Smt. Nandini Mehta, founder of the Bal Anand school in Bombay and a trustee of Krishnamurti Foundation India, passed away peacefully in Mumbai on 7th July, 2002. Smt. Vasanti Padte, her associate for many years associate writes about her.
A light Without Shadow
Bal Anand is a school for underpriviledged children, started by Nandini Mehta (for us she was Nandiniben). She did not plan the school. She just cared for the deprived children around her residence and the school came into existence on its own, love was the binding force. The children gathered in nher compound because they got love and care from her and gradually it took its present shape. Later many of her friends contributed to the growth of the school.
I joined the school in 1981/82. She gave me a free hand to organise the activities at Bal Anand. She trusted me. Sometimes she used to be in her seat before I reached; she used to greet me with a sweet smile, warm hug and a pat on my back. It used to be a grand reception and we had great non verbal communication. She was compassion personified. She was like a breath of fresh air, and we could experience an aura of love and care in her presence. We observed her concern for kids. She helped them to grow in the best possible way.
Sometimes she would talk about Krishnamurti and that took her into a different world altogether. She never tried to discuss his teachings, but we saw her living the teachings. When she talked about him she told some simple stories about him, and some conversations.
At Bal Anand the children and all those who worked, received love and only love from her. She was a light without a shadow of expectations and motives.
Vasanti Padte
