Rev Vilayatrai Lulla, Convener of the 43rd Annual Nirankari Sant Samagam of Maharashtra which concluded in Mumbai on January 24, 2010, passed into his eternal abode on Saturday, January 30, 2010.  He was 69.

Rev Vilayatrai Ji developed pain in the chest while the preparations for the Samagam were in full swing.  He, however, ignored the same and continued to work ceaselessly.   When the pain persisted, he was admitted in the Wockhard Hospital in Mulund, Mumbai, on January 17.  His condition, however, deteriorated and he was shifted to the Jaslok Hospital where the end came.

His Holiness Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj blessed Rev Vilayatrai Ji in hospital on January 20 and found that the Samagam continued to occupy his mind even in that condition.  He mentioned and appreciated his services towards the Mission, on the concluding day of the Samagam.

The cremation took place on January 31 in the presence of thousands of devotees from Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.

Glorious tributes were paid to Rev Vilayatrai Ji at a special congregation held on February 2, 2010 in the Chembur Satsang Bhawan.  While Shri K.R. Chadha, Vice-Chairman Central Planning and Advisory Board, Sant Nirankari Mandal, Delhi presided over the congregation, the devotees also gathered in a huge number.

Shri Chadha recalled the services of Rev Vilayatrai Ji and said that he will always be remembered for his dedication.  He said that he was born to serve others.  He also appreciated the members of the family who took the loss with utmost patience as will of God.

Shri V.D. Nagpal, General Secretary of the Mandal and Incharge Branches in Maharashtra also paid tribute to Rev Vilayatrai Ji and said that he gave priority to Sewa even when he was not feeling well.  He was always keen to serve the society through various social welfare activities.

Rev Vilayatrai Ji was born on March 9, 1940.  His parents were already associated with the Sant Nirankari Mission.  Rev Vilayatrai Ji, therefore, also attended congregations right from his childhood.  He was blessed with Brahm Gyan in 1963.  This brought him still closer to the Mission which he served with great sense of faith and devotion.  From 1978 he dedicated himself in the service of the Mission whole-heartedly.

Rev Vilayatrai Ji became a Member of the All-India Working Committee in March 1994 and served the Mission in this august body till it was dissolved in 2008.   In 1986 he took over as Secretary of the Committee to look after the Mission's activities in Mumbai.  No doubt, he put his heart into administration, yet he never lost interest in spirituality.

On September 15, 1997 Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj permitted Rev Vilayatrai Ji to reveal Brahm Gyan on his behalf.  In 2005, he was nominated as a Member of the Advisory Committee for Land Purchase.

Rev Vilayatrai Ji was nominated as Zonal In-charge, Pune on January 14, 2008.  He held this responsibility till his last breath.  He made special efforts to take the message of the Mission to the elite sections of the society in Pune and Satara areas.

Rev Vilayatrai Ji was Convener of the Maharashtra Annual Nirankari Sant Samagam held in Mumbai, from 1986 to 2010.

Rev Vilayatrai Ji is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters, one daughter-in-law and one grand daughter.  The entire family is dedicated to the Mission.

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