We present below a reprint of the obituary read out by Sri Shashi Lal Kashyap, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society, Singapore during a prayer meeting at Singapore Jain Religious Society, Singapore, on Sunday 3rd April 2011 from 5.00pm to 7.00pm.
Dear Friends,
I stand before you with a deep and heavy heart full of grief and sorrow at the demise yesterday of Nandlal Patel Ji fondly addressed by us as Patel Bhai.
Our family and Patel Bhai’s family have known each other intimately for over fifty years, ever since they came to Singapore from India. Patel Bhai used to say that the very first family he came to know socially was the Kashyap family. He has been my closet friend, companion, mentor and advisor on several matters common to us. Some of you may have seen us both in East Coast Park and other recreational places spending the time together in lengthy morning walks. This went on for a period spanning over thirty five long years without a break. We went through life together and shared our joys and sorrows through thick and thin.
In the early years we were involved with the activities of the Lions Club doing social service. Then we paid attention to the Arya Samaj and Ramakrishna Mission. Since the past over twenty five years we spent more time in the Sri Aurobindo Society in which Patel Bhai was the Vice Chairman since several years. He was a fatherly figure and the main motivator of the movement. He earned the utmost respect from one and all, not only from those close to him but from the whole Gujrati and Indian community at large. His nature was benevolent and full of love and good wishes. He remembered everyone’s birthday and would send greetings by e-mail and sms. He had a thorough knowledge of the life and teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and inculcated these in his own personal life and conduct.
He used to do deep meditation daily throughout his life except the period when his personal health gave way. One month from now on 1st May, he would have completed 88 years. Patel Bhai leaves behind a wonderful legacy of how a righteous person should live in life and dedicate himself to the works of the Divine Mother. We who have known him will fondly cherish the times we have spend together.
On behalf of all of us present, I offer my deepest condolences to dear Bachuben Ji, Anjana and Kalu. Ashok and Bhakti, Samir and Jasmine, Archana and Garry, Upasana and Hari and the great grand children. We invoke the Divine to grant them strength and courage to withstand this immense loss.
May Patel Bhai’s soul rest in peace.
- Shashi Lal Kashyap
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