The Indian community organised a prayer meeting for the tram accident victims and their relations on Thursday 1 December. It was held at Oasis Academy, Shirley Road, Croydon.
The event was chaired by Nitin Mehta founder of the Indian Cultural Centre.
Tony Newman leader of Croydon council spoke at the event. He expressed the deep sadness that is being felt in Croydon due to the tragedy. He said the Council is making every effort to support the relatives of the deceased and those who have suffered life changing injuries.
There will be memorials for the victims at various locations.
Mr Newman was followed by Chris Skilton, Archdeacon of Croydon. He led the Christian prayers followed by reading from the Bible.
Bob-Amara Jonathan, Pastor, Dominion House was the next speaker. He said the community shared the grief of the victims and offered prayers for all those affected.
Nabhinandan Das from the Krishna temple offered Hindu prayers and read from the Bhagvad Gita the Hindu holy book.
Les Kemp did a Buddhist prayer and reminded everyone of the uncertainty of life. He sad that our conduct with others should be such that one does not regret things said in anger.
Lorraine Chatfield from the Croydon Ecology Centre said that the centre would welcome a memorial as so many of the victims were from nearby New Addington.
A Jain prayer was done by Ketan Patira. Penny Smith from Croydon Faiths together that the care and welfare of the relatives of the deceased and those with life changing injuries is very crucial and the faiths together in Croydon will play a supporting role in the coming weeks and months.
Bharat Shah did a vote of thanks and announced that the community has raised around £1000.00 for the fund set up by the council. Oasis academy was thanked for making the hall available at a special rate.
