Wisdom, Devotion and Life Taken Away by Drunk Driver

 

 

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By Malay Vyas and  Vanshika Vipin
HOUSTON: Drunken driving was responsible for another tragedy on the streets of Houston this week. This time the loss hit close to home as Houston’s south Asian community lost four senior citizens in this accident on June 22. A minivan driver ran a red light and t-boned a sedan on the intersection of Bissonnet Street and Synott road resulting in the instant demise of four of the five passengers in the sedan. These were no ordinary souls, amongst the dead were some of the most noble and magnanimous citizens of Houston.

Devendrabhai Patel was 61 years young when we lost him on Sunday. He was an active member of the ISSO Swaminarayan Mandir since the days of its inception. He served as the president of the temple for five long years from 2002 to 2007. He was always supportive of youth activities at the temple often participating in volleyball games with the youngsters. In the recent past, he was also involved in the temple’s kitchen. His life was dedicated to the temple and his motto was ‘my bhagwan’s mandir first’.

At 60 years young, Kokilaben Patel believed that no seva was too small for her – whether it be cooking or washing pots and pans. She was always jovial and happy. As a true satsangi, she was always ready to help in any activities at the temple. She used to stay late on Sundays to help clean up the temple.

Ansuyaben Patel at the age of 63 was always dedicated to the satsang community especially after losing her son a few years ago. If there was anything to be done in the mandir, she was first in line to help. She would always show up early afternoon every Sunday with her brother Devendrabhai and Sister in law Kokilaben Patel to help with cutting vegetables and cooking meals for the temple devotees.
Jayantibhai Bhatt served as Mandir’s Gor Maharaj for many years. Even at the age of 86 he was very active in helping devotees to conduct worship ceremonies for numerous occasions – at the temple or at other locations. He respected all satsangi irrespective of age. He was always helpful to swamis in every utsav and mahapooja. He is survived by his wife, Bhanu Bhatt, the lone survivor of the accident. She is in the hospital and in a stable condition.

All four departed souls were an integral part of the Mandir’s Satsang community and will be missed dearly. They were also very active in the Indian Senior Citizen’s group.

Looking beyond the grief wont be easy but drunken driving is a major issue affecting our society. In support, family member Anand Patel has set a fundraiser to support MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) in his hour of grief. To contribute visit www.gofundme.com/anq5ck

Community Mourns
We were honored and blessed to have known Davendra uncle, Kokila Aunty, Ansuya aunty and Jyantidada. Our souls are hardened of pain on hearing of the premature and unfair disappearance of those who were our mentors. We knew, appreciated and admired! They will remain forever in our memory! Sincere condolences! said Nisha Mirani, ICC director and past GSH President.
Jyantidada was truly a blessing in our lives and we will miss him. Davendrabhai face remains forever in our image. His vision of life was truly remarkable. He was indeed an inspiration to us all. He is a great loss to all the people who knew him, mentioned Ajit Patel, GSH Vice President.

May fond memories of davendra uncle, Kokila aunty, Ansuyaben and Jyantidada bring all comfort during this hard time. We look back on all the good memories we were able to have and smile at the fact that we were able to share these before they passed away. Our hearts and prayers go out to all four and every member of their family, said another person in grief.

Kusum Sharma of Shri Natraj School of Dance said in memorium “I have known Ansuyaben Patel for over 10 years, she will be remembered by Houstonian as a pious and devoted lady to her community, family and friends. Always eager to help people in need whichever way she could. During Ramleela preparation last year, Ramleela team volunteers would arrive at her house many times with very short notice which is where the set construction workshop was setup for the show, she always welcomed everyone with open arms and smile on her face and be ready to serve a hearty meal in no time. Kokilaben Patel and Devendra bhai were also very devoted to serve the community. I can never forget Kokila Ben’s compassionate nature. Houston Indian community has indeed lost sincere and honest souls and everyone who had an opportunity to know them will miss them. It’s a huge loss for Houston”.

Article contributors Nisha Mirani, Ajit Patel and Parikshit Patel

Indo-American News prays for the almighty to give strength and courage to the families of Devendrabhai Patel, Kokilaben Patel, Anusuyaben Patel and Jayantibhai Bhatt to bear this insurmountable loss.