In the wake of the tragic Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area on 12 June 2025, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) swayamsevaks rushed to aid victims’ families and support rescue operations alongside local administration, police, and medical teams.
The horrific incident, which involved a flight with 242 people on board — 230 passengers and 12 crew members — resulted in numerous deaths and injuries and left many in shock. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 52 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian citizen. One survivor — sitting in seat 11A — was found alive after the incident and is currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital, according to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik.
RSS Swayamsevaks’ Ground Efforts
Just half an hour after Air India flight 171 went down — a catastrophic incident that resulted in numerous deaths and injuries — scores of RSS cadres were already on the ground, extending a helping hand in whatever way they could. The local RSS unit in Karnavati, where Dr. Hedgewar Bhawan (the RSS’s Ahmedabad headquarters) is located, quickly mobilised its members. Mahanagar Karyavah, Hardik Parikh, was busy contacting colleagues and sending messages in their WhatsApp group to bring in additional help.
“In tough times, RSS always helps people and stands at the forefront of service,” Parikh said outside the post-mortem section of Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. “We have deployed mostly taruns (adults) who can actively work on the ground. It’s our duty to serve society.”
Outside the hospital’s mortuary, nearly 200 RSS workers in their traditional dark brown trousers, white shirts, black caps, and bamboo sticks were engaged in crowd control, guiding victims’ families, and offering much-needed support. The tragedy — which saw a flight filled with people, many looking forward to a new future in London — come down in a ball of fire — forced hospitals, emergency services, and the community to respond collectively.
Swayamsevaks are working in two phases, with 175 members in each team, delivering aid across multiple aspects of the operation:
- Managing rescue operations at the crash site.
- Traffic management in and around the hospital.
- Support during post-mortem procedures.
- Assisting in the collection of DNA samples to aid in victim identification.
- Organizing food, water, and other necessities for over 2,000 people.
- Collaborating with Kalupur Swaminarayan Mandir for food distribution.
- Donating blood in response to appeals by hospital authorities.
RSS volunteers are actively assisting in relief efforts in Ahmedabad. We extend our condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the recovery of the injured. #PlaneCrash pic.twitter.com/qguplf1avN
— Friends of RSS (@friendsofrss) June 12, 2025
RSS members, alongside Gujarat Police and medical staff, were fully engaged in delivering aid and honoring the dignity of the deceased. They provided food, water bottles, and other necessities to the family members who rushed to the hospital to identify their relatives’ bodies. Additionally, many people came forward to donate blood in response to appeals made by hospital authorities. The Sangh’s workers facilitated these donors and supported them through the process.
At the hospital, RSS cadres were also busy offering food and refreshments — “We are providing tea, biscuits, and khichdi. Whoever wants to eat can take it,” Parikh explained, adding that the team was organizing its efforts in shifts. Those who had finished their shift made way for a fresh group to take their place. “We are here for the next few days until the situation normalises.”
RSS volunteers are providing relief material and assistance to plane crash victims at Civil Hospital in Karnavati. #AhmedabadPlaneCrash pic.twitter.com/EEko2CZASW
— Friends of RSS (@friendsofrss) June 12, 2025
ಪರಿಹಾರ ಕಾರ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ತೊಡಗಿರುವ #RSS ಸ್ವಯಂಸೇವಕರು..#Ahmedabad #plaincrash. pic.twitter.com/6Ty8b3qmhE
— ಶಕುಂತಲ ನಟರಾಜ್ (@ShakunthalaHS) June 12, 2025
Time and again, whether in the face of natural disasters or human tragedies—cyclones, floods, earthquakes, or any crisis—the selfless service of RSS swayamsevaks shines through. Wherever help is needed most, you’ll find them on the front lines, working tirelessly to bring relief, hope, and strength to those affected. Their unwavering commitment to service ensures that when it matters most, the Sangh is always there, boots on the ground and hearts in the mission.
(With inputs from The Print)
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