A Life She Gave Meaning To - Forever Grateful

- by Jay, Priyanka and Kabir Jain

I had the privilege of being in Tai Ma’s presence for fifteen years. I may never fully understand why I was chosen, but I remain deeply grateful - to her and to the universe - for seeing something in me that I may not have seen in myself. In many ways, she gave meaning to my life, my existence, and my very presence.

People around her kept changing, but her love for people never did. Everyone felt a deeply personal connection, as if she belonged to them alone. She made each person feel seen and loved, and in her presence, all distinctions simply dissolved.

There are certain lives that do not fit into their time. History has seen a few such souls -

When the world was bound by walls, someone spoke of freedom… like Mahatma Gandhi.
When knowledge was locked away, someone lit a lamp for all… like Savitribai Phule.
When dignity was denied, someone stood up and redefined equality… like B. R. Ambedkar.
And when education and healthcare were beyond the reach of the most deprived…
Acharya Chandanaji Maharaj was born -

Not just to serve…
But to restore with dignity…
And to give with compassion that knew no boundaries.

Acharya Chandanaji was one such presence who truly lived ahead of her time.
She did not walk ahead to be seen… she walked ahead so others could find their way.

Those blue eyes…
They did not just look at you -
They seemed to look through you…

As if they could see beyond your name, your role, your status -
And in that gaze… in her touch…
There was no judgment - only acceptance.

With her, it never mattered who came first or last…
Who was considered important… and who was overlooked.
In her presence, all distinctions dissolved.

Time, in her world, did not follow hierarchy -
It followed the heart.

And then… that smile.
A smile that did not stay contained -

It stretched effortlessly…
As if joy itself had found a home on her face.

It was not just a smile you saw -
It was something you received.

And perhaps that is what made her so special -
Not just what she did… but how she made people feel.

At an age where most slow down…
She continued to expand…

With a calm, unwavering presence.
A presence that made you feel -
That no matter who you were…
You belonged.

Some people leave behind memories.
Some leave behind institutions.
But a rare few… leave behind a feeling that refuses to fade.
She belonged to that rare few.

And today… it is not just her absence we feel -
It is that missing warmth…
That familiar smile…
That silent assurance…
That everything, somehow, would be alright.

And in that quiet, invisible way…
She will still be walking ahead…
So that others can find their way.

Because a life like hers does not end;
It continues… and multiplies through all of us.

There is little more I can say - only a poem that reflects these feelings, and one I believe many will relate to:

A Poem in Tribute to Tai Ma

All creation emerged from that source,
and today we speak of that very form.
We speak of the most perfect foundation,
of a kingdom where compassion and selfless love reside -
of Ambika, of Jagadamba, of a Divine Mother...
Yes, we speak of Mother.

We speak of that gentle affectionate scolding,
of those hands that lovingly stroked our hair.
We speak of the one who understood every worry of the heart,
of that guide and protector;
We speak of Mother.

In a world coloured by changing motives and fleeting loyalties,
we speak of a colour that never fades,
of a heroine, of a woman of courage and strength;
We speak of Acharya Chandanaji.

We speak of one whose stature seems greater even than that of the divine,
of one so revered and sacred, our words are too limited to describe.
We speak of that nurturer, that grandmother to generations;
We speak of Mother.

When she saw any one of her children in distress,
she would leave everything else behind to help.
And if anyone stood in their way,
she would stand firmly beside them.

We speak of unwavering faith,
of boundless and unconditional love;
We speak of Mother.

We speak of a cool shade on a scorching day,
of a safe harbour in life's storms.

We speak of that foundation
without whom neither cities flourish nor villages thrive,
we speak of an inspiration,
of an incomparable example…
We speak of Tai Ma.