There's a beautiful Kabir doha: 'Vriksh kabhu nahi phal bhakai, nadi na sanchai neer/ paramarath ke kaarane, sadhun dhara sharir' (The tree doesn't consume its own fruit, the river doesn't retain its waters/ Both exist for the benefit of others.) Our saints and seers have long taught us that a life devoted to the welfare of those around us acquires a meaning far greater than individual achievement. If there is one person in whom this spirit was reflected, it was Ashok Singhal-ji.
This Sunday, marks the beginning of his birth centenary year. I have the privilege of having many opportunities to interact with Ashok-ji. He would undertake long and often difficult journeys to remote areas, particularly passionate about travelling across Gujarat's tribal areas. Whenever any place was affected by a natural disaster, he was either among the first to reach there or among those guiding karyakartas to help those affected. I experienced this personally in the aftermath of the 2001 Kutch earthquake.
