A memorial Prayer (Puja) for our mother (Kasturben)
– passed away in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday 24 April 2010
Prayer Location: our home in Deep River, Ontario, Canada
When: Friday 14 May 2010 at 8.00 p.m
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A tribute to Baa , my mother
Namaste Pranam Baa – I bow to your graciousness
Your sacrifice and forever a smile on your face
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We respect your spirit of service
also the spirit of responsibility that goes with it
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We understand your circumstances and extended family bond
but never felt left out when growing up in your bosom
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We soaked up your love and care all these years
Your magnanimity and self-control are etched in our hearts
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We had a shelter to come to whenever we hit a storm
Your words of wisdom always carried us through difficult times.
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We have you in our collective memory which is deep
May you rest in peace – Namaste Pranam Baa
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Further notes:
1)
This Mother”™s Day was a special day -as it came just a few days after my mother (Kasturben) passed away in Kenya (on Saturday morning – 6.10 am Nairobi time – 24th April 2010) .
The kids – Sitara and Sachin along with their parents Nina/Sunjay as well as Sunir/Shannon had gathered in Toronto when we were there – so we all can have a Memorial Service (Puja) for her .
This was organised at Ram Mandir on Export Blvd. (off Derry Road), Mississuaga on Mothers Day (9 May 2010) at 4.00 p.m. Pandit Vijay conducted the Puja. We all were there but also joined by Kathy & Doug (Shannon”™s parents), Jayaben ( Sunjay”™s auntie) and by Bindu & Raju (my father”™s cousin brother Bharmal”™s daughter (Bindu) and her husband, Raju ) .
Pandit Vijay was enthralled to conduct the Puja at Shree Jalaram”™s feet and we were all gratified by Shree Jalaram”™s compassionate eyes. Sitara participated in the Puja well and seriously and when I emotionally broke down- she was there to comfort me and put her hands on my shoulder and face and assured me that all is okay and not to cry. She is a god-sent child who could restore one”™s faith in destiny.
2) After coming back from Toronto, this Friday (14 May) we had a Prayer meeting for our Baa at our home in Deep River . Some 30 people participated.
Bhajans were sung and prayers offered. One of our friends (Ken) talked about our knowing each other since last many years and offered his & his family’s condolences as well as talked about “loss of a mother” in general and how she can be missed – as she gave so much to her sons and daughters over the life time. Ken lives in Deep River.
Peter also offered his & his family’s condolences and said the following (Peter lives in Petawawa/Pembroke) :
Hi, Pravin, Jackie, Nina , Sunjay, Sunir, Shannon and the family
The fundamental pattern for any community is a congregation getting together at a grieving friend’s place to pray and remember fondly a loved one.
Today we all privileged to do so. It is beautiful gesture as all wonderful, caring friends of Pravin and Jackie are united as one in prayer, here and far away.
The closest bond we will ever know are bonds of grief . But even at such a time, the sons and daughters and their families are grateful to have known and associated with Pravin’s mother. Gratitude is a higher tribute than grief as I know they are all proud and grateful for their beloved mother and grandmother.
I would like to share a little poem with the group. It is dedicated to mothers, grandmothers – past, present and future – and of course to our spouses and daughters.
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There’s a magic in a mother’s touch
And sunshine in her smile
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There’s love in everything she does
To make our lives worthwhile
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We can find hope, courage and love
Just by looking in her eyes
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Her laughter is a source of joy
Her words are warm and wise
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There is kindness and compassion
To be found in her embrace
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And we see the light of peace
Shinning from a mother’s face.
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Prior to conducting the “arti ” in praise of our Guardian Angels , Sunjay , our son-in-law, reminisced and gave a brief but moving narrative of his visit to Nairobi, Kenya with Nina (our daughter) after their wedding (in 2004) to seek blessings from Baa. He remembered the joy and a happiness on her face. He also mentioned the subsequent visit made by his mom (from England) to Kenya to spend some time with Baa and family . This visit was organised together with us (Nina’s parents) when we went to Kenya from Canada.
The Puja was completed with the “arti” and subsequently all had refreshments together.
Postscript:
Both kids (Sitara and Sachin) also came with their parents – though Sitara had gone to her BabySitter during the day. However, Sachin could only participate in the Prayer at the beginning as it was his bedtime – Puja started at 8.15 p.m with the singing of Lord Genesha’s ” Stuti” by Sarah ( one of Art Of Living members) . Sitara remained at the Puja though it was her past bedtime too. She remined for about half time and then went away to the Recreation Room and watched TV . She did come back during the “Arti” time.
Sitara remained all excited seeing so many people at home and singing “bhajans” etc at the Puja. She paid attention to her nani singing and when her nana read his poem for Baa. It was difficult for to decide when to get ready for bed – it was past mid-night and we had to cajoled her to change into her PJs and do teeth brushing. After that , the kids went with their parents to Mackey as Sitara did not want to sleep over. She did kid around with her mom that she likes her room here at her grandparents home as it is well appointed with “Princess motif” bed sheets and other items. Then she would give a mischievous look to her mom.
Pravin Shah