Mere Devdoot Stories

Honourable service

I remember the time when the path to the ‘Netra Jyoti Mandiram’ eye hospital was being constructed. The Honourable President of Veerayatan, Shri Navalmalji Firodia, was sitting on the side of the road on a chair, personally inspecting and supervising the work. He was meticulous in ensuring that the road was constructed precisely and systematically. Therefore, he oversaw the task himself.

I said to Baba, ‘It is very hot; the heat is too much. Come inside and sit. In your life, you must have undertaken many construction projects, building large businesses, but you will not have supervised them in this way. Why then, with such a small road, are you taking so much care and ensuring the work is done so systematically?’

Upon hearing his answer, I was rendered speechless and could only stare at him. He said, ‘On this road, countless children, elderly people and thousands without sight will walk. When they walk on this road, they should not encounter any difficulty. Therefore, the road should be properly constructed and for that reason allow me to sit here and supervise.’

I had no words with which to respond. He sat in that heat and supervised daily until the road was completed.

Constructing the road, in itself, is a small matter. Not only did Shri Navalmalji carry out this work with the utmost attentiveness, but he has also been a pillar of strength for us, the Sadhvi Sangha, presenting every activity and thought of Veerayatan to society at large in the right and proper manner. This vital background work was undertaken by the respected Baba.