The somber atmosphere of the Manchester vigil was thick with grief as a father, visibly shaken, paid tribute to his two closest friends who perished in the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. The Air India Flight 171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12th, claiming the lives of 241 of the 242 people on board. The vigil, held at the Ghandi statue opposite Manchester Cathedral on Saturday, June 14th, served as a focal point for the grieving community.
Organized by the Indian Association of Manchester, the vigil drew people from all walks of life, united in their sorrow and offering support to those most affected by the tragedy. The father, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke of his profound loss, his voice cracking with emotion as he described his friends, both British nationals of Indian descent, as "family." He recounted years of shared experiences, milestones celebrated together, and the unwavering support they provided each other through life's challenges.
"They were more than just friends; they were my brothers," he said, his words echoing through the silent crowd. "We shared everything – laughter, tears, dreams. To lose them both in such a sudden and tragic way… it's unbearable." He spoke of their contributions to the Manchester community, their dedication to their families, and their infectious zest for life.
The Air India flight, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed in a residential area of Ahmedabad, sending shockwaves across the globe, particularly within the Indian diaspora. The Indian Society of Manchester expressed its solidarity with the grieving families, acknowledging that many of its members have close ties to India and travel frequently between the two countries.
The vigil in Manchester was one of many taking place across the UK and India, as communities grappled with the enormity of the disaster. Candlelight vigils and prayer services provided solace and a space for collective mourning. In London, a vigil was held at the Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow, led by faith leaders from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities. The service was particularly poignant as it was revealed that 20 of the victims had previously worshipped at the temple.
The Manchester vigil was marked by similar scenes of quiet reflection and shared grief. Attendees lit candles, observed moments of silence, and offered words of comfort to one another. The event served not only as a tribute to the victims but also as a demonstration of the strength and resilience of the community in the face of unimaginable loss. As the father concluded his tribute, he urged those present to remember his friends not for how they died, but for how they lived – with kindness, compassion, and an unwavering love for their families and community. His words served as a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds of friendship and the importance of cherishing every moment.
