Beaming beside his spouse, here is the poignant final photograph of Faizan Rafik captured before he embarked on the doomed Air India flight last year. Shortly after, he perished alongside 259 others when the London-bound aircraft plummeted from the sky soon after takeoff. On the first anniversary of that tragic day, Faizan’s cousin Sameer Rafik reflects on how the 25-year-old brightened the lives of all he encountered.
In an exclusive conversation, Sameer also reveals their last discussion, Faizan’s special resting spot beside his deceased mother, and the philanthropic efforts he is undertaking to improve the world in honor of his cousin. Sameer, 27, shared with the Mirror: “Life feels devoid without Faizan – our existence lacks tranquility now.”
“Faizan exemplified goodness – I have never encountered a sibling like him. He perpetually wore a smile. I attempted to emulate him, but I fell short.” Faizan lost his life when Air India flight 171 crashed into a medical college building in Ahmedabad, India, less than a minute after departing the runway on June 12 last year. The catastrophe claimed the lives of 260 individuals, including 19 on the ground, and left many others injured, marking it as the worst aviation tragedy in a decade. Remarkably, one passenger, a British national, survived.
Ten days prior, Sameer had driven Faizan from Leicester to Gatwick Airport on his journey to India. Little did they know it would be their final voyage together. “He embraced me – had I known it was our last hug, I would have clung on tighter,” Sameer recalls, choking up.
“He bared his soul during that trip, divulging his aspirations and ambitions. Having just cleared his driving test, he was elated. He planned to obtain his driver’s license upon his return and wanted me to accompany him to purchase his first car.” Sameer, who considered Faizan a sibling, yearns for the everyday moments they shared in Leicester. “We met daily. When he visited my home, he would incessantly ring the bell. I still miss that sound. Since last year, it has remained silent. He used to walk past my shop on his way to work, often asking for a ride home.”
Recently, Sameer traveled to the family’s ancestral town of Diu in Gujarat, India, to visit Faizan’s gravesite. He rests beside his mother, who passed away when Faizan was young. Revealing a snapshot of their final resting place adorned with flowers, Sameer expressed, “[Faizan] was fortunate to be laid to rest next to his mother. They shared a close bond. It holds a special significance.”
Before his demise, Faizan, previously employed at Leicester’s Walker’s crisps factory, was on the verge of attaining religious scholar status. He was in the process of arranging a visa for his wife, also a scholar, to reside and work alongside him in Leicester.
“They aimed to support children, guiding them onto the right path. Leicester currently faces a high drug alert, so he aimed to shield the community from this threat. That was his vision,” Sameer added. Sameer is initiating a charity in Faizan’s name to continue his altruistic endeavors. Currently self-funded, he is contributing to causes close to Faizan’s heart, including aiding families in Gaza with care packages.
He has also financed the construction of three wells in an impoverished area in Pakistan and provides financial and emotional aid to underprivileged community members in Leicester. “Engaging in this work, I sense Faizan’s presence – not physically, but emotionally,” he shares. “No one can bring him back, so perhaps through this, he will receive some reward, and I will honor my brother.”
Sameer intends to spend the anniversary assisting the community, mirroring Faizan’s aspirations for his future. “I will strive to aid as many individuals as possible. It won’t alleviate my grief, but it may bring me closer to Faizan.”
Despite cherishing memories of joyful times shared, Sameer voices disappointment in the lack of support from Air India and the Indian and UK administrations, making the grieving process more arduous. “Faizan was a taxpayer in this country, yet no one extended support to us during this crisis. It feels dehumanizing. I am dissatisfied with the UK and Indian governments, especially Air India.”
US attorney Mike Andrews represents over 100 families bereaved in the tragedy. He conveyed, “Families have encountered obstacles from Air India in India and its representatives in the UK, impeding progress during this process.”
“They have faced resistance, with some UK representatives flat out refusing to provide vital information. It is extremely frustrating and distressing for families to still be marginalized a year after the tragedy.”
“Grief is non