Hundreds of Indian American community members gathered on June 18, 2025, at the National India Hub in Schaumburg, Illinois, to honor the victims of the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, which claimed the lives of more than 250 individuals, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
The memorial event, organized by the Overseas Friends of BJP-USA (OFBJP-USA) and supported by several prominent local organizations, was marked by a collective expression of grief, solidarity, and remembrance.
Community members ranging from youth to senior citizens participated in floral tributes, a candlelight vigil, and moments of silence. Speakers paid tribute to former Chief Minister Rupani, remembering him “as a humble and dedicated statesman whose legacy of public service left a lasting impact on Gujarat and India.”
According to an official statement from OFBJP-USA, the program commenced with a two-minute silence in memory of the victims. This was followed by the chanting of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, led by Pandit Rohit Joshi, offering prayers for peace and spiritual transcendence. Attendees lit candles, offered flowers, and shared prayers in a deeply moving show of collective mourning.
Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, President of the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation, Rakesh Malhotra, said, “The soul is eternal, unbreakable, and beyond destruction. But today, our hearts are broken. We find strength in unity, prayer, and love for those no longer with us.”
In addition to Malhotra, community leaders including Amar Upadhayay, Hemant Patel, Shailesh Rajput, Viren Patel, Hasmukh Patel, Neil Khot, Nirav Patel, Vinesh Virani, Arvind Ankleswaria, and Rajender Thakker offered remarks and prayers. They shared personal reflections on Rupani’s life and contributions, emphasizing his humility, dedication, and transformative leadership.
The memorial served as a moment of unity for the diaspora, with expressions of sorrow and support resonating across cultural and religious lines. Organizers announced a week-long period of remembrance, which will include additional prayer meetings and community support initiatives.
Supporting organizations included the Federation of Indian Associations, Indian Council of Niles Township, National India Hub, United Senior Pariwar, Bhartiya Senior Citizen, and the Senior Citizen Group.
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