My earliest memory of Bapuji was when he was visiting Kamaldeep, back in the late 1970s perhaps. I was sitting on the floor playing with those big black ants that seem to come out in droves in the Ahmedabad heat. Upset at the bravery of one lone ant that managed to crawl up my arm, I was about to squash it. Bapuji sat quietly observing all this from his chair. As I was going to do the unfortunate deed, Bapuji spoke out and asked me if I really wanted to take the ant's life. Then he simply explained that its life was as precious as our own. And, had the ant done something so bad to deserve such a severe judgement?! Eventhough I was probably only 4 or so, that lesson has carried through to this day. He was a true believer in non-violence.

I think the poem below aptly expresses our thoughts on him at this time.

Abha

*****
He Is Gone
You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared,
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,
You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Anonymous

There are many things I remember about Bapuji.

I remember the long walks in the morning on Stillforest. He did his exercises every morning and really took care of his body. His skin barely had any wrinkles even as he got older. I used to ask him what his secret was. He was always dressed well whenever we went out.

I remember the stories he told us about Ethiopia. He spoke a little Amharic, Italian and French. He may not have had extensive formal education, but he read a lot and was always interested in learning and keeping up with the latest news.

He was also interested in the arts, especially music. He liked to sing and take music classes. Besides music, he also learned how to paint. He liked to watch the shows on tv where they would teach how to paint.

He taught me how to play chess and bridge when I was little. Not many kids these days learn how to play chess or bridge!

He was also fond of gardening. He liked growing vegetables.

He lived his life to the fullest!

He also contributed to the community in Houston. He was a natural leader. He started the Senior Citizen Association in Houston and got the seniors involved in a lot of activities. This was great, especially in a place in Houston where the seniors don't have an opportunity to go out and socialize with others.

He made a difference in many people's lives. He taught everyone how to really enjoy life, make the most of ones interests & talents and contribute to society.

Thank you Bapuji! We will always remember you!

Roshani