‘Grandma was our steady moral compass’
WARM, moving and poignant tributes were paid by Mrs Solanki’s family, led by her son-in-law Ravi Karia and her grandchildren who remembered her kindness, generosity and selflessness at a prayer meeting last Thursday (15) at the Swaminarayan temple in Stanmore.
Among those present were Lord Rami Ranger, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Lord Dolar Popat, Barry Gardiner MP and City Hall’s Rajesh Agrawal.
Karia described Mrs Solanki as a second mother and recalled how she supported him when he launched his business in 1985.
“You were my friend, advisor and you stood by me all through the years, more so when my mother passed away in 2002,” he said.
“You were a precious gift from God – you touched my heart in so many ways. Your humility, strength and always putting others before you is something Sadhana (his wife and Mrs Solanki’s daughter) and I have tried to instil into our children,” he added.
Mrs Solanki’s grandchildren also recalled precious memories and the central role she played in all their lives.
Aditya Solanki said, “Grandma was very involved in everything that went on at home and at the office, speaking to us
every day, asking how the business was
doing and giving her insights into what we should be doing. Her outlook was modern and she looked at the other person’s point of view.
“When my daughter Arya was born in November last year, we were four generations living together. Arya would call grandma Ba and it was one of the first words she uttered.”
His younger brother Jaimin revealed he and his grandmother both enjoyed a love of horticulture, with Mrs Solanki planting many vegetables in their greenhouse and enjoying annual floral shows in London.
“We spent many summers in our garden walking and talking about the history behind each flower and tree,” he said.
“One of my favourite memories was spending an autumn day with her while we went through the catalogues to choose the flowers for the following spring.”
Her grand-daughters Jahnvi and Vyoma Karia said, “I think all of us cousins collectively believed you to be the most liberal parent.”
Describing Mrs Solanki as the family’s North Star, Jahnvi added, “We are only just realising how much of a sounding board you were for all of us.
“They all had the same theme – work hard, don’t be shy of doing as much as you can, ignore the small injustices as
they will serve you better in the long term and accept life is not perfect and therefore always compromise.”
Shyaamal and Poulomi Solanki noted how Mrs Solanki shared a unique bond with each of her grandchildren.
“She was our confidante, our source of guidance and wisdom, and our steady moral compass,” Shyaamal said.
“She provided us with a strong sense of belonging and safety and had a rare ability to make you feel understood and
seen – her kind smile and calming presence would immediately put you at ease. She emphasised the importance of where we came from and our culture. And she instilled the right morals and values in us every step of the way in life’s journey.”
Rajesh Guruji of the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow sang bhajans [devotional hymns] at the prayer service, which was conducted by Vinodbhai Kotecha.