Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Indian-Origin Families Remember World Trade Center Victims
The September 11 attacks caused many people to lose family members and friends.
Some victims had worked at the World Trade Center, while others were only visiting.
Rajesh Mirpuri was there for a trade show when he died.
Joseph Mathai had gone to a meeting and spoke with his wife during the emergency.
Neil G. Shastri was a young newlywed who also lost his life.
Their families have carried the sadness for 25 years.
Some families hold religious ceremonies or keep special memories alive.
Neil’s relatives also help students through a foundation created in his name.
Rajesh Mirpuri, 30, died after visiting the World Trade Center for a trade show, despite not working there.
Joseph Mathai attended a last-minute meeting at the World Trade Center and spoke with his wife as smoke filled the tower.
Neil G. Shastri, 25, died while working for an internet company, three months after marrying his childhood sweetheart.
Neil’s family created an education foundation that has donated nearly $95,000, including support for a Bihar school and a Rutgers University scholarship.
Twenty-five years later, the families continue remembering their loved ones through ceremonies, foundations, scholarships and personal traditions.
- Who
- Indian-origin families who lost Rajesh Mirpuri, Joseph Mathai and Neil G. Shastri, among other victims.
- What
- The families are sharing how they have remembered and coped with loved ones killed in the September 11 attacks.
- When
- Twenty-five years after the attacks; the Mirpuri family holds a ceremony every September 11.
- Where
- At and around the World Trade Center in New York, with later memorial efforts including Bihar and Rutgers University.
- Why
- The families lost loved ones and have used ceremonies, personal memories, scholarships and charitable work to honor them and live with their grief.
- Event
- September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center
- Time elapsed
- Twenty-five years, according to the article
- Rajesh Mirpuri
- Was 30 and had gone to a World Trade Center trade show
- Joseph Mathai
- Attended a last-minute meeting and spoke with his wife during the emergency
- Neil G. Shastri
- Was 25, worked for an internet company and had married three months earlier
- Neil G. Shastri Foundation
- Has donated almost $95,000 to educational organizations
- Memorial practices
- Families have held religious ceremonies, created scholarships and preserved personal traditions