Sri Parichand - A Pilgrim of the Spirit

A Tribute

A prolific thinker, deeply devoted to studies, a great spiritualist and above all a great human being at heart, my great-grandfather Sri Parichand Kothari was undoubtedly an extraordinary person. He was a person with a clear mind and pious soul. He was a man more of deeds than of words.

I once had an opportunity to meet him when I was around four years old. I was privileged to receive his blessings. I came across a few of his letters which were addressed to my father and these letters have indeed played a great role in bringing me closer to him. He said that Indian religion and spirituality has such a great force which can remove frustration from people's life. He always looked beyond the materialistic world into the heavens of truth and spirituality. In due course of my life I also came to know that he was the one who coined my name 'Pragya' for which I feel highly honoured. His example and influence remain as a living force to sustain and guide our whole family in the light and inspiration of the Mother in whose hands his soul rests now.

Being a great-grandson I feel highly privileged to pay my tributes on the eve of his centenary. Last but not the least I would like to quote one of his lines, "Richness of life must be found securely on the richness of the Spirit."

Pragya Kothari