True Service of God- A Collection of Stories

"Peer Parayi" is a book of real-life stories written by the famous Gujarati writer Shri Makarand Dave and got translated by me in Hindi and published under the same title about two decades ago.

I have been greatly impressed by these stories of service to people in pain and distress, and wished a larger readership to benefit by reading them. At my request, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan has very kindly got selected stories from the book translated into English.

Great Teachers of all religions have emphasised that service to one's fellow beings is true service of God. Shri Makarand Dave has drawn his stories from all religions. The translation has been appropriately titled, "True Service of God" in keeping with this theme.

A dynamic and vigorous 97 and poised to reach the century mark on his pilgrimage on earth, Shriyut Durga Prasadji Mandelia, is an unique personality in whom reside both 'Shree' and 'Saraswati'. A kind-hearted person full of creative energy, Mandeliaji's generosity and benevolence have brought relief and suc-cour to many and yet he is one of those whose left hand does not know what his right hand gives away.

Moved profoundly by a collection of short stories ' Peer Parayee' written by the great Gujarati mystic, poet and writer, Shri Makarand Dave, he had the stories translated into Hindi and got them published a few years ago. This book having created a considerable impact, he sponsored the English translation of 17 of these stories which was published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan under its widely acclaimed "Book University" Series.

The Bhavan is now privileged to bring out a second enlarged edition by adding 9 more stories, making the book into a collection of 26 stories.

Every story is a kernel of truth enveloped by a sheath of spiritual flesh flavoured by mysticism and the creative impact of a mind of a genius. Shri Makarand Dave's name is mentioned throughout Gujarat with love and reverence. His astonishing vision, insight, spiritual-ism and absolute faith in God hold his readers spell bound and create an impact that remain with them for a life time.

Personally, it is a matter of immense satisfaction that the Bhavan is bringing out second enlarged edition of this book. Shri Makarand Dave is my family's Guru, guide and mentor, whose blessings we all cherish.

We are happy to acknowledge the contributions of Shri S.T. V. Raghavan, Officer-on-Special Duty, Bhavan's New Delhi Kendra and Smt. Reklia Gupta who has translated, for their selection of the stories and making avail-able the manuscript in time.

The book is yet another addition to the many value education books of the Bhavan's Book University Se-ries.

**Sample Pages**