DIDI   KAMLA   CHELLARAM
                ( By Lachman Chellaram )

Didi Kamla Devi's memory has come to stay in the hearts of thousands, who heard her kirtan imbued with words of wisdom. She was the eldest sister who made me look at her adoringly. I always marvelled to hear her scintillating hymns and discourses which always left the audience breathless with admirations. She was so deeply steeped in Gurbani and other scriptures that her interpretations emanated flawlessly from her lips like gentle rain drizzling from heavens. She was a symbol of selflessness, who felt pleasure in giving alone, and which she inherited from her saintly father who used to say "Give to take".

These qualities made her the worthy child of her Rev. Father, Pujya Dada Chellaramji from her childhood, and his worthy successor in serving the cause of Gurbani after he left for his heavenly abode on 7th March, 1964.

Pujya Dadaji often wrote spiritual letters to her published under the title viz. "Niraguna Patra". These reveal the impact of the father's instructions on his daughter, which was a subtle attempt to chistle and shape her in the Divine Mould.

Her inspiring life span was platonic as she was called to God's kingdom in the prime of her life on 31st Dec., 1980. She was afflicted with painful cancer. She bore the excruciating pain with exemplary fortitute. Perhaps it was so because she has seen so much pain in hospitals which she visited regularly to offer succour and sympathy to patients. Didi Kamla Devi not only impressed her admirers with pleasure of divine music, but she also succeeded in acquainting them with the painful and stark realities of life to which the people are blind today.

Death is a curtain raiser. It blesses the living ones who recall moments of joy they spent with their dear ones departed as a source of inspiration. I am indeed a blessed one to have Kamla Didi as my sister. It gave me an added advantage to seek wisdom by remaining near her and by being her accompanist on her all " Kirtan Yatras ". This I have deeply felt while translating shabads in different languages. I have always felt her spirit abiding with me & guiding me to pursue this noble task of translating Bani.

This is my humble homage to my dearest sister and expression of my gratitute for continuing faithfully and sincerely our Rev. father's mission. May her noble soul enkindle in me the flame of love for great Gurus, Saints and my saintly father for showing me this true path to tread.