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## Champaklal’s Dear Aunt Motiba

Every time I saw Motiba, I was reminded of my childhood days, of my grandmother’s care and affection. Like her, Motiba always caressed and blessed me with all her love and affection.

Every phase of life has its own charm, even old age, if one knows how to see it. It is a charm that radiates humility, tender disinterested love, dedication and surrender. Motiba was a true symbol of it. She was pure-hearted, simple, loving, caring, happy, calm and detached. She poured her love and blessings on whoever visited her. How delightful it was to see her full of joy on her birthday. Champaklal used to remember his dearest Foiba with love and respect.

Motiba arrived in the Ashram with Champaklal’s brother Kantilal on April 4, 1926 and remained here for the rest of her life. The Mother fixed her birthday as January 27. And so January 27, 1995 marked her centenary. Even at that age she continued doing all her household work herself, and sometimes her cooking too. About her weakened eyesight and hearing, she used to say with a smile: “How can I blame my eyes and ears? They have served me so well all these years.”

Such was our Motiba. She was the first member of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram to complete hundred and eleven years. During the final years of her life she stayed in Champaklal’s room in the Ashram with his brother Bansidharji. She has often spoken fondly of Bansidharji’s childhood days to me. When he passed away, it was an@5@ unbearable shock to her; she went into silence for many days.

Motiba left her physical body on 21st April 2006 very peacefully.

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