Why Did St Xavier’s College, Patna Hold a Condolence Meet for Alumna Manisha Thapa, Victim of the Air India Crash?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Manisha Thapa was a beloved alumna of St. Xavier’s College.
- The Air India crash resulted in significant loss of life.
- The college community came together to mourn and remember.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences at the crash site.
- Manisha’s legacy will continue to inspire her peers.
Patna, June 14 (NationPress) On Saturday, the students and faculty of St. Xavier’s College, Patna, gathered to pay their respects in a moving condolence meeting for Manisha Thapa, a former student and dedicated Air India crew member, who tragically lost her life in the recent Air India flight disaster.
Manisha, a student at the college from 2014 to 2017, was remembered as a vibrant and inspiring figure within the campus community. Her sudden passing has plunged the Xavier’s community into deep sorrow.
“Manisha was more than just a student; she shone brightly among her peers,” reflected Kalpana Kumari, Head of the Business Economics Department.
“Her determination, kindness, and potential were remarkable. The Xavier family has suffered a great loss, and her absence will always resonate with us.”
Her former classmate Alvin shared, “We are still coming to terms with this news. She was someone who consistently excelled — academically and in extracurricular activities. Her enthusiasm and warmth were infectious.”
Originally from Patna and with familial roots in Viratnagar, Nepal, Manisha had recently joined Air India after her tenure with IndiGo. She was serving as a flight attendant on Air India flight AI-171, which tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon.
The doomed flight, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, lost control shortly after departure, crashing near City Civil Hospital and BJ Medical College, devastating a residential area and claiming several lives on the ground.
Manisha’s family resides near Shyama Apartment on Jagdev Path in Patna. Her father, Raju Thapa, serves with the Bihar Police in Begusarai, while her mother, Laxmi, is a homemaker. Her younger brother, Amit, is still pursuing his studies. Two of her uncles are part of the Bihar Special Armed Police.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site on Friday, overseeing ongoing rescue efforts and expressing his profound sorrow over the loss of life.
At St. Xavier’s College, the atmosphere was heavy with grief, yet filled with tributes, prayers, and cherished memories of a life that, despite being brief, had a lasting impact on many.