Delhi Archbishop Mourns the Passing Away of Nirmala Deshpande

NEW DELHI, MAY 01, 2008 (CBCI News):

Delhi Archbishop Vincent M. Concessao has expressed deep sorrow at the passing away of Ms. Nirmala Deshpande, the great Gandhian leader. He rushed to her residence this morning to pay his profound respects.

Veteran Gandhian and Rajya Sabha member Nirmala Deshpande passed away here on today morning.

"A genuine light has been put off today at the passing away of the great leader Ms. Deshpande, who stood firmly for Gandhian secular values promoting a pluralistic society. She had a special affection for the minority communities and worked hard to bring about reconciliation between India and Pakistan", said Archbishop Concessao.

One of the few freedom-fighters and a close associate of Vinobha Bhave is no more with us. With the rise of fundamentalism in our current times hers was an important sober and impartial voice. The archbishop often heard her say, "Each time a person is killed in communal violence, I feel that one more bullet has been pumped into Mahatma Gandhi".

"Her wish that her pyre be lit by a woman at the time of her funeral rites shows that she was also deeply concerned about the girl child and the rights of women", added Archbishop Concessao.

Wishing and praying for eternal rest for her soul the Archbishop has appealed to people from all walks of life, not to forget what values Ms. Deshpande stood for all her life. "And though no one can fill the vacuum created by her passing away, we can all work towards fulfilling her dream and plans to walk on the path of both Mahatama Gandhi and Vinobha Bhave".

Sent by Fr Dominic Emmanuel SVD
Communication/Information