Prof. Ved Prakash Nanda : a Lifelong Swayamsewak, a Karmayogi -Arun Kankani

In my more than twenty-five years of association and close work with Nanda ji, I got many opportunities to spend time together. As I look back and think of all those years, I am grateful for the many life lessons that I learned from him. He influenced our family in many ways through his kindness, wit, high energy, keen attention to detail, and extraordinary memory. In his heart, he had space for everyone and was always approachable. He always had time for everyone, and everyone who met him always got his full attention. Nanda ji, an esteemed figure in the field of international law, served as an Honorary Professor of Law at the University of Delhi, India. His leadership roles in prominent organizations such as the World Jurist Association, American Society of International Law, and International Law Association showcased his commitment to advancing legal scholarship globally. Nanda ji's active participation as a US delegate to international forums and his contributions to non-profits exemplified his dedication to shaping international relations. As Chair of the Uberoi Foundation for Religious Studies, he played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue on religious matters. He was recognized with numerous national and international awards, including the prestigious Louis B Sohn Award as well as the Padma Bhushan. Nanda ji authored numerous books and articles, leaving a lasting impact on the field. His influence extended beyond academia, with a regular column in The Denver Post and commentary in electronic and print media, reflecting his commitment to public discourse on legal and international issues. His achievements, his energy, and his constant travel across the globe seem impossible to achieve in one lifetime. His passion for international law to ensure that every human being should be able to live with dignity was perhaps the drive that kept him going till the last month of his 90-year-long purpose-driven life.After becoming a refugee at the young age of 12, when he had to leave his hometown to reach Kashmir, he continued his education to become a full-time pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, imbibing the human and organizational skills which remained with him till his last breath. A great orator and youth leader, he became the first president of the national student organization – the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) -- in Bharat. He was a founding member of Sewa International and constantly guided us till the end. Before passing away, he called and sent his last donation to Sewa. As I offer my heartfelt shraddhanjali, I recall a few qualities that he reflected in his life and taught many of us by his actions: Once a friend, always a friend: His humility and largeheartedness were reflected in always being available to all those who came in contact with him and became his friend.He gave his full undivided attention to everyone. Everyone felt satisfied that they were completely listened to and understood. Hard on self, soft on others: Working in organizations, many times, due to differences of opinion and styles, we become less than charitable to our colleagues. Not one time did I ever see Nanda ji with any ill words or expressing ill wishes on anyone, even if others were at fault or less than charitable to him. An embodiment of unselfish love and affection for colleagues: His relationship with all the karyakartas and families was strongly founded on an attitude of divine kindness and love for everyone. Young or old, new or old acquaintances, all experienced this every time they met him. He maintained the high standard of purity of heart, mind, and action that he imbibed as a swayamsewak in the Sangh. He manifested the life of a true karma yogi in all aspects of his life -- personal, professional, and social -- working selflessly, without attachment, for the benefit of others. Absorbing his life lessons is the true homage to this “Lifelong Swayamsewak -- a Karmayogi”