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This article tells the poignant story of a Kerala family's decades-long wait for closure, finally finding solace in the discovery of their son's remains after a tragic plane crash in 1968. The story centers around Thomas Cherian, a 22-year-old Army craftsman, who was one of the 101 passengers aboard an Indian Air Force AN-12 transport plane that crashed in the snow-clad mountains near Rohtang, Himachal Pradesh, on February 7th, 1968.
Cherian's family, particularly his brother Thomas Thomas, recounts the enduring pain of uncertainty and the yearning for answers that spanned over five decades. The family, based in Elanthoor, Kerala, received the news of the crash via a telegram, leaving them in a state of shock and disbelief. The tragedy struck just days after Cherian had sent a letter home, sharing the news of his posting at Leh, a moment now etched in the family's memory as a bittersweet reminder of a life cut short.
The article highlights the emotional toll the tragedy took on the family, especially during their father's passing in 1990 and their mother's death in 1998. They continued to receive a family pension until their mother's death, a constant reminder of their missing son. Even after being officially informed of Cherian's death in 2003, the family held onto the hope of finding his remains, clinging to news of periodic search efforts by the Army. Despite the passage of time and the loss of many personal belongings due to renovations, the family yearns for even a single photograph of Cherian, hoping the Army may possess one.
The story goes beyond the personal tragedy of the Cherian family and sheds light on the enduring impact of the 1968 plane crash. It underscores the enduring human need for closure, even decades after a loss. The discovery of Cherian's remains, however long in coming, offers the family a sense of peace and allows them to finally mourn their loved one, providing closure to a chapter marked by uncertainty and heartache. The article serves as a testament to the enduring bond of family, the power of hope, and the importance of remembrance even in the face of tragedy.