Dear Friends

Welcome to another issue of Ahimsa. On 30th November 2008 a tragedy befell my family when my elder brother Kiritbhai Mehta suddenly passed away. For as long as I can remember he was my guide and well-wisher. He steadfastedly supported me in my campaign to promote Ahimsa and Vegetarianism. He was present on 26th October 2008 when we gave the Mahaveer Award to revered Amma at the Alexandra Palace. For quite some time I was in a state of shock as was the whole of my family. Suddenly everything seemed pointless. We are here on this planet for some time and then gone. The date for our annual Christmas lunch was approaching, invites had already been sent out. We did not have the strength or the motivation to continue with the lunch.

However, friends and family members insisted that Kiritbhai would have liked us to carry on the good work. We had a great Christmas lunch and an opportunity to celebrate his life. Being over 6ft. tall and powerfully built, some meat eaters used to doubt that he was a born veggie! Kiritbhai was a gentle giant with deep compassion for all living beings. His motto was, ‘do not do any harm to anyone’. He had that unique gift to win over anyone within minutes.

This was evident at the prayer meeting held for him to which hundreds of people turned up, as they did at his funeral. Most people still cannot come to terms with his passing away. His kidneys, liver and heart valves were donated and we have received letters from two individuals who have got a new lease of life from the donated organs. A one year old child will lead a normal life after receiving a heart valve. Thousands of pounds were donated by friends in his memory, the beneficiaries being the Great Ormond St. Children’s Hospital.

Sometimes we falter, we have doubts but the injustices and cruelties perpetrated on animals must be challenged. Against overwhelming odds we must continue for there is no greater cause. We owe that to future generations.

Nitin Mehta