grafts to help her son’s recovery.
Manisha’s husband, Dr. Kapil Kachhadiya, a urology postgraduate at BJ Medical College, was on duty during the crash. His medical knowledge played a key role in Dhyaansh’s healing, assisting with dressings and care even at night.
According to doctors, the infant’s treatment was extremely delicate. He was kept on ventilator support, required blood transfusions, and underwent skin grafting with tissue from both himself and his mother. Surgeons stressed the importance of infection control due to the baby’s age and the risk to his development.
Dr. Adit Desai of KD Hospital described the case as emotionally powerful and a testament to a mother’s instinctive bravery. After five weeks of intensive care, both mother and child were discharged last week — survivors of fire, trauma, and fate.