Narendra Naranji Patel

What a beautiful soul we have lost in Narendra Bhai. My heart aches for his family and for all of us who knew him so well. Narendra was more than a friend-he was a comforting presence in my life, and we shared so many treasured moments that will stay with me forever.

I had been looking forward to visiting him in his village Malekpore in January, to catch up and see him during his trip to India. It´s hard to believe that won´t come to pass. During my last visit to Surat, I remember the pride he had in his farm and the stories he shared of his younger days working the land. On my last visit, he showed me the river where he found peace. And he welcomed me into his hometown, sharing his daily life starting with nasta, morning walk to the farm, afternoon watching the ancestral home getting built, after-dinner community hang out at the village center that lasts into midnight!

Narendra is for-ever ready to help people. I owe him my DIY skills and more; he was always there, tools in hand, ready to help and guide. Just last month, he was by my side building the concrete wall at my bulkhead, and a few months before, we installed a shower door together-both practical projects turned into unforgettable memories.

Our walks, the boat rides he loved so much, the quiet companionship of yoga-these moments reveal the quiet depth of his friendship. Narendra Bhai touched my life in so many ways, and I am so grateful to have shared those times with him. Thank you to his family for sharing such a wonderful person with me. Although I am far away, please know I am with you all in spirit as we remember and honor him.

I will miss his call "Satyaaaaaa kimchu" when he comes and visits me and checks up on his old neighbor.

Satyanarayana