A wave of sadness has swept through the closely connected British Gujarati community in Harrow following reports of the Air India plane crash that killed many people, some of whom were from the diaspora. Hundreds gathered at the Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community (SKLPC) centre and nearby temples on Wednesday night, lit candles and said prayers for the souls lost.
The horrific crash, involving Air India Flight AI 298 from Mumbai to London, happened on the outskirts of Ahmedabad just minutes after take-off. Carrying 178 passengers, mostly Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), the crash shook Indian communities in the UK. Whether due to mechanical failure or bad weather, as indications have shown since shortly after the crash, it cannot be denied that reports had been emerging.
Numerous residents had relatives or friends on board the tragic flight, and many had even booked that same route for future travel. The SKLPC community hall, normally alive with social happenings, became a place of silent prayer. Men, women, and children sat cross-legged on mats, singing hymns and offering silent prayers.
Older members of the community remembered a similar tragedy almost 40 years ago, the bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985. That painful memory resurfaced now that younger generations were having their first direct experience of a massive aviation tragedy.
In the hours following the news of the crash, panic set in as families were still unaware of the names on the passenger list. Some took to social media while others contacted emergency helplines set up by the Indian and UK governments. Community leaders were calling for calm and to work together with local MPs and the Indian High Commission in London to ensure that families were receiving accurate information and had support during their time of grief.
On Thursday morning, more than 400 people attended Shok Sabha (mourning assembly) at the Sanatan Hindu Mandir in Wembley. Religious leaders performed a multi-faith memorial service honoring the diversity of victims. Sikhs, Hindus, Jains, and Muslims stood side by side.
Pandit Mahesh Joshi, who led the prayers, said: “Death is a reminder of how fragile life is. However, it also illustrates how strong a community can be when we come together.”
Local schools and businesses run by Gujaratis observed a moment’s silence. Some of the restaurants and shops on Station Road in Harrow even closed for the day.
The tragedy has prompted demands for more stringent measures to guarantee safety on Indian airlines, particularly on long-distance international flights. Diaspora’s leaders are demanding that the authorities pay heed to the standards of inspection and make more transparent disclosures.
Harrow Council has arranged counseling services for distressed individuals. Temples also have offered mental health care and community helplines.
The Gujarati community in the UK is relying on its traditions and each other for support. There is a shared sense of determination among the community to provide support spiritually, emotionally, and financially to the families affected by the tragedy.
An online fundraiser created by the British Indian Association of Harrow has already raised more than £75,000 in 24 hours, which will go towards funeral costs and helping the families affected in India.
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