Jimmy McGilligan Memorial Week Concludes with Heartfelt Tributes on 14th Death Anniversary
A week-long memorial honouring James "Jimmy" McGilligan, OBE, concluded in Sanawadiya with interfaith prayers and tributes celebrating his legacy in sustainable development, solar energy, and rural empowerment in India.
The week-long memorial events honouring the legacy of James “Jimmy” McGilligan, an Officer of the Order of the British Empire and a pioneer of sustainable development in India, concluded with a solemn prayer meeting at "Giridarshan", the Sanawadiya residence he shared with his wife and collaborator, Padma Shri Dr Janak Palta McGilligan.
Organised by the Jimmy and Janak McGilligan Foundation for Sustainable Development, the tribute marked the 14th anniversary of Jimmy McGilligan’s passing and celebrated his enduring contribution to the causes of environmental sustainability, renewable energy, and rural empowerment.
The concluding ceremony commenced with a conch-blowing by Nitya Batra, followed by Baháʼí prayers led by Janak Palta McGilligan, who recited verses dedicated to her late husband, reflecting on the spiritual essence of identity being defined by one’s actions rather than words. Family members, including Subhash Palta, Neelam and Arun Verma, and Vandana Batra, joined in prayer, focusing on themes of unity and the soul's eternal journey.
Tahera Jadhav, Director of the Barli Development Institute for Rural Women, offered prayers for the progress of Jimmy’s soul, highlighting his lifetime service as a Baháʼí pioneer. Aryan Pathak and Carolina also contributed with sacred chants, enriching the spiritual ambiance.
Sameer Sharma, Secretary of the Foundation, read excerpts from the writings of Baháʼu’lláh, founder of the Baháʼí Faith, on the nature of the soul and life after death, reminding attendees of the soul's unending journey toward divine presence.
Interfaith harmony was embodied through Gurbani recitations by Dr Gurmeet Singh Narang and Gurbaksh from the Guru Granth Sahib, and devotional songs including “Achutam Keshavam” by Anurag Shukla, “Jin Ke Hriday Mein Ram Base” by Dr Seema Vijayvargiya, and “Itni Shakti Humein Dena Data” by Rajender Ochani. Disciples from Gautam Kale Sangeet Gurukul added depth with nature-inspired bhajans.
In a moving tribute, Janak Palta McGilligan reflected on her late husband’s sacrifices and unwavering devotion. “Jimmy dedicated his body, mind and soul to the service of India. His support continues to give me strength every day,” she shared. “He left everything behind in the UK to serve Mother India, and his legacy is what fuels my own mission.”
Dr Geeti Vajdi Mitra, a long-time associate, recalled Jimmy’s compassionate and selfless service from 1988 to 2011. “He lived a life of duty, love, and sacrifice,” she said, emphasising his groundbreaking contributions at the Barli Institute and his commitment to empowering tribal women through education and solar technology.
Arvind Tiwari, President of the Indore Press Club, lauded Jimmy’s visionary work in sustainable development. “Decades ago, Jimmy introduced solar kitchens, dryers, and organic farming to Indore — concepts few had even heard of at the time. Together with Janak Didi, he put Indore on the global map.”
Young innovator and solar dryer intern Varun Raheja paid homage to his mentor by vowing to continue the mission. “Though I never met him, Jimmy McGilligan’s work has been my guiding light. His drawings and ideas have helped me empower farmers and promote sustainable livelihoods across India.”
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries and supporters of the foundation, including Anuradha Dubey, Prof Ashish Dubey, Ambrish Soni, Preeti Agarwal, Sheel Kumar, Inder Bhandari, ASP Manisha Pathak Soni, ASP Seema Alawa, environmentalist Anurag Shukla, and solar engineer Sushmita Bhattacharya, among many others.
Trustee Virender Goyal concluded the programme by expressing gratitude to all participants and reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to advancing the shared vision of sustainability, equality, and service.
