Members from across our community gathered for a vigil in Aalia’s memory on Tuesday, joined by her family and friends. At the invitation of the family, many people wore dark green, Aalia’s favourite colour. Her family, friends and classmates also wore t-shirts with the phrase ‘Be More Aalia’ on, reflecting her bright, positive and deeply kind nature.
The vigil, which was organised jointly by the University and KCLSU and led by the Dean of King’s, The Revd Dr Ellen Clark-King, was a quiet and peaceful time for us to come together to celebrate and remember Aalia, and to support her family and friends. Also in attendance were the families of the two students injured last week, one who remains in hospital, and both continue to be in our thoughts and are being supported by the University.
During the vigil, Aalia’s family and friends generously shared personal stories and cherished memories of her with the crowd gathered. The moving speeches given by her brother and friends, both from university and school, shone a light on the positive effect Aalia has had on all those who knew her, painting a picture of what it means to those who did not know her personally, to ‘Be More Aalia’.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shitij Kapur, noted Aalia’s ability to bring people together, which was reflected in the size of the crowd and drew parallels with her choice to bring together Physics and Philosophy in her studies. Professor Sir Bashir Al-Hashimi, Vice President (Research & Innovation) also delivered an Islamic prayer and KCLSU Vice-President Activities and Development Virajit Singh spoke on behalf of the wider student body, and reflected on the legacy Aalia has left at King’s.
The vigil held on campus today allowed our university to come together with Aalia’s friends and family to celebrate her bright life, support one another and mourn her tragic death. The outpouring of love we heard during the vigil, and the many tributes and flowers that have been left on the Strand by those touched by her life, speak to what a truly special person Aalia was. We will continue to take strength from this and to support one another as our community comes to terms with the trauma of the incident and what has been lost.– The Revd Dr Ellen Clark-King, Dean of King’s College London
Attendees were then invited to gather on the Strand where prayers were led by our Muslim Chaplain, Imam Abdul Mumin Choudhury, followed by a minute’s silence at 11.41, exactly one week after her tragic death.
Following the vigil, attendees were invited to spend time at the Remembrance Cherry Blossom tree outside St Mary's Le Strand where messages and tributes have been left. The tree, which will be planted on the Strand as a permanent memorial to Aalia, and which honours her love for the cherry blossom trees she saw on a recent family trip to Japan, will flower at this time each year.
Aalia’s friends and family hope to continue her love of helping others and spreading joy by fundraising to help charitable causes in her memory. They have set up a JustGiving page for anyone who wishes to donate to her legacy.
Our thoughts continue to be with our student who remains in hospital, we are in touch with and supporting their family. Our other student has been discharged from hospital, and we continue to support them and their family as they focus on their recovery at home.
Grief takes many forms, and there's no right or wrong way to experience it. If you're struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out. The support services listed below are there for you, and we're all here to support one another.
Support services
All photos by Thomas Noonan