On 1st May 2015, a vigil was held outside the Embassy of Nepal, in Kensington, London, to pay respect to those who had lost their lives in the horrendous earthquake that took place on 25th April 2015, in Nepal, killing thousands across Nepal and affecting many in North India. The fatalities and casualties have affected many people from across the world, including Britain, as well as the local residence. This earthquake is one of the most calamitous to have hit South East Asia.
The purpose of the event was to allow people to attend to reflect, pray and light a candle to respect those who had lost their lives, as well as pray for the strength of the survivors and of the family members who have lost loved ones in this terrible natural disaster. It gave the opportunity to bring the Nepalese community to stand shoulder to shoulder with British Asians and the community at large.
Many esteemed people from all walks of life had participated in the vigil, as well as community leaders who represented over 20 organisations came together. Many passersby also joined in to show their respect towards the cause.
Many Hindu prayers were recited and good wishes were shared. The opening prayer at the vigil was conducted by Dhruv Chhatralia, from SHYAM, which was dedicated to peace, strength and harmony.
Representing the City Hindus Network, Shefali Davda expressed, “On behalf of the City Hindus Network and of course, all of the other organisations here present today, I would like to extend our support to our brothers and sisters in Nepal.”
Varsha Mistry from the Metropolitan Police Hindu Association was also present at the event and shared her thoughts. “We've been deeply devastated by the suffering that we've seen amongst our Nepalese brothers and sisters who are always warmhearted, welcoming, kind and above all, courageous and many of them have sacrificed their lives for our freedom today. I hope that not just today, but in the months and years ahead we continue to pray and offer the much needed support that these communities are going to need from us for their recovery.”
Representatives who also participated in the vigil included CB Patel, Asian Voice/Gujarat Samachar; Nilesh Solanki, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK; Prerna Sian, Society of Asian Lawyers; Dipti Vyas, Chinmaya Mission; Rasik Kanji and Rajen Jotangia, National Hindu Students' Forum (UK); Shailen Mittal, Art of Living UK; Harendra Ravel, North London Brahmin Society; Satya Minhas, Hindu Council UK; BN Bhanot, Overseas Friends of BJP; Angeli Vadera, Hindu Lawyers Association; Priyesh Mistry, Mistry Media; Kokila Patel, Gujarat Samachar and Pranav Bhanot, Hindu Lawyers Association.
Pranav Bhanot concluded the evening by expressing, “It is at times of such disaster we grieve but also see the very best of what humanity has to offer.”
A representative of the Embassy of Nepal was touched by the efforts of those at the vigil and stated that, “I would like to inform you that our embassy will pass on this information to Nepal government about your efforts. Thank you.”
To close the vigil, a one minute silence was held in remembrance of those who had lost their lives, followed by a one minute applause for the effort and hard work demonstrated by the emergency services and volunteers around the world.
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