Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Shantaben was born in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, one of ten siblings. Her father was a tailor. At the age of four, she travelled by ship with her mother and siblings to Africa to join her father. The family lived in Mombasa and Kisumu, where she grew up cooking for a large extended family.

In 1963, her life changed dramatically when she moved to Coventry, England, with her husband and two small children. They arrived with little money but made their home a welcoming place for others who had also migrated from Africa. Her husband worked in a factory and they began to build their lives together. However, he sadly passed away after an accident at work, leaving Shantaben to raise their children alone. She worked at GEC Electrics, starting on the factory floor and eventually becoming an inspector.

On 7th July 1977, encouraged by her sister-in-law Lilaben Chohan, she attended a spiritual lecture in Leicester by BK Ramesh Shah. She immediately connected with the teachings of the Brahma Kumaris and remained dedicated for the rest of her life. From the beginning, she very much wanted to be at the heart of the Yagya, and spent time in London, Dubai, and Madhuban. She formed a close bond with Dadi Janki, and when she lived in London, she often spent time in Baba Bhavan where Dadi Janki lived.

In the late 1980s, she returned to Coventry and lived at the BK Centre. She worked tirelessly in Baba’s service, especially through her love of cooking. Her food was cherished by all, and she could prepare both Indian and Western dishes with skill. She had a lively personality, enjoyed sharing spiritual knowledge, and engaged with everyone warmly. She loved Baba and studying gyan, and enjoyed sharing Baba’s jewels with others.

In her later years, as her health declined, she could no longer serve as actively but remained devoted to Baba’s work and the Yagya in her heart and mind. Shantaben lived a full life with great courage and determination. She will be remembered for her generosity, her unwavering faith in Baba, and her dedication to the yagya with her body, mind and wealth.

The final farewell will take place on Thursday, 13 February 2025, at 12 noon
Canley Crematorium
Cannon Hill Chapel
Cannon Hill Road
Coventry CV4 7DF

After the crematorium, the family invites you to join them at:
Hindu Temple Society
380 Stoney Stanton Road
Coventry CB6 5DJ

Details of the live streaming of the funeral for those who can’t attend in person:
Website:  watch.obitus.com
Username:  qiya2594  /  Password:  435782

We send our good wishes in Baba’s remembrance to Shantaben and her family.

With Love,
In Baba’s yaad,

Sr Jayanti