Indian-Australians mourn Ahmedabad air disaster victims with prayer service

Canberra, June 23 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

In a deeply moving ceremony held on June 21, members of the Indian community in Canberra gathered at the Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre of the ACT to honour the victims of the tragic Air India crash that occurred in Ahmedabad earlier this month.

India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Gopal Baglay, joined the congregation, offering his condolences and standing in solidarity with the grieving families.

Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed shortly after take-off at Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025. The aircraft, which was carrying 230 passengers and 11 crew members, failed to gain altitude and crashed into a student hostel near B.J. Medical College. The accident claimed 241 lives in total, including dozens of people on the ground.

Miraculously, one passenger survived and is currently recovering in hospital.

At the prayer gathering, community members offered floral tributes, lit candles, and recited prayers for the departed.

The temple hall was filled with solemn chants and messages of compassion, as the community came together to grieve and offer support.

High Commissioner Baglay commended the Indian diaspora for their resilience and compassion, and assured the community that the Indian Government is committed to providing full support to the victims’ families.

The aircraft’s black box has been recovered and investigations are underway, involving Indian and international aviation authorities.

Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft’s landing gear was still deployed during takeoff, but officials have not ruled out mechanical or human error. The vigil concluded with a collective moment of silence, as candles flickered in memory of the lives lost. For many in attendance, the gathering served not only as a tribute to the victims, but also as a reminder of the enduring bonds of community and shared sorrow.