Community gathers in greater Chicago to mourn deaths from Air India plane crash

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Chicago, IL – Hundreds of  Indian Americans gathered on June 17 evening at the Indian Cultural Center in Schaumburg, IL., to mourn the loss of more than 250 people including former Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani, in the recent Ahmedabad plane crash. The memorial was organized by Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) and supported by several prominent organizations, a press release from organizers said.

Community leaders, families, youth, and seniors from across the region paid their respects through floral tributes, candlelight vigils, and moments of collective silence. Speakers at the memorial remembered Rupani as a humble and dedicated statesman whose legacy of public service left a lasting impact on Gujarat and India.

The evening began with a two-minute silence observed in memory of those who lost their lives. The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra was recited, led by Pandit Rohit Joshi, invoking prayers for peace and spiritual transcendence. Candles were lit, flowers offered, and prayers shared.

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“The soul is eternal, unbreakable, and beyond destruction,” said Rakesh Malhotra, quoting the Bhagavad Gita. “But today, our hearts are broken. We find strength in unity, prayer, and love for those no longer with us.”

Others who shared memories and prayers included Amar Upadhayay, Hemant Patel, Shailesh Rajput, Viren Patel, Hasmukh Patel, Neil Khot, Nirav Patel, Vinesh Virani, Arvind Ankleswaria, and Rajender Thakker, dwelling on their experiences with Rupani and his transformative leadership.

The memorial served as a unifying moment for the diaspora, with expressions of sorrow and solidarity echoing across faiths and communities, organizers said. Leaders announced a week-long period of remembrance, during which prayer meets and community support efforts would continue.

Organizations supporting the memorial event 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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