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Gulf News
24-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
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.
Gulf Insider
23-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Dubai-Based Indian Expat Among Victims
An Indian expatriate in Dubai was among the 26 people killed in a terror attack in the Pahalgam area of India-administered Kashmir, on Tuesday, a family friend confirmed to Gulf News .Niraj Udhwani, a 33-year-old finance professional, was on a holiday with his wife Aayushi when gunmen opened fire in the popular tourist zone, Niraj's friend, who didn't want to be named, said. Niraj Udhwani He said the whole community is in shock. 'There were other friends also who travelled to India for the wedding. After the wedding, while most of their group returned, they (the couple) decided to spend a few days in Kashmir before flying back to Dubai. Everyone is so shocked and saddened after hearing this tragic news,' he added. When contacted, a spokesperson for Cognita Schools, said in a statement to Gulf News that the school community was 'deeply saddened' by the passing of Niraj. Describing him as 'a much-loved and respected member of the finance team,' the spokesperson said he was 'a dedicated and inspiring member of staff, and a kind, generous colleague.' 'Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time,' the spokesperson added. According to his LinkedIn profile, Niraj was a finance manager with the group. Prior to that, he worked for an investment and management group in the field of education and a couple of insurance companies. Hailing from Jaipur in Rajasthan, Niraj had been residing in Dubai since childhood, according to his family members in India. After his studies at The Indian High School Dubai, he graduated from the University of Rajasthan and went on to become an ACCA-qualified accountant. Indian newspapers quoted Niraj's uncles, who confirmed his death. 'He was supposed to return to Dubai from Kashmir this week after the vacation,' his uncle Prakash Udhwani told Hindustan Times . Another uncle, Bhagwan Das Udhwani, told The Indian Express that Niraj and Aayushi had married in February 2023 and had no children. Quoting Aayushi, Prakash said, she was in the hotel when the attack began and later discovered Niraj was among those killed. 'She heard some sounds of bullets and cries of people. She came out and realised some people had opened fire in the valley. When she was searching for her husband, the local police officials informed her at night that Niraj is dead,' said Prakash. Niraj's body is being transported to Jaipur via Delhi. The family has called for strict action against the perpetrators of the attack, reports said.'Those terrorists should be punished. The government should not leave them. We only want action against them. That would be the only justice to Niraj,' Prakash attack claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including tourists and a local pony handler. Several others were injured in the strike — one of the deadliest in recent years targeting civilians in the region.
