Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Leicester’s Hindu Temple Mourns Air India Tragedy, United Kingdom’s Gujarati Community in Grief
Following the devastating Air India flight 171 crash, the Shree Hindu temple and community center in Leicester became a focal point for mourning. The tragedy resonated deeply within the British Gujarati community, prompting gatherings and vigils across the UK. The Hindu Temple in Leicester, a testament to the community’s resilience, saw an influx of people seeking solace and offering support after the fatal Air India crash near Ahmedabad, India.
A Community’s Foundation
Dhiren Kanabar, an active member of the Shree Hindu temple, recalled its history. “We commenced within a regular home in 1971, coinciding with the expulsion of Asians from Uganda. Subsequently, our numbers grew, and we flourished.”
- The temple evolved from a makeshift location in a family residence on Cromford Street.
- It transformed into one of the first specifically constructed Hindu temples in the UK.
- Located on St. Barnabas Road, it serves as a clear indication of the expansion and durability of Leicester’s Gujarati population.
Temple’s Role in Mourning
The temple became a refuge after the Air India disaster where individuals gathered to:
LIGE Mens Smart Watch with Wireless Calls, Wireless, Monitor, Step Counter, Stopwatch, Multi-Sport Mode, ...
🎉 Exclusive deal [$22.39]
Mens Sporty Hooded Sweatshirt - Navy Blue with Copper Bow Accents, Regular Fit, Machine Washable ...
🎉 Exclusive deal [$0.77]
Mens Lightweight Breathable Basketball Running Gym Shoes - Stability Support, EVA Cushioned Sole, Vi...
🎉 Exclusive deal [$0.79]
- Light candles in remembrance.
- Discover avenues for extending assistance.
- Find comfort in the speaker’s message of shared humanity.
In this tightly connected British Gujarati society, personal connections to those affected are prevalent. Active members are relatives of Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, the lone survivor of the crash. One of Vishwash’s siblings, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, is presumed dead.
“Individuals frequently congregate for prayers to deities during their available time, notably in the evenings and on weekends,” Kanabar noted. “However, today, we are in a state of sorrow as the incident is truly tragic and deeply shocking.”
Vigils Across the UK for Air India Victims
Throughout the UK, British Indians, Hindus, Gujaratis, and their companions and neighbors convened for spontaneous vigils. In Leicester’s North Evington area, well-wishers congregated, anxious for updates on Vishwash and Ajay’s situation.
Grief in Leicester
Sounds of mourning originated from a residence in the vibrant neighborhood on Friday. Dozens assembled silently outside the relatives’ property. An inconsolable woman, accompanied by a group of women, was escorted into a van, believed to be en route to an airport for a flight to India.
The British Gujarati Community Responds
An estimated 800,000 British Gujaratis live in the UK, with significant populations in London, Lancashire, and the East Midlands, encompassing Hindus, Muslims, Jains, and Christians. As rumors circulated and news emerged through various media channels, the National Council for Gujarati Organisations UK played a role in connecting concerned individuals with authorities in both Britain and India.
Coordinating Support After the Air India Flight 171 Crash
Krishna Pujara, the organization’s vice-president and a frequent traveler on the Gatwick to Gujarat route, was inundated with inquiries. She had just returned from a trip when the crash occurred, with calls coming from individuals worried about her safety and from those requiring assistance, emergency visas, and details.
Enfield Saheli Provides Solidarity
Pujara’s weekly meeting in Enfield, north London, with members of Enfield Saheli, her women’s charity, transformed into a solidarity space for women from diverse communities, including Gujarati, Bengali, Punjabi, and Muslim backgrounds.
- Meditated together
- Prayed around candlelit tables.
- Demonstrates unity amidst tragedy.
“It’s not exclusively about Gujaratis; our community is integrated within the larger community and displays profound bonding,” Pujara shared.
Impact on Prominent Figures
Vijay Rupani, a previous Chief Minister of Gujarat, was among the passengers. A Father’s Day and religious celebration for him, which Pujara was expected to attend, was canceled, and his relatives traveled to India using emergency visas.
“We are a sisterhood here including all different community groups,” Pujara said. “When adversity hits, we unite wholeheartedly.”
Voices of Grief and Remembrance
Manu Mistry, 78, a member of the Saheli group, expressed her sadness: “We deeply mourn the plane crash, the victims, and their grieving families. Our entire community, encompassing children and grandchildren, is profoundly saddened. It’s a dreadful event.”
Mayadevi Shah mentioned that her husband routinely traveled to Ahmedabad with Air India and following the tragedy, they have decided to halt his travel using that airline. “He’s avoiding this flight afterward,” Shah stated, mentioning his return last month. “Fortunately, our family chose not to travel this trip.”
Shah participated in the prayer chants for the victims and families at the Saheli gathering. The previous day, she discovered a friend had lost her son, who was returning from India which caused emotional distress.
“After we understood the name, we reacted with shock,” Shah stated. “Hearing it was terrible. We pray for serenity for their souls. May peace and strength be with them and their families. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.”