Sharad K. Gandhi

Celebration of Beloved Sharad’s Life

The great soul of Sharad has desired new clothing as of last Friday June 16 afternoon. For 15 to 20 minutes, the great sound of thunder accompanied by a jet gray sky above, never usually seen here before, were the indications of his leaving this earthly residence and welcome by “Parmeshwar.”.

Sharad’s life was nothing but a celebration. Born in Mahatma Gandhi’s cousin’s family, the only son between the two brothers, Swa. Krishnadas Gandhi and Swa. Prabhudas Gandhi, he was raised in Sewagram during his childhood and later in Sabarmati Ashram. He was incredibly blessed to grow up in places where he was nurtured by many who devoted themselves to building community and a nation including Vallabhbhai Patel, Vinoba and Balkoba Bhave, Kishorlal Mashruwala, Ratubhai Adhani, Majur Mahajan, Shankarlal Banker, and many others. Sharad’s father, at Mahatma Gandhi’s request, dedicated his entire life to the service of India by teaching the poor how to make their own clothes with khadhi. Almost after every evening prayer in Ahmedabad, Sharad slept in Mahatma Gandhiji’s lap, and later was carried back to his bed. Sharad loved the social, diverse and large family atmosphere that ashram life provided along with the goal of doing work for others.

Sharad was at times raised by his grandmother, as his parents, fighting for independence, spent time in jail for civil disobedience. He was very naughty as a child—running away, hiding Mahatma Gandhi’s walking stick and glasses, jumping on the back of cars and injuring himself. His grandmother had to tear over seven saris for his bandages! He was excellent at sports and games, especially cricket, table tennis and chess.

After graduating from Banaras Hindu University, he came to USA and worked at Bechtel Engineering in California. In 1967 he was married to Dr. Veena Vora, who matriculated to a residency program in Philadelphia and they settled in South Jersey. True to his childhood, Sharad had a passion for social work and community service. Sharad continuously helped in various activities of the local temple (ITA), V.H.P. of America, Ekal Vidyalaya health foundation for rural India and other organizations. Beyond his work, he was truly a people person. He was very easy to talk to and had a charismatic, down to earth manner that left people feeling better about themselves and drawn to him.

He has two loving and accomplished children, Devesh and Soniya. He was proud of them and their families, all who adored Sharad.

In the past three years he fell sick with various incurable diseases, and now decided to travel to a new land and come back with a new body to continue his journey.

We as a family thank each and every one of you for directly or indirectly being part of his life, and for your prayers, love and support. 🙏🏽 Love you ALL. ❤️

Let us all pay homage to this great soul to wish him in his further journey.

With lots of love and prayers,

Veena, Devesh, Soniya, and Family

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