A flood of tributes from all over the world are pouring in following the sad demise of Pragjibhai Jinabhai Ladva – a renowned singer of Gujarati devotional folk songs, or bhajans – on Monday evening (9th January). He was 79. He is survived by his wife Muktaben, son Vijay, two daughters Rekha and Veena and eight grandchildren.
Pragjibhai was the founder of Shree Vishnu Bhagwan Bhajan Mandal, a band that promoted the teachings of Pragjibhai’s spiritual guru and mentor Hirjibapa who too departed in January, 40 years ago in 1976.
Hailing from the Shri Sorathia Prajapati Community, or the SSPC, a denomination of the Hindu Gujarati community, Pragjibhai was a maestro of bhajans, unique and irreplaceable, and inspired people of all ages all over the world, particularly in India, East Africa and the UK.
He was a beacon of light who spiritually lit the souls of all those fortunate to have met him. His ability to sing bhajans and to explain the deep meaning of each was his natural gift. He visited his ancestral roots in Gujarat, India, several times every year where he led and got involved, selflessly, in a series of charitable projects, helping the needy.
To put his work and personality into perspective, even a CBE, OBE or a Bharat Sanman Award would not have done justice to Pragjibhai who was a larger than life soul, living a simple but extraordinary life.
In a conversation among many I had with Pragjibhai in November 2015, he joked that he’d like me to write his obituary. It’s with immense sadness that that day has arrived and I see his loss as the end of an era. He was an inspiration to me personally and fond memories shall live on. The fact that each time he paid tribute to my grandfather, Ravjibhai Bhoja Katwa, also a bhajan singer, whom he saw as a mentor, and who passed away 40 years ago, meant so much to me. Also, among his mentors was his “mama” (uncle) the late Bhimjibhai Ghedia, of Coventry.
I vividly recall one of his favourite folk songs “kirtans”, “Aaj no lavo lijiye re kaal kone dithi chhe”, which translates to, “Enjoy today, who knows what tomorrow holds”.
Among the flurry of tributes: “A great bhakta, a great loss” (Neetinbhai Kariya, US); “A massive loss to us all” (Madhavbhai Soni, Leicester); “Deeply saddened by the loss of an amazing soul” (Pujya Shri Ram Bapa, aka Maganbhai Bhimjiani); “He will be sorely missed” (Kishan Wadhia); “Can’t believe that our inspirer is no longer with us” (Mradula & Dhiren Pancholi); “A legend who will be forever missed” (Shimal Thakrar).
Also paying tribute to Pragjibhai, Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, Mr CB Patel, said: “Pragjibhai was a remarkable gentleman who contributed immensely in his own way to our community over many decades. May God rest his soul in eternal peace.”
There’s no doubt that Pragjibhai’s son, grandson and his immediate family will continue to fly the flag of the foundations of Hinduism “Sanatan Dharma” and of course of his teachings and bhajans, but Pragjibhai was one of a kind and his departure will be felt by many all over the world for years and decades to come.
A peace vigil has been organised and will take place on Sunday (15th January) between 2pm and 5pm at Hindu Mandir, Hereford Road, Luton, LU4 0PS. For more information contact Kapilbhai Naresh Savania on 0751 468 8954.
To read the full biography and background of Pragjibhai Ladva visit www.rambapa.com and www.sspgm.net
