A solemn vigil service was held at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Leicester, bringing together people of all faiths and backgrounds to mourn the victims of Thursday’s devastating plane crash in India (June 12).
The ill-fated flight, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off, claiming 241 lives. Only one passenger, a Leicester resident, miraculously survived.
Community and faith leaders gathered on Sunday evening, in an emotional display of unity and solidarity, standing with the families and friends of those lost in the crash. Among the attendees were Mike Kapur, Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, local city councillors, and representatives from the Leicester Council of Faiths.
“This tragedy has shaken us all,” said Mike Kapur. “Coming to the BAPS temple today was very important for everybody, including myself. It’s an opportunity to share our grief, but also a powerful symbol of unity—one of humanity’s greatest strengths.”
The aircraft crashed into a residential building used to house medical staff near BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad. Among the 242 passengers and crew were many UK residents returning home, including well-known Gujarati community leader Vijay Rupani.
Priti Raichura, a community member, expressed the collective pain felt across Leicester: “It’s really unfortunate what’s happened—really close to home. Lots of people or those we may know indirectly were on that flight. Today the Hindu community came together to pray, not just for the departed souls but for the strength and healing of their families.”
Picture credit: Pukaar News
As prayers were offered, candles were lit in remembrance. The atmosphere was heavy with grief, but also filled with resilience and compassion.
Summing up the reaction to Thursday’s tragedy, Sanjiv Patel, Lead Volunteer at BAPS Leicester, said: “This tragic accident has taken so many people by surprise – first disbelief, then shock and horror. As it’s unfolding, people are dealing with it in so many different ways.
“We have brought together members of all of the Mandirs in Leicester, as one sign of unity – one central place for us all to pray and congregate.”
Sanjiv Patel. Picture credit: Pukaar News
Deepak Bajaj, a Leicester city councillor, said: “Today’s event was very moving. It brought all communities together to mourn this disaster. In Leicester, we are a diverse yet united city. We come together, especially in times like this, to support one another.”
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with assistance from the UK and US, is currently investigating the crash. Early reports indicate the plane lost altitude less than 60 seconds after take-off, plunging into the hospital complex and leaving a trail of devastation.
The Leicester Council of Faiths described the vigil as not only a moment of mourning but also a “miracle of unity” — a chance for people of all races, religions, and walks of life to stand together.
Chetanbhai Amblani, President of Shree Lohana Mahajan Leicester and representing Shree Ram Mandir, said: “It’s still hard to process what’s happened. Coming together like this to pray and offer strength is so important. All of Leicester’s Mandirs came together in support of this event. It created a space for the entire Hindu community to connect in grief and prayer, reminding us of the oneness of our wider community.”
Jaiprakash Purohit, on behalf of Shree Shakti Mandir, shared: “This tragedy has shocked us all. I thank the organisers for arranging this collective vigil — it’s moments like these that remind us of the strength within our community.”
As the community grieves, the sole survivor from Leicester is recovering, their story a rare glimmer of hope amid heartbreak.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
