A vigil was held outside the Indian High Commission in Holborn, London, on Sunday afternoon to honor the victims of the recent Air India plane crash. The multi-faith gathering brought together approximately 150 mourners, many of whom traveled from various parts of the UK, including Leicester and Bradford, to pay their respects.

The vigil centered around the statue of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister, a significant figure in the country's independence movement. Mourners surrounded the statue with flowers, tealights, and photographs of those who perished in the tragedy. The atmosphere was somber, with many attendees visibly emotional as the names of the victims were read aloud. Members of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual movement, dressed in white to symbolize peace and remembrance, were also present among the mourners.

The Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad en route to Gatwick Airport on Thursday. The crash resulted in the deaths of at least 270 people.

Nilesh Solanki, from the City Hindus Network and Action for Harmony, addressed the gathering, expressing the collective grief and disbelief at the sudden loss of life. He spoke of the families, hopes, and dreams that were "vanished" in an instant, emphasizing the importance of coming together in such times to reflect and support one another.

Pranav Bhanot, a lawyer from London and the vigil's organizer, shared his sense of helplessness upon hearing about the crash. He explained the desire to create a special moment to remember and recognize the victims, acknowledging the profound impact of such a devastating event, especially on a closely connected island nation where many had friends or family on the flight.

Meanwhile, in Brampton, Canada, a similar candlelight vigil was held at the Hindu Sabha Mandir to mourn the victims, including Dr. Nirali Patel, a Canadian dentist. Over 100 devotees gathered to offer prayers and light candles in her memory and for the other passengers and those killed on the ground. The temple, a spiritual home for Dr. Patel's family, provided a space for the community to express their solidarity and offer support to the grieving family.

Authorities in India have begun the process of identifying and handing over the remains of the victims to their families, utilizing DNA testing in the aftermath of the disaster. The event has prompted widespread grief and reflection, highlighting the interconnectedness of communities across the globe and the shared human experience of loss.