‘He always stayed connected with his roots': Hundreds gather in Surat for funeral of British citizen, wife
It was 1.30 am; the streets of Surat were quiet and bare. But in the Haripura area of the city, outside Hasanji Kabristan, people had gathered in large numbers. They had come to bid final farewell to Akeel Nanabawa and his wife Hannaa Vorajee, who were among the 241 passengers killed in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. Their daughter, 4-year-old Sara, was also killed in the tragedy.
Even though he was a British citizen, the connection of Akeel's family with Surat goes back several generations. Members of the Bohra community, which owns several properties across Surat, the Nanabawas are much renowned and respected in the city.
Akeel's father Abdulla is yet to come to terms with the loss. 'There are no words to express my feelings about my son and his family. Only a few days back, we all had enjoyed Bakrid. I dropped him off at Ahmedabad for his return flight to London…' he tells The Indian Express.
It was a surprise 6-day trip for Eid that had brought Akeel, Hannaa and Sara to Surat. 'His trip was short, but his company was memorable to me and will remain so forever,' says Abdulla.
Outside the graveyard, as the crowds swelled for 'Namaz-e-Janaza' (funeral prayers), the mourners – including clerics, social workers, relatives, friends and members of the community — talked about how Akeel, despite not being born and raised in Surat, was always warm towards his neighbours.
'They were always warm, gentle, and friendly. Despite staying abroad, he had remained connected with his roots,' says Rashid, a family friend.
The Nanabawas had been based in the UK for decades. Around 15 years ago, Abdullah had returned to Surat while his four sons and their mother stayed in Gloucester.
The four brothers – all British citizens – would often come down to Surat to meet their father, says a neighbour.
Akeel's younger brother Hamza and their mother Sajeda, who had flown down from London, were also present for the last rites.
Akeel and Hanna were buried around 2am, next to each other.
'We could not follow the ritual of gusal (an Islamic ritual involving washing the body) before the burial. We were not allowed. It felt like something was incomplete,' says Rashid.
While the funeral was underway, Abdulla received a call from Ahmedabad – Sara's remains had been identified. Later in the day, the four-year-old's funeral prayers were performed and she was laid to rest in the evening, close to her parents' graves.
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