Mangalore: The Mangalore (Bajpe) Air Crash Victims’ Families Association formed after the death of 158 passengers on 22 May 2011tragedy, conducted a prayer meeting in memory of the dead by their grieving family members at Sahodaya in Balmatta at 11am on Saturday, on the completion of one of the air tragedy.
Two minutes of silence was observed at first on this sad commemorative occasion.
Treasurer of the MCVF Association Abdul Razak welcomed the gathering and reminded why they had met on the first anniversary here. There was a talk on unpaid compensations. The president of the Association, Janab Mohd. Beary made introductory remarks about the Air Crash victims’ families and their activities regarding settlement of final compensation, and a memorial to be set up at the crash site and so on.
Brahmakumari P. K Nirmala, Janab KM Usmain Faizi of Shamsul Ullema Islamic Trust and Rev. Ravi Santhosh Kamath S.J., offered prayers in the name of Hindu, Muslim and Christian passengers who died in the unexpected crash and sough peace to their souls.
Nirmalji mentioned that when we pray for the departed souls they are strengthened in the other world. Even when they left bodies now, the souls are present with us and memories keep coming back.
Uaman Faizi stated that God is one, but faiths are many. Everyone remembers the dear ones who are dead, since an year now. Those who left us re lying peacefully in their common graves, but we grieve for them separately, he said.
Rev. R.S Kamath (Parish Priest) said they were innocent passengers who died in an air crash, and we need to keep their fond memories alive, even after securing a fair compensation from Air India.
Dr. B.M Hegde, former dean of Mahe (Manipal), recalled the tragedy and consoled the relatives from Udupi. Abdul Khader Darimi, Bajpe and Kenjaru air station director M.R Vasudeva, Abdul Rehaman Jeppu, N.A Sulaiman, B.A Moideen and several other office-bearers were present, to mourn the losses they had.