On April 22, 2025, the world watched in horror as news broke of a tragic terrorist attack in the picturesque town of Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India. In an act of unimaginable cruelty, armed terrorists targeted innocent Hindu tourists, killing 26 men in front of their families—some even in the presence of their children. This heartbreaking incident left not just India, but the global Indian community in shock and sorrow.
In Auckland, New Zealand, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS NZ), together with a wide network of Indian community organisations, came together to honour the victims in a deeply moving Shradhanjali Sabha—a memorial prayer meeting. The event served as a space for mourning, reflection, and unity, as members of the community gathered to show their support for the grieving families and condemn the senseless violence.

The gathering was attended by the Hon. Consul General of India in Auckland and brought together leaders from dozens of community groups. These included the Central Indian Association, GOPIO Auckland Chapter, Bharatiya Mandir, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Dashmesh Darbar Gurudwara, Supreme Sikh Society, Manukau Indian Association, Auckland Indian Association, Chinmaya Mission, Bharatiya Samaj, Uttrakhand Association of NZ and many more. Prominent figures such as former MPs and community leaders Mahesh Bindra and Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, President of Sewa Trust, were also present.
Even those who couldn’t attend in person, including the Hindu Council of New Zealand, Gujarati Samaj, Tamil Hindu Temple, and Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust, sent heartfelt messages of condolence and solidarity.
Throughout the evening, one emotion echoed across the room—grief. But alongside it came a strong sense of unity. Leaders and community members from all backgrounds stood together to express their sorrow and to strongly condemn the horrific attack. Again and again, speakers reiterated the same powerful truth: no cause, belief, or ideology can ever justify the killing of innocent people.
To bring spiritual closure, Pandit Ajay Tiwari led a prayer from Chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita, asking for peace and liberation for the departed souls, and strength for the families left behind. As everyone bowed their heads in silence, there was a shared sense of connection—not just to the victims and their loved ones, but to each other.
This Shradhanjali Sabha was more than a memorial—it was a reminder of the deep bonds that tie the Indian community in New Zealand to its roots and to each other. In the face of tragedy, the community stood tall, united by compassion, love, and a commitment to peace. It was a powerful declaration that terror cannot divide us, and that the values of humanity, dharma, and resilience will always prevail.
-TIN Bureau