1920

Born in Ranavav, Saurastra, India into a highly respected ‘Vashnave' family of Shree Nathoobhai Jadav Gadher and wife Viruben Nathoobhai Gadher – daughter of Becher Dhokia and Juthima. One of ten children (8 sons and 2 daughters). Farming family with significant land and animals including cows and bullocks.

1930

Finished schooling in Ranavav. Bright pupil faced with lack of opportunities and funding to further his education. Had no choice but to start working on the family farm.

1931

Single-handed, defended his father from attack from two ‘Mehrs' over a debt dispute. Such was the ferocity of his response at such a young age that the two never returned to trouble them any more.

1932

Presented with a white horse by his father for his labour and bravery. Would be seen proudly galloping across the fields. Acquired superb bareback riding skills for which he was respected in the village. Delivered milk on horseback to villagers. It was never clear how much milk was delivered and how much was drunk by him!

1934

His Father's ‘right arm' against troubles from surrounding ‘Kharvas' – defender of the ‘Gadher Family Rights' – hence named ‘Jivan Darbar' by his father (Darbar – an accolade for Bravery)

1935

Left India for Africa by Ship with a handful of possessions including a Tricolour of India and a photograph of Lord Krishna . Journey took 30 days. Attempts to settle and earn a living in Kitale, Kakamega and Eldoret with the elder Gadher brothers failed.

1937

In desperation, walked to Nairobi and found refuge with friends from Ranavav – the ‘Sikotra Brothers'. Determined to start a new life for himself when all else had failed.

1938

Commenced employment with ‘East African Railways' in Nairobi.

1939

Moved to ‘Gailey and Roberts – Engineering' with an aim to learn a trade.

1940

First major turning point in life. Confidence and happiness returned to his life.

Acquired a thirst for knowledge and hence joined the Theosophical Society, Nairobi. Forged friendships with diverse groups of people and participated in ‘Satsang' and philosophical discussions. Was indebted to Shree Purshotam Bhagatji and others who gave him guidance.

Continued his quest for further education by reading books. Became an avid reader and started to study aspects of the Vedas, Puranas and the works of Shree Swami Vivekananda and Shree Swami Rama Krishna Paramhansha. Realised a need for a ‘Guru' in his life at this point.

1941

Started the ‘Swastik Vayayamsala' – a Gymnasium / Bodybuilding club and invited members to join him. Trained members in gymnastics (single bar, double bar, high bar and swings), wrestling and physical fitness. Swimming and high diving off cliffs was the focus for weekends in the treacherous rivers of Kenya and the sea at Mombasa. Yoga and meditation rounded off their daily exercises.

1942

Elected President of the ‘Swastik Vayayamsala' – now with a massive membership of all religions and backgrounds. Offered a rolling Presidency over several years by a vast majority.

A mentor to many members. Constantly guided many to move away from bad habits and to focus on health, exercise and righteousness. Diverted many to a better way of life.

1943

Active member of the ‘Patriotic Front' and ‘Freedom Fighters' for the Independence of India.

‘Conscientious Objector' to fighting in the Second World War (1940 – 1944) and avoided ‘forced conscription' by escaped and into hiding in the forests of the Rift Valley from British Troops. Returned to serve a prison sentence for three months for absconding. Intensely studied the ‘Ramayan' with Amarnath Singh during imprisonment and reflected on the future.

Entered the Bicycle Business by joining ‘Kasam Kanji and Sons', Nairobi.

1945

Key member and ‘strong man' of the Trapeze artist team of Manohar Kapoor and Kundanlal Chadha. Performed regularly to packed audience without any safety nets. Fearless and a perfectionist.

Forged brotherly relationships with the Kapoors - Manohar, Harkrishanlal, Ompuri, Roshanlal and Rooplal Chadha. These friendships were to last his lifetime.

1946

Recovered drowned bodies of two young swimmers at midnight from ‘Ruiru Falls' – where he was a frequent high diver and swimmer. Was awarded a ‘Service to Humanity' medal.

1947

Celebrated the Independence of India. Actively participated in the protection of women and children during the partition of India when violent attacks were taking place in Nairobi.

1948

Almost sacrificed his life when he went to rescue an unknown fellow Asian who was being attacked by blacks. Overpowered 3 assailants but 4 others appeared from the bushes with knives. Received 20 stab wounds and was left for dead. Friends rallied around him and their actions saved his life. Survived to live another phase of life i.e. marriage and family life.

1948

Awarded a Bravery Medal by the European & Asian Community, Nairobi.

1948

Commended for Bravery and awarded a Rifle (8x60 - 8mm) by the Commissioner of Police, Nairobi, Kenya.

1949

Honoured by the ‘Patriotic Front' for the protection of women and children and awarded a side firearm (Mauser 3.3 automatic)

1949

Audience with Puditji Jawaharlal Nehru in India followed by Grand Yatra of India with a select friend circle. Visited Ranavav to meet family and friends. Persuaded to get married.

Focussed on learning to read and write ‘ Hindi' and ‘ Sanskrit' . Over the years, mastered these languages and utilised them to understand the teachings of ‘Bhagavat Gita' and other scriptures

1950

Married a lady of his choice – Shreemati Radhadevi – daughter of Virji Naran Pankhania and Lakiben – daughter of Ramji Ladwa and Savthima (family of 3 sons and 3 daughters). Wedding held on 10 th June 1950 . Returned to Kenya alone.

1951

Radhadevi Jivan Gadher left Ranavav for Nairobi, Kenya. Received tremendous support from Jivanbhai and Maniben Sikotra to set up a home in Nairobi and begin a new life.

1951

Moved to Eldoret to set up his own Bicycle Shop on Uganda Road. Turned it into a thriving business by diversifying into product lines such as Gramophones and Racing Cycles.

Performed ‘Strong Man Shows' at the Araya Samaj, Eldoret to packed crowds. Chiselling of a two inch iron rod on an anvil on his chest was one of his acts. Demonstrated physical strength by lifting weights with his teeth. Performed acrobatic acts requiring total balance, concentration and agility. Won several trophies. An upright character full of self-confidence.

1952

Daughter Nalini joins the family.

1953

Devoted quality time to treating handicapped and paralysis sufferers by giving them free body messages, physiotherapy and moral support. His ‘Motto' was to support the weak, the meek and the poor. Was always humbled by their sufferings.

1954

Son Suresh joins the family.

1956

Daughter Kaushalya joins the family.

1957

Financed and designed a beautiful house in Ranavav, India with help from his father.

1959

Daughter Hemlata joins the family.

1961

Son Subhash joins the family.

1962

After much searching and waiting, achieved his wish for a ‘Guru'. Granted ‘Guru Daxhina' by Jagadguru Shankracharya Maharaj – Swami Satyamitranand Giriji in Eldoret. A major turning point in his life. Teachings of ‘Bhagavat Gita' and ‘Krishna Bhajan' became his priority.

1963

Daughter Sumitra joins the family.

1963

Kenya celebrated its independence on the 12 th December 1963. Very unstable situation.

Reorganised the Temple in Eldoret and introduced Guriji's Prayers at daily ‘Aarti' . Imported specially selected books from India. Set up a ‘Reading Group' and organised regular reading and discussion classes in the evening at the local Mandir where he was a key participant.

1969

Left Kenya on 11 th September 1969 for United Kingdom. Settled in Nelson, Lancashire to a ‘Nayee Zindagi, Naya Jivan' . Welfare and education of the family was his utmost priority.

Joined J.B.Battey's – a carpet yarn manufacturing company. Worked relentlessly till retirement.

1970

Enjoyed Camping holidays in Ambleside and Coiniston in the Lake District with the Family and grandchildren. Was passionate about mountain walking, swimming in the lakes, family cricket and exercise. Many an evening was spent by the campfire listening to his wonderful stories.

1970

Put all his children through Grammar School and University Education. Guided them to better futures, marriages and responsible lives. Constant pillar of support for the family, extended families and friends. Always had time for all – from the very young to the elderly.

Active member of the Indian Association and regular member of the Pendle Swimming Club. Enjoyed walks to Pendle Hill, Wycollar and the Yorkshire Moors with the family.

1980

Participated in the Maha Yagna, at Bharat Mata Mandir, Haridwar in the presence of Guruji

1985

Retired from full time employment. Immediately channelled his time and energy to further his knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita, ‘Donghrea Bhagavat, ‘Shiv Puran', ‘Valmiki Ramayan' and ‘Srimad Bhagavat'. Read and studied the above and also participated in various ‘Kathas'.

1985

Participated in the Kundi Gayatri Yagna in Leicester directed by Swami Satyamitranand Giriji.

1990

Undertook ‘Charity Walks' and fund-raising to collect sponsor money for Humanitarian Causes such as Famine Relief in Somalia, Ethiopia, Bangladesh and India. Daughter Hemlata was his constant companion and support on such projects.

Entered a phase of ‘Self Contemplation', ‘Prayers' and ‘Reading'. Read many wonderful books from his personal collection. Evenings were regularly spent reading to Radhadevi followed by discourse before the evening meal. Mornings too, followed a similar pattern. Endeavoured to provide a direction and guidance to the immediate and extended families and to focus on peace.

1994

Participated in the ‘ Suraya Yagna' , Coventry and the ‘Gadher Family Sapta' in Ranavav.

Spent quality time with Shree Sanjay Thanki in Porbandar – birthplace of Gandhiji. This was a wonderful relationship full of laughter, love and philosophical discussions. Gave him an opportunity to re-live the ‘Indian Youth' in the villages of Ranavav and Porbandar as well as finalise many of his ‘mun kamnaos'. Returned to UK totally rejuvenated and at peace.

1996

Moved to Withington, Manchester from Nelson, Lancashire to be with his sons.

1998

Travelled India and Nepal on a Full Yatra and Guruji Darshan in Haridwar with Radhaben and satsangees. Fulfilled the ‘Char Dham Ki Yatra, Panch Prayag' and his dream to visit India once more with his wife. Also visited the ‘Taj Mahal' and the ‘Golden Temple' in Amritsar.

1999

Provided service to humanity at the ‘Gita Bhavan', Manchester and support to many devotees.

Started writing a Book on ‘Religion and Philosophy of Life'. Researched daily and meticulously wrote everything down in Gujarati in red ink. Shared his thoughts with son Suresh.

2000

Celebrated his ‘Golden Wedding Anniversary ' in Oxford at ‘Krishna Nivas'.

2001

Attended the Full Program of ‘2001 Commonwealth Games' in Manchester – Proudly supported the Indian teams in Weight lifting, Hockey and Wrestling.

2002

Regular Seva and prayers at the weekly ‘Hanuman Satsung' at ‘Gita Bhavan', Manchester.

Holiday at ‘Krishna Nivas', Frilford, Oxfordshire. Enjoyed the tranquillity of the farm and long walks in the fields. Wonderful holiday here with brother Govindbhai, Diwariben and family.

2003

Honoured by the Indian Association – Gita Bhavan, Manchester for his dedicated services.

Holiday at ‘Krishna Nivas' , Frilford, Oxfordshire with Families and friends. Enjoyed walking through the orchards and vegetable fields, listening to shrills of the peacock and singing of the birds. Loved visiting the nearby stream on the farm and sitting by the flowing water. Spent many an hour sitting on the bridge discussing life with son Suresh. Was always ‘at-one' with nature and reminisced about his days on his father's farm in Ranavav.

Viewed the ‘Shiksha Patri' held in the Bodleian Library, Oxford and translated it from Sanskrit to Gujarati. This one was a gift from Sahajanand Swami in 1830 to Sir John Malcolm in Rajkot.

Distributed food to the needy and destitute and set up the ‘Food for now and Always Program' at Shanti Bhavan, Kerela, South India - now an ‘on-going' charity

Financed ‘Food Aid' for the ill and the needy at the ‘Mental Health Centre', Trivandrum, South India - now an ‘on-going' support.

2004

Garlanded Guruji and received blessing from him for the final time at Gita Bhavan, Manchester

Visited USA for five weeks to see his new grandson Avinash, Daughter Hemlata and Son-in-law Samir. Had a fantastic reunion and a fabulous time playing with young Avinash. Enjoyed regular prayers with all and ‘shamuh bhojan' sitting on the floor. Very much at peace with all.

Went ‘Whale Watching' to Cape Cod, New Hampshire, USA with Avinash, Suresh, Hemlata and family. Visited the ‘Maha Shiv Temple' and had ‘Shamuh Prasad' at Udupi Bhavan, Framingham

2004

Completed the last page of his book - ‘Religion and Philosophy of Life' with an outline of his personal wishes.

2 nd May, 17.45 hrs - Shree Jivanbhai Passed Away Peaceful at home in Manchester.

8 th May, 12noon - Cremated in Manchester – a day before his 84 th Birthday.

2004

6 th December – ‘Pusphe – phool' of Shree Jivanbhai reached Janma Bhumi Bharat

8 th December – ‘Pusphe – phool' (ashes) reached Guru - Charan at Haridwar, India

9 th December – 16 th Sanskar finalised – ‘Pusphe – phool' Immersed into the Ganges

10 th December – ‘Havan' and a ‘Maha Ganga Aarati' at the banks of the Ganges

12 th December – Hanuman Pooja and Prayers at Sachindram, Tamil Nadu, India

25 th December – ‘Suraya Darshan' and ‘Samudra Immersion' at the meeting point of the three seas – Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal at Kanyakumari, South India. Blessings from Vivekananda Kendra.