Baba Remembered*

Baba Gangaram Sajandas, born on March 20, 1908 in a village called Pir Goth in the district of Larkana( Sind ), grew to be an educationist, social reformer, editor, Apostle of the children's rights and crusader for animal rights: a true Karma yogi. For over 35 years he worked as a close associate of Sadhu Vaswani in his movement of Mira education.

Baba was a pillar of the Mission for many years. For 15 years he was the Chairman of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission and for 45 years Manager of St.Mira's School for Girls. All these duties were performed concurrently with devoting 60 years as the Editor of the ‘MIRA' a monthly magazine.

Baba's life was filled with joy and bliss, born out of total surrender to his Master. His life was radiant with love and devotion. Baba had many saintly qualities. He was a great Tapasvi, an ideal Karma yogi, yet he was down to earth, in his day-to-day living. He never missed a ‘birthday' or a ‘condolence', he never failed to acknowledge a letter or to say ‘thank you' or ‘I am so grateful to you'. He was ever so appreciative and supportive; ever so particular in caring and sharing the joys and sorrows of those who came in contact with him. Baba was very ‘humane' and ‘tender' – almost like a ‘mother'.

Baba Gangaram had an insatiable appetite for the words of wisdom of the world's deep thinkers, especially religious philosophers and saints. In his personal collection of books could be found the scriptures of all religions – the Bhagvad Gita, the Bible, the Guru Granth Sahib; books by and about saints of all religions. However he read not for the purpose of study and scholarship, but because he wanted to be in the company of saints.

More than anyone, Dada J.P.Vaswani understood and appreciated the rare qualities of Baba Gangaram. In Dada J P Vaswani's words, “The Sadhu Vaswani Mission without you would be like a King without a crown. You are our crown. You are our father. Without you we are orphans.”

Eight years ago our Beloved Baba dropped his physical frame, which had blessed and given joy to innumerable hearts. We miss that ever-smiling face though his presence is always felt all around the Mission even till this day.

This year too on the eighth anniversary of his passing away, we at the Sadhu Vaswani Mission remember him fondly by offering prayers and having a preeti-bhoj. A three day Akhand Path of Nuri Granth from 12 th to 14 th September followed by Mira Bhajans and Bhog of Nuri Granth culminating in Langar prasadi of Baba's favourite food.

*September 14 Baba left for his heavenly abode