Lady Pramila Parekh, beloved wife of Professor Lord Parekh and devoted mother to Raj, Nitin, and Anant, passed away on August 30 after a short illness.
She was an active Community Relations Officer who played a significant role in bringing Hull's diverse ethnic and religious communities together. Particularly sensitive to the religious needs of minorities, she worked tirelessly to integrate them into Hull's tolerant social fabric. As a well-known Cultural Ambassador, she explained and interpreted the religious beliefs and practices of different communities, especially Hinduism, in Hull's primary and secondary schools.
The funeral was attended by nearly a hundred people from Britain, India, and the USA, united by their shared affection for Lady Parekh. The initial Hindu ceremony was performed by Dilip Joshi, a renowned Maharaj from Leicester, who spoke for about fifteen minutes and offered blessings for Lady Pramila Parekh.
The event began with Dr Nitin Parekh, who welcomed family and friends and set the framework for the funeral. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who came to celebrate his mother’s life, acknowledging her profound impact on countless lives, which was difficult to fully capture. Nitin highlighted his mother's boldness, particularly her decision to marry his father—a story he said was worthy of a film.
He also spoke of her warmth in welcoming her daughters-in-law into the family, reflecting her generous spirit. “Her strength of character shines through, whether in raising three boys or attempting her driving test multiple times! You all are a testament to the deep friendships my mum made during her life. Our celebration will reflect what was important to her: her Hindu faith and her family,” he said. Nitin was followed by Amy Godfrey (née Parekh) who recited the poem Farewell My Friends by Rabindranath Tagore.
Nitin’s elder brother Raj, read a letter in the form of a poem dedicated to their mother. Raj described her as the bravest person he had ever known, recalling her upbringing in a joyful, loving family in Baroda. Despite her happiness there, Lady Parekh took an extraordinary leap of faith for love, leaving everything familiar to join Lord Bhikhu Parekh in a foreign land—a courageous decision that defied societal norms.
Raj recounted her early days in London in 1959, when Lady Parekh, a gentle figure in a sari, navigated the city, undeterred by language, culture, and loneliness. Her courage, he said, was rooted in her unwavering faith in Bhagvan, which helped her face challenges with grace and resilience. Her deep faith and selfless nature earned her love and respect from everyone she met, whether visiting prisoners at Hull High Security Prison or assisting immigrant families in adjusting to life in a Western country. Raj described how her daily rituals of prayer at her home Mandir underscored her devotion to her family's well-being.
In closing, he said, “Legend, Wife, Mother, Friend, Guide – we will see you again, laugh again, hug you again, and leave this sadness behind. But until then, we shall tread time’s elusive path and hear your laugh so vivid, so young, your voice so gentle, so calm, and see your face so kind, so serene.”
Raj was followed by their youngest brother, Anant, who delivered the eulogy. Anant described his mother as someone whose light could make the night sky shine so brightly that the world would fall in love with its beauty. Speaking on behalf of his grieving brothers, their father, and the extended family, Anant highlighted the deep sorrow felt by the community gathered to honour her. He also shared his mother’s fun-loving nature, recalling, “Despite the seriousness of her work and the demands of being a devoted wife and mother, our mother was simply enormous fun. She had a playful side that led to a wonderfully mischievous sense of humour, with a laugh that was deep and infectious. “Like the choke on an old car, her laugh would be intermittent at first, then rise to a crescendo, leading her to slide down her favourite armchair, clutching her ribs as happy tears streamed down her cheeks.”
Anant remarked that even as dementia took hold, Lady Parekh never lost her ability to find humour in life. He expressed gratitude for the grace with which she lived and for the fact that she left the world without suffering, leaving her memory forever imprinted on the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
The funeral concluded with reflections from Lord Bhikhu Parekh. He began by speaking about the challenges faced by minority communities in a multi-ethnic society, noting the dangers of interpreting their identity through the language of the dominant majority. He offered an example of how Hindu priests now often wish for the deceased to 'rest in eternal peace,' a concept foreign to Hindu beliefs in reincarnation. Lord Parekh used this as a metaphor for the complexities minorities face in preserving their cultural identity.
He then spoke about the profound role Lady Parekh played in his life. She was a source of stability and continuity. Though Lord Parekh had been associated with Hull for nearly thirty-five years, he had spent many years abroad or engaged in national politics, often away from home. Lady Parekh provided the necessary stability for their children, ensuring they had a supportive environment for their development.
Lord Parekh also acknowledged his wife's spirit of courage and defiance. He shared how, during a challenging time in his career as a Vice-Chancellor, she encouraged him to remain steadfast in his leadership, even when the role appeared overwhelming. The funeral was a deeply moving event, admired by all who attended.
