I met Saarda baa for the first time at Dada Vaswani mission, Pune where I saw her with Neeti didi. I felt she is grandmother of Neeti didi, only later I learnt that there is no blood relation of her amongst any of us but of heart relation with all of us. In afternoin at Neerad bhaiya's home she insisted and instructed Sheetal Ben that Neerad shall have his first meal after his recovery (after more than 4 months of wait) prepared by her only. I also learnt that at the age of 90 she volunteered to read Gujarati wisdom writings to another sister during her last few months. When she had to decide about her prospective groom, she went to spent time with him and his family to understand whether she would be a fit in that household, it was and still is very unconventional in India and only after assuring herself she decided to get married with the person she loved most.
Having heard from Pune moved by love family, she expressed her deep desire to visit Safai Vidyalaya , ESI Sughad during her August visit to Ahmedabad.

Bingo ! On our first day of August MBL retreat, I went to pick her from her birthplace where she was born 90 years before in Paladi., Ahmedabad. I was delayed by 20 minutes, I asked for her pardon but lovingly calling my name, she thanked me for coming and told she had a wonderful time under the tree listening to birds. I was in awe with her presence, memory and mindfulness. On the way to Sughad she shared her experiences at Kocharab and Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram in1940s, her time spent with Sarojini Naidu, her volunteering endeavors with Seva Dal etc. On arriving ESI Sughad, she immediately became one with Sughad, Maitri space exclaiming how beautiful this place is and how beautiful its designer would be ! She bowed in front of peace pole while sharing her prayer and had a peace walk around the campus walking with childlike innocence and love for mother (mother nature). In opening circle not knowing that another name of ESI Sughad is Ishavashyam" she offered prayer "Ishavashyam idam Sarvam- God resides everywhere".

For the whole duration from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM (more than 14 hours), Saarda baa was cherishing, rejoicing, sharing her wisdom and enjoying the life. At one instance she shared - one of my lung is running with 67% capacity since last 60 years, I got my legs operated four times, my hand has undergone operation with metal roads inserted in hand and legs, both my eyes are also operated but  "I AM NEW", I am new, I am new with the spirit to live every moment with Anand (joy). I was wondering looking at her as she was smilingly appreciating the wonderful body she has. Another instance while we were insisting her to rest in afternoon, she stood up and started teaching us folk dance - 4 Taali Garba, a traditional dance performed in Saurastra region of Gujarat about that I had never heard before. I was in awe with her energy ! In one of the circle remembering her mother and wisdom she shared with her 75 years ago, she had compassionate streams of tears rolling down her eyes.


Recently, our Jayesh bhai visited Pune and Sarda baa requested him to visit her home. She welcomed Jayesh bhai at her home in a new silk Saari (later she shared that I want to honor the guests with best of my presence) beaming with smile and offered her snacks that she prepared in last 7 days knowing Jayesh bhai is visiting her home. Every ingredient she used in Sev Puri, an Indian snack easily available on road side stalls, she prepared at home. Not only that she literally fed it to her guests with loving insistence "manuhar". Such amazing offerings she makes to whomever reach out to her with love, she takes the love, multiplies it and gives it back manifold times !!!

I feel grateful having met and known person like her. Meeting with her reminded me of my grandmother and made me reflect how lovingly grandparents share the wisdom they attain from years of learning of life...