Homage to Pujya Sri Nandubhai
By this time, many of you may have got the news of passing away of pujya Sri Nandubhai Shah-Better known among the close circle, in simple term of loving endearment as:”Bhai”(brother). For many 'swajans' he was always: "Nandukaka" He was born on October 14th, 1904 (according to the Hindu Calendar of Vikram samvat: on Asso Sud Panchmi-5th day). According to this, just on Oct.18th, 04, he completed his 100 years and celebrated this rare event in a simple and homely atmosphere, at his abode of last sixteen years or so, in the loving family of Srimati.Chandanbehn & Sri Bachubhai Patel in Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat. While talking about this celebration Chandenbehn mentioned that: Bhai asked at onetime, seeing so many coming to greet and paying their respect To him: as what’s all about? She replied to him: "Bhai, today you have completed one hundred years and they have come to greet you. To which he replied: oh! Let them come, again in next two/four days: Ram..Ram (meaning His time to go/to bid farewell).
Sri Nandubhai came into the contact of Pujya Sri Mota in a very casual way, sometime in 1940, in Harijan Ashram Sabermati, Ahmedabad. Almost, about the same time, he had accompanied Sri Hemantkumar Nilkanth, one of Pujya Sri Mota’s close associates/friend and his first follower to seek spiritual guidance in the path of self development, to visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry. For Sri Nandubhai both of these contacts: with Pujya Sri Mota and Sri Aurobindo was unique. Even after accepting Pujya Sri Mota as his Guru in this path of spiritual Sadhna, Sri Nandubhai had a deep reverence for Sri Aurobindo and The Mother of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry. I still remember his joyful remarks in this regard: "but for Pujya Sri Mota, I would not have understood Sri Aurobindo and but for Sri Aurobindo, I would not have understood Pujya Sri Mota!" And, he added, rightly this was the greatness and grace of Pujya Sri Mota that he sent Sri Aurobindo’s books to him in Maun Mandir in Kumbakonam.
Sri Nandubhai ‘s close association of almost 36 years with Pujay Sri Mota is unfathomable-as is the case of all spiritual Sadhnas’. After Pujya Sri Mota’s voluntary exit in a Yogic way from his physical body, Sri Nandubhai remained as the Managing Trustee of Sri HariOM Ashram, Nadiad & Surat for a longtime until he too decided to relinquish this position And withdraw in seclusion for his continued pursuit of the chosen path. Since then, Sri Nandubhai was staying in “Ashirvad”(Blessings) with the loving family of Smt.Chandanbehn. In a mystic way, “Ashirvad”-the Blessings, as an abode, perhaps has served its due purpose as Divine’s choice for both.
This is an humble homage to a Spiritual Seeker, who had many a facets like The Diamond-of whom Sri Nandubhai was a Merchant, earlier-a partner in a prestigious firm of Kumbakonam, South India. For his keen business acumen, in the early years of his career in Bombay, people use to remark about him, that: "Nandu can (shoot) down a flying bird!"*. Perhaps, The same lot can add a piece to it: "..Now, Nandu is close to make them fly too!" HARIOM.
*From an Article:”Shata U Na Umbere Sri Nandubhai- Sri Jitendra Desai.For additional reading: Sri Mota Ni Mahatta By Sri Nandubhai, so also “Ananaya By Dr.Vasant parikh, so also other books written by Sri Nandubhai.
- by Karikeya Amin
Note: A separate 'Smruti-Granth' section will be created and dedicated to the experiences with Pujya Sri Bhai. Please contribute your experiences to this section (which may be published later as hard copy).
Hariom.