Tribute from Veerayatan UK
– by Nileshbhai Kothari
With deep reverence we bow down to the divine soul of Pujya Tai Ma.
Pujya Tai Ma, as she was fondly known, embodied selfless compassion from a very young age. Her contribution to education for the underprivileged, affordable healthcare for the needy and social upliftment, especially in disaster-stricken regions, has been tremendous and beyond measure. Through Veerayatan, the world witnessed her vision - in lives transformed, dignity restored and opportunities created where none existed. Yet those close to her knew that her work sprang from an inner world of deep faith, discipline, and love.
Her foresight, vision and inspiration led to the establishment of Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth Jain school (SCVP) here in the UK over three decades ago. With the ongoing spiritual guidance of Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji, thousands of children and adults have connected with Mahavir Bhagwan's teachings, deepened their understanding, and cultivate timeless virtues in their daily lives. As the longest running Jain school in the UK, SCVP has become a Veerayatan family, fostering friendships, developing a spirit of compassion and service, and nurturing values of truth and kindness. Pujya Tai Ma's foresight also inspired many Jain organisations in the UK that subsequently follow a similar path in spreading the message of Bhagwan Mahavir.
Pujya Tai Ma's radiant, ever-present smile, the calmness she exuded with every breath, the silence that spoke volumes, the hugs that carried the unconditional embrace of a mother, and her unwavering care and attention to every little detail all bore witness to a soul that was pure and blissful.
The magnitude of this loss is hard to express in words, with her legacy extending far and wide across all communities. To challenge conventional thinking and envision Service to Humanity as a key pillar of Bhagwan Mahavir's message was truly revolutionary. To then manifest this vision in Bihar, the very land where Bhagwan Mahavir walked, against all odds and with a dedicated group of Sadhvis, reflected Tai Ma's courage and conviction. To transcend caste, creed, religion, race, and circumstance, and to transform the lives of countless people through health, education, and spiritual development, revealed Tai Ma's inner calling and the divine energy that we were all blessed to witness.
Pujya Tai Ma never sought remembrance. She showed us how to live in such a way that remembrance becomes unnecessary, for her essence lives on through us — in our thoughts, in our choices, and in our striving to be a little more like her.
On behalf of Veerayatan UK Trustees, Committee and Teachers - we bow in grief, but also in profound gratitude - for having known Pujya Tai Ma, for having been shaped by her wisdom, for having received the gift of her boundless love, and for having been blessed by a great soul whose contribution to humanity is truly exceptional.
“Tai Ma, you have not left us.
You have only become harder to see, but impossible to lose.
Your light now shines within every heart you touched.”