Dr. Sohan Lal Gandhi
ANUVRAT GLOBAL ORGANIZATION
The news of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's sudden and untimely death filled my heart with immense sorrow. That the entire nation is mourning his death though he didn't hold any formal position when he died proves it beyond doubt that he was s luminous star that 'dwell apart.' His passing away is my personal loss. Dr. Kalam was highly inspired by Acharya Mahapragya and both Dr. Kalam and Acharya Mahapragya jointly authored a book entitled "The Family and The Nation" which in fact, is a blueprint for a noble nation. I was asked to read the part of the book he had authored thoroughly before its publication to see if the views he had expressed were not incompatible with the Jain norms of decorum. This opportunity brought me into close contact with Dr. Kalam. I gave my views on every chapter and Dr. Kalam took note of my observations and revised some paras as well. In the course of my reading his part of the book I also had the opportunity of visiting him personally at his residence in Rajaji Marg, New Delhi. Mr. T.K. Jain of Delhi who heads Anuvrat International Council for Peace - a unit of ANUVIBHA also played an important role in cementing this relationship. This book was later published by Harper and Collins and I had organized a special function at which the book was formally launched at Jaipur in 2008 in the benign presence of the two great souls - one a scientist and the other a spiritual leader. I had the opportunity to meet him personally many times. He accepted our invitation to be the Chief Guest at Anuvrat Ahimsa Award Presentation Ceremony and to visit Children's Peace Palace. He also delivered the Valedictory Speech at 7th ICPNA held at Jaipur.
My proud moment came when I requested him to write the FOREWORD for my own book Acharya Mahapragya - A Journey to Wisdom and after going through the text of the book he gladly wrote the FOREWORD which is the most precious gift of life for me. I am glad to announce that Harper Collins is publishing my book with Dr. Kalam's FOREWORD.
Dr. Kalam was not only a scientist but was a profoundly spiritual person in his heart. He had a long and illuminating dialogue with His Holiness Acharya Mahapragya on Science and Spirituality. He was of the view that science was not opposed to spirituality and the good and well-being of the humanity lay in the reconciliation between the two. His lofty thoughts, his deep humility, his compassion for the weaker sections of society and above all his vision for a strong India made him an awesome icon and endeared him to every citizen of the country. He is no more in our midst but his message of love and peace will continue to reverberate throughout the world. I pay my profound tribute to this pious soul and pray for the spiritual elevation of his soul. May he rest in peace.
Dr. S.L. Gandhi
International President
Anuvrat Global Organization (ANUVIBHA)
Jaipur - India
