Information Box Group
Supporting Communities
Air India families have been recognized for their philanthropic work and leadership in honour of their lost loved ones. Two not-for-profit foundations, the Bhawani Anantaraman Foundation and the Manjari Sankurathri Memorial Foundation, both registered Canadian charities, continue to promote rural community development in India. There are also many student awards and scholarships that support local communities and commemorate those lost. Community spaces of remembrance further honour the victims and provide places for reflection, education, and collective memory.
Celebrating Impact
Dr. Mahesh Sharma Appointed to the Order of Canada
In March 2026, Dr. Mahesh Chandra Sharma of Concordia University was awarded the Order of Canada for his philanthropic work.
Dr. Sharma is a dedicated educator and mentor who established the Sandhya and Swati Sharma Memorial Scholarship in honour of his wife, daughters and mother-in-law, who he lost in the Air India Flight 182 tragedy. Through his commitment to students and community, he has created a lasting legacy of compassion, remembrance, and support for future generations.
Dr. Chandrasekhar Sankurathri Conferred Padma Shri by the President of India
In March 2023, Dr. Chandrasekhar Sankurathri was conferred the Padma Shri for his philanthropic contributions to the field of social work in India.
Dr. Sankurathi is an eminent social activist who established the Sankurathri Foundation in honour of his wife and two children, killed on Air India Flight 182. The Foundation works to provide affordable, accessible and equitable quality services across education, healthcare, and community development in India. Dr. Sankurathi has been recognized globally for his selfless humanitarian work in service of others.
To learn more about Dr. Chandrasekhar’s life and social service mission, click here to find his memoir, Ray of Hope.
Foundations
Bhawani Anantaraman Foundation Learn More
The Foundation provides education to rural youth and cultivates their talents in music and arts.
Manjari Sankurathri Memorial Foundation Learn More
The Foundation has three institutes focused on improving quality of life for Indian citizens.
Scholarships/Awards
Established in 2001 with 500 euros, the Air India 182 families started giving bursaries to two students (one male and female student) of Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí High School in Bantry, Ireland for their meritorious academic achievement in their final year plus community service in memory of the Air India victims. The bursary award ceremony takes place every year in Bantry, Ireland on June 21st and is hosted by the Mayor of Cork in the presence of families present and invited guests followed by a reception.
Established by Rajiv Khalsi and Balbr Kaur in remembrance of Indira Kalsi (Rajiv Kalsi’s sister) who attended Conestoga to receive her Nursing Assistant diploma and was killed in the 1985 Air India bombing. This bursary is awarded to a student in their second year of Practical Nursing who demonstrates financial need.
Established by Manesh Sharma, in honour of his children Sandhya and Swati, along with his wife, Uma, who were killed in the 1985 Air India bombing. The award was created in recognition of excellent full-time students in the John Molson School of Business, specializing in Supply Chain Operations Management.
Established by Manesh Sharma, in honour of his children Sandhya and Swati, along with his wife, Uma, who were killed in the 1985 Air India bombing. The award was created in recognition of excellent students entering the MBA program in Desautels Faculty of Management.
Established by the Khandelwal family in 1986, in honour of Chandra Khandelwal who was a pharmacy student at the University of Saskatchewan when she was killed in the 1985 Air India bombing. The annual award is given to a student in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition who has demonstrated excellence in Biomedical science courses.
Established by the Khandelwal family in 1986, in honour of Manju Khandelwal who was a medical student at the University of Saskatchewan when she killed in the 1985 Air India bombing. The annual award is given to a student in the College of Medicine who has demonstrated excellence in Biomedical science courses.
Established by Dr. and Mrs. Nagraj Tumkur in honour of their children Rammohan and Chitralekha who died in the Air India bombing of 1985. This award is granted annually for postgraduate study in a Master of Science degree within any field of biology.
Community Spaces of Remembrance
