In the wake of the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, India, dozens gathered at the Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow, north-west London, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, to mourn the loss of family and friends. The London Gatwick-bound flight crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 people, including 53 British nationals. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly among the Gujarati communities in London, with temples across North-West London holding prayers for the victims.

Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, the spiritual leader of the Siddhashram Shakti Centre, stated that he personally knew 20 of the victims, all members of the Hindu community who had worshipped at his temple for years. He likened the grief of those who lost family members to the wait for a loved one's return from an endless journey. He added that the temple is focusing on offering moral support and regular prayers to those affected.

The Harrow community is in deep mourning, with many of the victims being over 40 years old, travelling to visit elderly relatives in India or participate in religious events. Some had adult children studying at UK universities and were returning from extended visits. The scale of the loss is unprecedented in the temple's 25-year history.

An interfaith service was held, with Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Jewish leaders participating in candlelit prayers for the victims. A message of condolence from King Charles was read, offering Christian prayers. Harrow Mayor Anjana Patel, who lost a family member in the crash, shared that the council is offering grief counseling.

One particularly heart-wrenching story involves two young girls who were orphaned by the disaster. Their father, Arjun Patoliya, had flown to Gujarat to scatter his wife's ashes after she died of cancer and was on his way home to his daughters, aged four and eight, when the plane went down.

Air India has announced interim compensation of £21,000 for the families of the deceased, in addition to the £85,000 support already pledged by parent company Tata Sons. The airline has set up an emergency center and support team for families seeking information. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has established a phone number for those concerned about friends and family.

The crash is the first ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft. Air India has initiated safety checks, and Boeing has offered its full support to the investigation led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.