A great soul, we called Mataji

A great soul, we called Mataji                                                                         Feb.24, 2013

God could not be everywhere, so He created mothers. The age old saying feels so true when we think of the role a mother plays in her children's lives. But I felt it quite strongly on losing my mother's elder sister -- Mataji. She left us all for her heavenly abode on the night of Basant Panchami, which fell on Feb 15 this year.

It felt too overwhelming to see my ailing mother today as she arrived at the Uthala ceremony but couldn't control her emotions in saying: "Behenjiiiiiii, Dekho....Main Tuwanu Milan Aaayi Haan" (O my sister ! See, I have come to meet you). It felt as if my Mumma was urging her sister to once again stand up and greet her with a warm embrace like always.

The pure emotional outburst of a younger sister for her lifelong friend and motherly figure touched almost everyone present in the huge packed to capacity hall, leaving many in tears.

Mataji was born in a Hindu Goswami family during 1930s in Jhang, a place now in Pakistan. It seems the daily religious prayers and performance of so many Hindu rituals by parents at home, left a deep influence on her heart to dedicate every little success to God. Thus, she grew up as a devoutly religious person who always gained happiness in worshipping her Thakurji, as Shri Krishna is called by His ardent devotees, and helping others in distress.

She had three sisters and three brothers. My mother, Padma, being the youngest of her siblings was dearest to Mataji. So, for her, this personal loss is beyond comprehension. 

After all, mumma has lost in Mataji, a friend, a sister, a mother and most importantly an invaluable agony aunt. As a son, I always observed how Mataji was the only person who could feel my mother's agony throughout her life. They talked to each other over phone just four days ago before Mataji breathed her last.  

It was my mumma who suddenly insisted me on Feb 11 to call Mataji. I never felt such a strong urge by mumma for talking to Mataji. She wanted to share something very important with Mataji. 

Actually, my mother had had a dream of their eldest sister -- Bade Mataji -- a few hours ago. So my mother called up to tell Mataji how when she asked Bade Mataji: "Aaj mere Supne which kyon aayin hain ?....Ona ne kya...Main Tenu Milan Aayi Haan Padma".

I was touched to see how strongly these sisters, including the one who died over 20 years ago, felt. It was amazing to observe how they were communicating even in their subconcious mind while living in different worlds.    

I don't know how will my mother bear such an immeasurable loss, as she is living in that phase of life when even one's own flesh and blood -- children -- usually tend to behave like strangers do. 

Mataji spent her life helping or enabling others in coming out of their most difficult phase of life. Having seen the most trying times in her life initially, she knew how terrible it feels to face a tough time, especially when one is all alone. Perhaps, that's why she chose to be a support for every helpless person in our family.

Though she was a mother to four children -- Pawan and Ramesh bhaiya, and all affectionate and caring Meena and Raj didi, she lived as a guardian to many, especially her Devars – Nath and Inder mamaji, who valued her as their sister despite being the Bhabhi.

You name the person in our Parivar and he or she has a personal tale to tell about how Mataji made a difference in his or her life. She was a lady full of praises for every righteous person. She was a critic that anyone may yearn to have. But she had no personal grudge against anyone. 

Mataji always tried to remind all about the morals that they are supposed to live by for leading an ideal life. She influenced one and all by her numerous qualities. But the fact was she overwhelmed hearts by her self-reliance and personal conduct. It was her anecdotes that helped her motivate people to emulate her conduct in life.  

On many occasions, she chose to reprimand by questioning the modern-day offsprings' psyche about their parents, especially in their advance years.  She always propagated about children's moral duty to care for parents and especially the most ignored and sidelined grandparents. She basically opted to hold mirror to all of us quite humbly, but at times, also quite boldly. 

She always felt disappointed on noticing the diminishing moral values in our families. But she never put the entire blame on children. She never minced words while conveying "Jiven Man Pyo Apne Buzurgan Da Aadar Karn Ge, Bachche te Ohi Tariqa Sikhan Ge" (children adopt from parents' treatment of their elders).  

Though it is hard to believe that such a great soul has left us all today, Mataji will never cease to exist in our hearts. It was visible in her death. Since the moment the news of her passing away reached the families, a pall of gloom has descended on us who were fortunate to have grown up under her always sweet and soothing shadow. She taught us so much all her life.  But still, all words feel useless to convey our heartfelt gratitude as she has vanished to hear us anymore. 

That day Pawan Bhaiya, who devoted his entire life along with his wife -- Manoj and loving kids --  Aseem and Aastha  in ensuring an infallible care of Mataji, felt praying for his mother's soul to get accepted in Baikunth Dham, when he chose to sing: "Prabhu Karna Ho To Karna Dena ...Bhav Sagar Se Paar Humein...

Peri Pena Mataji!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will always remain in our hearts.