Viswashkumar Ramesh, the only person to survive the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12 that claimed 241 lives, has described himself as the “luckiest man alive.” However, he also revealed that his life since the disaster has been marked by deep physical and emotional pain.

Ramesh, a British national, was the sole survivor of the London-bound AI 171 flight that crashed into a medical hostel in Ahmedabad. Speaking to the BBC, he shared that he now lives in isolation, detached from his wife and son, struggling to cope with the enormity of the tragedy.

“I still cannot believe it. I am the only one who survived—it feels like a miracle,” he said. Ramesh also spoke tearfully about losing his younger brother Ajay, who had been seated just a few rows away. “My brother was my backbone. He was always there for me. Now I am alone,” he said, adding that he spends most of his time confined to his room, avoiding interaction with his family.

Since returning to Leicester from India, Ramesh has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but has not received treatment. He admitted that both he and his family continue to struggle with the aftermath. “My mother has been sitting outside the door every day, silent. None of us talk much. I think all night and suffer mentally. Every day feels painful for the whole family,” he said.

Ramesh also detailed his physical injuries, sustained as he escaped through an opening in the aircraft’s fuselage. Persistent pain in his leg, shoulder, knee, and back has left him unable to work or drive. “I walk slowly now, and my wife helps me when I cannot,” he shared.

Community figures Sanjiv Patel and Radd Seiger, who have been assisting Ramesh, expressed serious concern about the lack of sustained support for him and his family. “They are in crisis—mentally, physically, and financially. The family has been devastated. Those responsible must meet with the victims and understand their suffering,” Patel said.

Their family business, a fishing enterprise in Diu that Ramesh once managed with his brother, has since collapsed. Seiger criticized Air India for allegedly disregarding repeated requests for meetings, saying, “It is unacceptable that we must put Mr. Ramesh through this again. Air India’s executives should be here addressing his needs and helping to ease the suffering.”

Air India, owned by the Tata Group, responded by stating that senior company representatives have met families of victims to express condolences. The airline confirmed that an offer had been extended to Ramesh’s representatives for a meeting, adding that this was proposed before his media interactions.

The carrier further stated, “We remain committed to providing assistance and continue to reach out to Mr. Ramesh’s representatives. We hope for a positive response.”

Ramesh has received an interim compensation of £21,500 (approximately ₹25.09 lakh), which he accepted. However, his advisors contend that the amount is far from adequate to meet his immediate financial and medical needs.