The Indian community in London has come together in mourning following the devastating Air India crash that occurred on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The crash, which claimed the lives of at least 270 people, including many with direct ties to the UK, has prompted vigils and prayer meetings across the city.
One of the focal points for the community's grief has been the Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow, North West London, where dozens gathered on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The temple, a significant place of worship for many of the victims, became a space for shared mourning and remembrance. Faith leaders from Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Muslim, Parsi, Zoroastrian, Christian, and Jewish communities joined hands in prayer, offering solace and support to those affected. A representative of King Charles also attended, conveying a message from the monarch and offering Christian prayers.
Rajrajeshwar Guruji, the head of the Siddhashram Hindu temple, articulated the profound grief felt by the families, describing their wait for loved ones as an endless journey. He noted that the temple has been assisting families in Britain with obtaining information and providing comfort during this incredibly difficult time. Harrow Mayor Anjana Patel, who tragically lost a family member in the crash, emphasized the importance of grief counseling, which the council is providing to those in need.
Beyond Harrow, the Indian community's sorrow resonated throughout London. On Sunday, June 15, 2025, approximately 150 people participated in a multi-faith vigil outside the Indian High Commission in Holborn. Mourners traveled from various cities, including Leicester and Bradford, to pay their respects. Candles were lit around the statue of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister, and flowers, tealights, and photographs of the victims adorned the area.
Nilesh Solanki, from the City Hindus Network and Action for Harmony, spoke to the gathered mourners, expressing the collective pain and incomprehension at the sudden loss of so many lives. Pranav Bhanot, a lawyer from London and the vigil's organizer, explained the community's need to act in the face of helplessness, offering a special remembrance for those who perished.
The Air India crash has deeply impacted the British Indian community, one of the largest Indian communities outside India, comprising approximately 1.69 million people, or 3.1% of the UK population. Many families have been directly affected, with stories emerging of entire families lost in the tragedy.
Among those mourned were engineer Mr. Saiyed, his wife Nafisa, their daughter Taskin, a doctor, and their son Waquee Ali, a computer science student at City University in London. Also on the flight were Javed Ali Syed, his wife Mariam, and their two young children, Zayn and Amani, from North West London. Mr. Syed was the general manager of the Best Western Hotel in Olympia, and his wife worked for Burberry at Harrods.
The community's response has been one of unity and support, with temples and community organizations providing assistance to grieving families. As authorities in India work to identify the victims and return their remains, the Indian community in London continues to mourn, remember, and support one another through this tragedy. The vigils and prayer meetings serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of the community, providing a space to grieve, share memories, and find solace in their shared heritage and faith.
