The community in Harrow and wider areas together with the family members bid their farewell to respected Chinubhai Gangadas Thakkar, popularly known to us as Lalitbhai who passed away on 23rd December 2015 in Pinner – Harrow. Lalitbhai is physically not with us but his legacy will always remain with us – inspiring and supporting us.
First and foremost Lalitbhai was a devout disciple of Gurudev Swami Shir Satyamitranand Giriji Maharaj. For the hugely well attended prayer meeting Gurudevji in his divine message said “Passing away of Lalitchandra is not a matter of sadness”. How very true - it is important that we celebrate the life of Lalitbhai – his immense contribution and his legacy. The Mayor of Harrow Cllr Krishna Suresh who could not attend the funeral service but conveyed his respect and gratitude to Lalitbhai for his services to the community. Lalitbhai a quite unassuming person was a true unsung hero of our community. Following is the background of Lalitbhai.
1. Born on 22nd October 1929 in Vadodara, India and passed away aged 86 years.
2. Lalitbhai married Hasuben in 1951 who’s remained backbone of the family and served as a true partner of Lalitbhai both in raising the family and in their combined spiritual pursuit.
3. He has five children: Mayur Hansa Sarika Dipika and Neena
4. From India Lalitbhai emigrated to Kampala Uganda 1952 and moved on to the UK in 1970.
5. He worked in UK for National Grindlays and ANZ Bank (as a Bank Clerk).
6. In the 1970s established Samanvaya Parivar London and remained secretary and trustee of Samanvaya Parivar London until he passed away.
It’s worth noting some of the tributes from the Prarthana Sabha at K P Hall: One of the prayer we recited referred to living life like a lotus in water and submitting all good and bad aspects to the creator (god). That truly sums up Lalitbhai. The family’s tributes highlighted ‘Shethji’ as a giant, a pillar, a guardian and a mentor. These were the true qualities of Lalitbhai which surely will be missed sorely. But best tribute to Lalitbahi would be to follow in his footsteps.
For me and many in the wider community, the community of Samanvay Parivar – the one he founded, he was the leader and inspiration. He was simple and selfless and he gave total commitment with warmth and smile. He dedicated his life to Gurudev and provided support to individuals and charities both in the UK and of course in India.
Offering a personal message Cllr Rekha Shah – Deputy Mayor of Harrow – said Lalitbhai to her was like her own father. Full of love, good advice and helpful. Only a few months ago when her brother in law from America unexpectedly passed away in Laddakh – it was Lalitibhai who made arrangements for her sister to visit Haridwar for the rituals. He would be missed forever.
Harrow’s Councillors, MPs and all of us were regulars at the Navratri functions masterminded by Lalitbhai. Every-time one visited the Navratri sessions or the events organised by Lalitbhai there was that feeling of oneness and an extended family. His organisation the ’Samanvay Parivar’ truly lived up to its name. Lalitbhai was a community leader, a pillar of our society. Without a doubt we’d miss him but let us follow his legacy and his example and inspiration. Like Gurudev said in his message ‘let us pray that everyone gets strength’.
