On
June 23, 1985 Sanjay Turlapati, a grade nine student at
Woburn and his younger brother Deepak were travelling to
India to visit their grandparents for the summer. While
passing over the west coast of Ireland their Air India flight
crashed into the Atlantic as a result of a bomb which had
been placed on the plane in Canada. Sanjay, Deepak and all
others on board perished in the explosion.
|
 |
Sanjay
was a popular student in his one year at Woburn. His writing
ability was at the top of his class and he was awarded the
grade nine creative writing prize. After his death this
award was given in his name to that freshman student who
reflected Sanjay's skills in creative writing. Deepak, a
student at Woburn Junior, looked forward to attending Woburn
two years later. |
 |
The
people of Ahakista on Dunmanus Bay in West Cork Ireland
were greatly moved by the tragedy which took place so near
their village. The fisherman of the region took part in
the extensive recovery effort which took place that summer
and, over the years they have been gracious hosts to those
who return to visit the sacred shore where so many are remembered.
|
There
is now a garden and a memorial to mark
the loss of Air India Flight 182. One can visit, read the
names of those lost and say a quiet prayer to their memory.
The monument is in the shape of a bronze harp. It stands
on the south shore of the Sheep's Head Peninsula and faces
the beauty of Mizen Head to the south.
|
On
April 1st of this year (2006) I had the good fortune to
visit the memorial and, while there, I left a two small
pebbles from the front of Woburn amd Woburn Junior. I also
picked up a pebble from the beach which I hope to bring
to Woburn sometime in the near future.
There
is something about the tranquility of the area which eases
some of the trenendous pain of the event. One can't help
but wonder what Sanjay might have done with his life had
it not been stolen from him but, when you stand there near
Ahakista you have to realize that, in some small way his
life stiil has a profound impact on those
who choose to remember.
|
|
 |
R.I.P.
Sanjay, R.I.P. Deepak
|
|
|
|
| |
|
