The community bid farewell via Zoom on Wednesday, May 13 to Lokvani Community Catalyst award winner Ritu Gaind who brought the blessings of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman to the Boston area by organizing Sunderkhand and Akhand Ramayan for over 10 years at Chinmaya Maruti. A beloved member of the Boston Indian American community she will be greatly missed. Ritu Gaind is survived by her husband Jagjit Gaind, sons Rishi and Amit, daughters-in-law Maya and Kate, and her granddaughter Kaira. 

Ritu Gaind’s story is nothing short of miracle. A very talented business woman, she built a million dollar business in a the short span of 3 years. In 2006 she had a heart attack that she survived. She was given only 2 years to live. Through her sheer determination she crafted a life style that allowed her to live much longer. She crafted new recipes that were tasty and helped her stay healthy.  She was planning to publish her recipe collections. Lokvani honored to award her the Community Catalyst award. 

A true devotee of Lord Hanuman, she left her body while her husband was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa.  The current unusual circumstance required the final rites ceremony be done via Zoom. With the help of Indian Circle for and Caring, Priest Bhairava Sundaram guided the process remotely. Despite being remote the ceremony was done authentically. 

Kumkum Dilwali, a friend of the family served as the master of ceremonies for the event. The eulogies kept pouring in remotely and in person. The message was consistently about the enormous love she has showered on each individual.  From family members to friends, everyone talked about her energy, compassion, love for people and the great joy that constantly emanated from her. “Ritu was such a loving person. She just took Kumkum and me into her fold and showered us with her love” said Dr. Ashok Joshi

She organized the Sunderkhand Parayan  and Akhanda Ramayan Pat at Chinmaya Maruti for over 10 years. She never let her health stand in the way of getting things done. Her  true devotion to Lord Hanuman, allowed her to think of Him while leaving this world. 

The Boston community will miss her greatly. Surely her soul has attained Moksha. Om Shanthi.