Har Desh Mein Tu

This week's Maitri Tunes is a dedication to the childlike spirit of our beloved Gopal dada whose life was a celebration of the art of cleanliness or Safai. On his first death anniversary which comes up on the 17th of November, we invite you to do a small act of cleanliness in his honor.

Gopal dada was an incredible being who had the wisdom of a loving grandfather, as well as the playfulness of a 7 year old child. In his long pilgrimage of almost 90 years on earth, this servant of peace inspired the lives of his many co-travellers who had the blessing to walk a few miles with him.

Maria who came to India for a service vacation a couple years ago, was one such person who experienced a deep shift as she went on a 3 day walk through the villages with dada. Watching his micro acts of love done with zero expectations of impact or reward, Maria writes: "Dada’s example gave me permission and freedom: I don’t need to change the world. I just serve from the heart!"

In a touching note, Siddharth shares: "Today, he may not be with us physically, but it seems like he's everywhere. As I write this blog, as I speak in a circle, as I wash someone else's dishes, or pick up a piece of trash on the road for a pedestrian I do not know. I can sense his constant presence in this flow of service. A flow that asks me to keep surrendering to what the collective needs"

On her birthday this April, Rajshree set off on a walk from Ahmedabad to Gopal dada's village named Unjha, as she wanted honor his journey. Her intention: "To walk slowly connecting to 'nature'. the nature outside and the nature within."

In closing, Shaheen shares: "​I will always cherish the memory of his sweet voice, his determined walk, and his deep, simple thoughts. I hope he continues to sing and smile wherever he is on his journey now."