Dear readers,
On April 19, the pious occasion of Chaitri Poonam, I received the sad news that Jain scholar, fierce thinker, and the flag-bearer of Jainism around the world, Gurudev Chitrabhanu has left the world and commenced on a journey through his afterlife. This news jolted the Jain community. The gap left behind by the him can never be filled. News of his tragic yet peaceful demise spread like wildfire. I called CB Patel and gave him the news. His sadness in receiving it was both characteristic and expected. I informed him that a prayer meeting was being held on April 20, Saturday, at the Oshwal Centre. He expressed his keenness on attending the meeting and asked me to send him Pujya Chitrabhanu-authored Jain anthem, “Maitri Bhaav Nu Pavitra Zarnu, Mujh Haiya Ma Vahya Kare..”. I promptly sent him lyrics of the beautiful Gujarati rendition sang melodiously by Mukeshji.
The way Chitrabhanu has expressed the sentiment of friendship in the song, is enough to melt the coldest of hearts. CB believes the literal creation is one of very few evergreen scripts in the Gujarati language. At the risk of crossing a line, I would like to tell all readers, that CB recently lost a young relative and this very song was played at his prayer meeting. This song reflects devotion and a certain vibration that resonates in every person that hears it.
Speaking at the Shraddhanjali meeting on April 20, CB reminisced about his meetings with Pujya Chitrabhanu. He said, “40 years before, I found myself pleasantly acquainted to Devchandbhai Chandaria, Ratibhai Chandaria, Pankaj Vora, Jhaverchand Hariya, Ratibhai Dhanani, and other Jain friends. Public meetings were held in London-based temples, restaurants, and even my Gujarat Samachar office. Chitrabhanuji has brought his divine presence in Gujarat Samachar office- Karma Yoga House, many times. Once, to receive spiritual guidance from him, I had taken him to a cemetery where not only could we get silence and privacy, but it is also where Lord Shiva resides. I asked him questions about life, business, and other things and he offered me enlightenment at every step.”
“Back in 1983-84, when Punjab was marred with calls for separation, Pujya Sushil Muniji, Pujya Chitrabhanuji, and Pujya Chinmayanandji had gathered at the Gujarat Samachar office and created the Punjab Unity Forum. Sri IK Gujral, KK Singh, and others were present in the meeting and all of them were instrumental in bringing lost youth on the right path.”
On April 20, the prayer meeting held in Oshwal Centre, Potters Bar, was managed by Oshwal vice president Sri Kaushikbhai Shah, and Sri Jayeshbhai helped make the event holy with his beautiful voice. The Guru who instilled feelings of non-violence, compassion, and friendliness in every person he met; the one who had Lord Mahavir dwelling in his heart, Pujya Chitrabhanu was present in every person's being that evening. President of the community, Sri Nileshbhai gave an enlightening speech on the life of the Guru. Chairman of the Institute of Jainology Shri Nemubhai Chanderia informed that, “Gurudev's commitment towards Jain religion remains unparalleled. He wrote 26 books.” Ex-president of Oshwal community, Sri Ashwinbhai, who had a close relation with Guruji, said, “His relation with Oshwal community blossomed in 1971, due to which, Jainism found light in Kenya, Uganda, America, UK, and other countries. His thoughts and visions lit the lamp. This Potters Bar centre was founded and we will forever be indebted to Guruji.”
Founder of Mahavir Foundation and Jain scholar, Vinobhai Kapasi said, “The whole world is a stage and all of us are just playing our roles. Once our roles are over, we have to bid adieu to this world. The legacy left behind by Guruji is priceless. He changed the lives of countless Americans and made a place for himself in the hearts of hundreds. His contribution to vegetarianism and veganism will to this day remain monumental.”
On a detailed life story on Pujya Chitrabhanu, please go to our website www.asian-voice.com.
