One London Temple, Once Visited By Ex-CM Rupani, Now Grieves 20 Victims Of Ahmedabad Crash
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The Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji International Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow is now at the heart of grief and remembrance for the British Gujarati community
At least 20 victims of the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad had connections to the same temple in north-west London, its spiritual leader told The Independent. The Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji International Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow is now at the heart of grief and remembrance for the British Gujarati community.
The temple's priest, Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, said that he personally knew 20 people on board the ill-fated Air India flight 171. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. Among the victims were more than 50 British nationals.
'This is a huge loss," Guruji told the British news outlet. 'I had a message from a police officer from Gujarat who said the former chief minister Vijay Rupani was on it, he has previously worshipped here." Rupani's death was confirmed through a DNA match with remains found at the crash site.
The temple leader recounted waking up to a flood of calls and messages about the crash. 'The day before yesterday my priest who works here in the temple had flown from Gatwick to Ahmedabad on the same flight. He was on the same plane that crashed but travelling on the way out," Guruji said.
After confirming his colleague's safety, Guruji began receiving calls from worshippers and police officers with the names of those onboard. 'Eventually, I knew 20 people personally who had been lost," he said.
One of the most heart-breaking stories was that of a couple who lost their lives in the crash—just a few years after losing their son in another aviation tragedy. 'Their son was a pilot. His plane crashed in France. And now both his parents are gone too," he said.
The temple has become a gathering place for the community, offering support to grieving families. Guruji said he had spent the day calling relatives to offer comfort and prayers.
The Indian government has launched a formal investigation into the crash, with the UK and US aviation authorities assisting. A high-level committee is also set to meet this week to review future safety protocols.
First Published:
June 15, 2025, 21:23 IST
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