Pahalgam terror attack: Rich tributes paid to Indian expat in Dubai gunned down in Kashmir
Dubai: Rich tributes have been pouring in for Niraj Udhwani, an Indian expat in Dubai who was one of the 26 people killed in the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, India on Tuesday.
Niraj, a 33-year-old finance professional, was on a holiday with his wife Aayushi when gunmen opened fire in the popular tourist zone.
A finance manager with a school group in Dubai, Niraj had a big circle of friends here since he grew up in the city.
On Thursday, The Indian High School Dubai, where he did his schooling, paid rich tributes to the former student.
'With profound grief and heavy hearts, we mourn the tragic loss of our esteemed alumnus, Niraj Udhwani, who lost his life in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir,' Punit MK Vasu, CEO of The Indian High Group of Schools said in a statement to Gulf News.
He said the entire school observed a minute of silence, praying for strength and solace for his loved ones as they navigate this profound loss.
They also prayed for Niraj's soul and extended condolences to his family.
'May Niraj's soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory always remain a blessing to all who knew him. On behalf of The Indian High Group of Schools, we extend our deepest condolences to Niraj's family in this unimaginable time of grief.'
Class of 2011 member
Punit said Niraj was a proud member of the Class of 2011. 'He joined The Indian High School, Oud Metha campus Dubai, in Grade 5 and completed his schooling in the academic year 2010–11, graduating from the Commerce stream. Over nine meaningful years, he became a cherished part of our school community—fondly remembered for his sincerity, warmth, and gentle spirit.'
An earnest student with a keen interest in Accounting, Niraj was deeply committed to academic growth and always eager to contribute to school programmes. His teachers in the Commerce stream remember him vividly for his enthusiasm and active participation.
'His untimely and tragic demise has left our entire school family in shock. A promising life full of hope and dreams was cruelly taken in an act of unspeakable violence—an affront to all who believe in peace, humanity, and the sanctity of life. Violence can never be justified,' he added.
Many friends of Niraj have shared their shock and grief on social media as well. Some of his school friends recalled the good old school days they spent together and remembered him a fun-loving person full of life.
Loved travel, adventures
According to their friends, Niraj and Aayushi were inseparable. The couple, who got married in 2023 after a magical proposal in 2021, loved travelling. They decided to visit Kashmir for a trip when they had travelled to India to attend a friend's wedding.
Niraj had shared several social media posts about their trips and adventurous activities including his skydiving session in Dubai. The couple had also shared pictures and videos of a new family member they welcomed home in March—a puppy called Truffle.
The final rites of Niraj were performed on Thursday at Mokshadham crematorium in his native town Jaipur in the north Indian state of Rajasthan.
Reports from India said his elder brother, Kishore Udhwani, lit the funeral pyre, surrounded by grieving family members, an inconsolable Aayushi, friends, and a heavy police presence.
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