Surrey Community Rallies Behind Missing Pilgrimage Leader
A Tragedy That Touches Our Community
The devastating flash floods that swept through Nepal in late August have left an indelible mark on our Surrey community, particularly those with ties to the Sanatan Mandir and Community Centre in Coulsdon. Nabhi Nandan Das, 64, a respected Hindu priest who has served our local congregation for decades, was leading a pilgrimage tour when catastrophic flooding struck on August 26th, claiming over 1,000 lives across the region. The group of 16 pilgrims, including 11 British nationals, were reportedly near the Nepal-China border when the disaster unfolded. For those of us in the Guildford and surrounding areas, this tragedy has brought into sharp focus how quickly international events can impact our own neighbourhoods. Mr Das’ family—his wife and son—have travelled to Nepal in hopes of providing closure, submitting DNA for identification purposes as authorities continue recovery efforts. The priest’s two decades of leading pilgrimages in the region speak to his deep spiritual commitment and the trust our community placed in him.
Local Families Among the Missing
What makes this tragedy particularly poignant for Surrey residents is that several families from our region were part of the pilgrimage group. Among those unaccounted for is the Sahu family from Cobham, a respected household in our community. Spandan Sahu, 18, had just completed his A-levels at Royal Grammar School in Guildford and was preparing to study at university. His father, Santosh Sahu, held an executive position at a prominent UK pharmaceutical technology firm, while his mother, Surabhi Manmath Padhy, was an accomplished businesswoman recognised in national pageantry competitions. The loss extends beyond individual families—it represents a rupture in the social fabric that connects our villages and towns. Alpine Eco Trek, the tour operator based in Nepal, has been working tirelessly with authorities, though the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed response capabilities. For us here in Dorking, Woking, and East Horsley, the human stories behind the statistics remind us of how interconnected our global community truly is.
How Local Residents Can Help Now
The community response has been heartening. Dee Shah, a family member, has established a GoFundMe campaign that has already raised over £10,000. These funds are earmarked for family travel expenses, search and rescue support, and will ultimately benefit Red Cross relief efforts in Nepal. If you’re moved to contribute, visiting the fundraiser directly supports not only the immediate needs of grieving families but also the broader humanitarian response. Beyond financial support, community members can keep the affected families in their thoughts during this unimaginably difficult period. Local organisations like religious centres, schools, and neighbourhood groups should be aware that counselling resources may benefit those with connections to the missing. The Foreign Office continues working with Nepalese authorities; currently 36 British nationals remain unaccounted for. We encourage residents to stay updated through official channels and to reach out to those in our community who may be struggling. In times like these, local solidarity—whether through practical support, emotional care, or simple presence—can make a meaningful difference to families navigating profound grief.
Source: Desperate search for Surrey man, 64, missing after flash floods in Nepal
