1979, Saint Paul RiverCentre, Kellogg Boulevard, St Paul, MN, USA
Festival of Nations, Cultural Exhibits
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Dear Ram, Lisa, and Ketan. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in Neena's celebration of life as an emcee for the program. What an outstanding job you all did with the event! It was so wonderful to see and hear from so many whose lives she touched. Throughout that evening, I felt her presence so strongly-- I felt like she was there and would appear from somewhere and tell me to do something or just compliment me on what I had done. As I said in my memories of her, she treated me like a little sister that she never had and how, each time she introduced me to someone new, she would inevitably tell them the story of how I looked the first time we met with my two long schoolgirl braids (chotlis). Those two braids are long gone, but our friendship continued through the years! Here is a picture of Anoop (with lots of hair) and me (with those two chotlis) at the Festival of Nations cultural exhibit booth that Neena and I arranged.
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I only met Neena on a few occasions, but I was drawn to her warm and vibrant spirit! She was very caring and also playful, having a grand time dressing me and my husband Jeff in lovely outfits from India. The way that she shared her enthusiasm for India's cultural gifts brought us such joy! It is a memory that I will never forget. Also, the way that she supported her husband Ram with spreading peace in our community is just remarkable. I could tell in special and brief moments that I was in the presence of greatness -someone who radiated Divine love and energy!
Such a person never leaves us, because we deeply internalize the memory of her goodness!
Blessings to Neena's family - and especially her beloved Ram.
Love,
Kate and Jeff
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2019, Minnesota State Capitol: IndiaFest
Kate and Jeff Dressed by Neena!
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Neena & Ram were the first couple from India we came to know when we move to MN from PA. Anandi and I will forever remember Neena’s engaging smile and her friendly demeanor. May she rest in peace, Om Shanti!
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Neena aunty leaves an inarguably large void in the many hearts, minds and places. Everyone her life touched felt her warmth, kindness and gentle strength. A trailblazer in the Indian community here in MN, leading and inspiring others to fully express and revel in their cultural identity, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy. SILC is blessed to have had a founding mother as her and IAM to have had leader and advisor as her. Her passion for youth education and cultural awareness live on through her inspiring work.
My deepest condolences to Ram uncle and the entire family, and prayers for strength and resilience to hold and to cherish Neena aunty's lasting memories.
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2019, SILC 40th Anniversary Celebration
Founding Members of SILC along with Dr Dash
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We are so sorry to hear about Neena Ban's passing. In loving memory of a remarkable Neena Ben whose brief presence in our lives left a lasting impact. Though our encounters were few, her beautiful smile and genuine interest in our work inspired us to reach higher. Her support, though silent, was deeply felt, encouraging us to pursue our passions with greater zeal. She may have graced our journey for only a short while, but her spirit and the memory of her smile will continue to inspire us. May she rest in peace, forever cherished and remembered."
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Dear Uncle Ram. We are so sorry for your loss. She was very much a part of my childhood and growing up and I remember spending countless days with your family. Her presence will be missed.
Dear Lisa and Ketan. Losing a mother can cut deep in ways that it is hard to put into words. Sending condolences for you, your family, and your kids. May you find peace knowing that she is at rest.
SILC is something near and dear to my heart. This donation is going to a wonderful cause. While, we will not be able to attend the celebraton of life for Nina Auntie, I will say a prayer in silence for her on Saturday to honor her passing.
Best,
Reena, Paul, and Anika Jackson
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Satomi and I extend our sincere condolences to the family of Neena! We had the distinct privilege of meeting Neena! She was such a delight we will not forget her! She was an inspirational Wife, Mother and Grandmother and friend to many! Much love to the family of Neena from Jim & Satomi Glover
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Dear Mama, Lisa/Ketan & family.
Due to other prior commitments, we will not be able to attend this event. Mami’s memories will stay in our hearts forever. She was so much inspirational and touched so many lives through her life. May god bless her soul. Jai Jinendra.
Femina-Piyush-Arya
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Hello Rambhai and family,
Please accept our condolences at loss of Neenaben. Fortunately, I was lucky to know her well and shared many thoughts on many subjects with her and Rambhai. Her easy laughter,sense of humor and keen sense of values, which she has instilled in her children and grandchildren. She will remain in our memory for ever.
Hema and Lalit
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Dear Ram Ji: I hope this note finds you in the company of loving friends and family, even though I understand that no words can fully ease the pain you are experiencing after the passing of your beloved wife, Neena. She was a remarkable woman, and her absence is undoubtedly felt deeply by all who knew her. She brought warmth, kindness, and joy into the lives of those around her, and her memory will forever be cherished.
Om Shanthi!
Siva Jasthi
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Our heartfelt condolence to Gada Family on your loss. Neenaben was very social likable person. Her devotion to SILC and various other organizations is highly appreciated. Our children have benefited tremendously from attending SILC. She is always going to be missed. Om Shanti.
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I am very sorry to loose good friend .she was very caring person .Jai Shri Krishan.
Charu
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Dear Ram Gada uncle,
Eeshwar Ichchha variyasi! I am so very glad to notice your strength through the sad times. I did have a few opportunities to see Neena auntie, and recall a specific one when she was in a seat one or two next to mine at the Kerala Floods fundraiser cultural event when I had a chance to converse with her at ease. She carried a magnetic and curious personality - quiet, calm and collected with at-ease voice.
The Indian diaspora community of Minnesota has lost an enthusiastic support as the soul decided to travel forward onto the eternal journey. I wish further strength to your family through the time of the irreparable loss!
-- Prabhat Tekriwal
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I was so sorry to hear about Neena's passing. She was such an inspiration to SILC & IAM volunteers like me
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Neena was much loved in our Twin Cities Indian community. From the beginning of her time in the US, her cheerfulness and her passion to teach her children and all the children our rich Indian culture was apparent. Neena and Ram were instrumental in starting and sustaining so many organizations that still live on.
For me she was a great role model and great friend. There are so many beautiful memories I have of her as a young bride, mother , activist in politics and social gatherings. She will be missed by all who knew her. Om Shanti, Neena 🙏🏼
Love and affection,
Nayana and Ramakrishnan
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We are deeply touched by the heartfelt message you shared about the remarkable life of Neena Gada. Her unwavering strength, kind-hearted nature, and dedication to education are truly inspiring. Neenaji's legacy of resilience and selfless service will undoubtedly continue to impact generations to come.
It is heartwarming to see the efforts being made to raise funds for the School of India for Languages and Culture (SILC) in memory of Neena ji. Her contributions and leadership at SILC have left a lasting impression on the community, and it is a beautiful tribute to her commitment to education.
Neenaji's light, hope, and positivity will be dearly missed, but her spirit will continue to shine through the lives she has touched. May her story serve as a beacon of inspiration for all of us to uphold her values of resilience and dedication.
Amruta and Mayank Patel
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Community lost kind soul. Our heartfelt condolences are with family. Sending hugs and prayers. May her fond memories help ease the pain. Om Shanti 🙏🏽
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We will be thinking about her and send our prayers.
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Neena was always calm, graceful, and positive with a wonderful smile on her face. We will miss her. Please accept our condolences.
Jaya and Anand Joglekar
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