• Source:JND
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Nilamben Parikh, the great-granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, passed away at her home on Tuesday morning at the age of 92. She was known for her influential book detailing the complex relationship between Gandhi and his eldest son, Harilal, who was also her grandfather.

Throughout her life, Nilamben dedicated herself to the Dakshinapatha organisation, which she founded to uplift tribal women through education and vocational training. Even after retiring three decades ago, her commitment to women’s empowerment and financial independence remained evident. The daughter of Ramiben, the eldest child of Harilal and his wife, Gulab, Nilamben was admired for her quiet strength and unwavering loyalty to Khadi.

Gujarat Minister Expressed Condolences

Gujarat cabinet minister Raghavji Patel expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "With the passing of Nilamben Parikh, society has lost a true Gandhian and dedicated social worker." He praised her lifelong commitment to women's and human welfare, offering prayers for her family during this difficult time.

The indian Expres report cited Nilamben's son, Dr Parikh, as stating that she had been in good health but had recently stopped eating due to her age. He described her final moments, saying he chose to stay by her side instead of going to the hospital. "I held her hand and felt her pulse fade away. She passed away peacefully, without suffering," he recalled.

Nilamben Parikh Last Rites

Her last rites will take place at the Veerwal crematorium. The ceremony will begin at her residence at 8 AM the following day. Nilamben Parikh was a devoted Gandhian, spending her life in Vyara, dedicating herself to the welfare of women and humanitarian causes.

On the 60th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's death, she immersed his last remaining ashes in the Arabian Sea near Mumbai, honouring his legacy alongside family and followers.