Namaste
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the dehant of a very dear friend and a dedicated, selfless, cheerful, beloved member of the VHPA family, Arun Agrawal Ji. He passed away the night of Tuesday Nov 3. He was going through treatment for cancer but suffered due to pneumonia. When he learned of his cancer diagnosis, he called it a “speed bump in the road of life.” He faced all his myriad medical problems cheerfully and with great determination. His enthusiasm and zest for life was infectious, he would lift the spirits of the most depressed person.
Arun Ji was a free spirit. He pursued things he was passionate about,and what he thought were meaningful. Classical music was his passion. He founded Raagmaala to attract and promote budding classical Hindustani artistes. Every year he would organize a concert in keeping with the tradition of introducing Indian classical music not only to the second generation Indian Americans but also to the wider American audience. He worked with a very simple principle: Music “transcends all the barriers of language.”
Arun Ji was always smiling. Always cheerful. His presence would always lighten up any meeting. He was one of the kindest, gentlest, and compassionate person we knew. Ever ready to drive down from Rhode Island all the way to Northern MA to help out! Once he became a friend, he was a friend for life. Apart from music his other passion was “giving.” Community service was his way of giving back. A person with pure heart he was a strong supporter of VHPA, and specially the Ekal Vidyalaya Movement. He supported 30 Ekal Schools all at one event I remember. He would serve joyously and tirelessly at all VHPA events: camp, youth conference, Hindu Heritage Day, Akhand Ramayan Path, Ekal. His enthusiasm and cheerfulness was an inspiration for others. We will miss Arun Ji severely.
May Ishwara grant Sadgati to his Atman in its onward journey and give forbearance to his family.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantih!
Abhaya Asthana
President, VHP of America
Source: World Hindu News (WHN)