It is with deep sorrow that I have to inform you that our dear Ilaben passed away peacefully on Thursday 24th May morning. She was unwell and in hospital. I met her just two months back and she was very brave and friendly and blessed me with “ખુશ રહો, સુખી થાવ”.

                Ilaben was for me, and for all the rest of Jinja, an embodiment of culture. A science graduate from St. Elphinston College, Mumbai, she was our most beautiful Maths-teacher at Magwa Junior Secondary School, Jinja. Her parents were Jinalal bhai Mehta and Chandrakala Masi and she came from one of the most affluent families of Jinja. Her education was all rounded. She played the Sitar, choreographed Raas-garba, directed Gujarati plays in Jinja and won many accolades. She was very fond of flowers and held classes for ikebana flower arrangements. And above all she was a very talented painter. Her intelligence and culture combined in a blend that was rare to be seen as science and arts mingled in dominance. 

              For me personally Ilaben was, in simple words my didi and guide. She believed in the eternal goodness of people.  In her presence, one felt warmth and optimism, all the time.  Her nobleness and her kindness defined her love for humanity, for all of us who knew her closely. Bestowed with a nature that was as sweet as honey, she had a motherly affection and concern for one and all. She loved to cook and feed people and one could not help but marvel at her culinary skills. Her Mogo, Ondhwo and Matoki can never be paralleled in taste by anyone. All who ate her dishes would marvel at the presence of Må Annapurna sitting inside her. She was one of those rare individuals who never criticized anyone. She had love for all. What stood apart as the most noteworthy trait of her personality was her inner strength with which she dealt with the dreaded disease of cancer which compelled her to be in hospital for the last three months. She knew that death was approaching near but was never afraid of it. This alone says that she was close to the Almighty.

                   All our family and all that knew her are sunk in deep sorrow at this loss that came within three months after the demise of her husband Vinodbhai Budhdeo with whom I had travelled to Kailash- Mansarovar. I wish to inform all my friends everywhere that we will miss our Ilaben very much.

                   Ilaben, rest in peace for you have earned it the most. Your life was complete and giving to the society. We owe a lot of our values to you. The legacy you have left behind to us in all embracing love and high culture will never let us forget you. You were unique. There will never be another like you.  For all of us, you will live for ever, in our fondest memory.

       Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

       Nilesh Nathwani