On June 23, 2025, the Air India bombing’s 40th anniversary will mark a tragic moment in history when Air India Flight 182 was bombed over the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the deaths of all 329 passengers and crew members onboard, predominantly Canadian citizens. In the aftermath, Susheel Gupta, then only 12 years old, lost his mother in the attack. Shortly after the tragedy, he and his father traveled to Ireland, a journey that left a profound impact on him. Reflecting on this experience, Gupta emphasized the immense dignity and compassion shown to victims’ families by the Irish community, including police officers, hospital staff, and ordinary citizens.
Gupta recounts sentimental memories from his time in Ireland, such as two locals who generously offered their raincoats to him and his father during a rainy day, highlighting the kindness they encountered amid their grief. These touching interactions fostered a lasting fondness in Gupta for the people of Ireland, a sentiment that has perhaps influenced his life’s work. In the wake of his mother’s untimely death, he dedicated himself to advocating for victims of crime and has played a pivotal role in improving the criminal justice system to better accommodate victims of terrorism and mass casualty events.
Looking back, Gupta acknowledges that Canada has made significant strides since the bombing occurred. However, he insists that ongoing improvements are necessary. He references various inquiries, such as the Mass Casualty Commission, which examined events in Portapique, Nova Scotia, and the investigation into the downing of Ukraine Airlines flight PS752. Both studies recommended establishing a national program for supporting terrorism and mass casualty victims, a step Gupta feels is critical for future preparedness.
To commemorate the lives lost in the bombing, a memorial service is planned at Stanley Park on the anniversary date. This gathering aims to honor and remember the victims while providing a space for families to reflect on their shared loss. The significance of this memorial is enhanced by recent developments; RCMP confirmation that a man known as ‘Mr. X’—linked to the bombing—has passed away. This individual accompanied mastermind Talwinder Singh Parmar shortly before the attack and played a role in testing an explosive device.
Despite years of investigation, clarity surrounding the bombing remains elusive. The RCMP recently revealed that they possess information regarding a suspect connected to the explosive device testing; however, they have yet to gather sufficient evidence to confirm this individual’s identity definitively. The complexities surrounding the investigation serve to highlight the unresolved questions that linger nearly four decades later.
Overall, the Air India bombing stands as a painful reminder of the impact of terrorism, not only on victims and their families but also on communities and nations. The empathy shown by the Irish people significantly shaped Gupta’s journey and advocacy, linking personal loss with a broader mission to improve systemic responses to victims. As Canada reflects on this tragic anniversary, the pursuit of justice and healing remains a collective responsibility, aimed at preventing future tragedies.
