Mumbai College Bids Emotional Farewell to Graduate Set to Embrace Monkhood

Mumbai: In a heartfelt and unprecedented gesture, KJ Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce bid farewell to one of its most unique graduates, Parshvi Gandhi, who is set to renounce worldly life and embrace monkhood at the age of 23. The college community gathered on Saturday to felicitate Gandhi, a moment that marked the culmination of her academic journey and the beginning of a profound spiritual path.

Gandhi, who recently graduated from the college, has decided to take the sacred vow of diksha, the ritual that signifies an individual’s formal commitment to a life of asceticism in Jainism. In a special event organised by the Gujarati Sahitya Mandal, the college’s official cultural club, professors, students, and alumni gathered to offer their blessings and bid farewell to the young woman who will soon step into a life of complete detachment from worldly affairs.

Speaking at the event, Gandhi shared the transformative journey that led her to embrace the monastic path at such a young age. "As a child, I often found myself avoiding religious rituals, but growing up in a religious family, I had to follow the customs. Over time, I became increasingly drawn to spiritual matters, and my belief in this path grew stronger. By the time I completed my graduation, I had made up my mind that I would dedicate my life to spirituality," Gandhi explained.

The emotional event featured musical performances and religious songs that Gandhi cherished, alongside a special ceremony where she distributed gifts to students as part of the varshidaan tradition, a symbolic act of charity where an individual relinquishes their worldly possessions before embarking on a monastic life.

Reflecting on her college experience, Gandhi admitted that while she had initially feared that involvement in co-curricular activities might weaken her resolve, she eventually embraced the college experience fully. "I decided to challenge myself by participating in cultural events, making friends, and enjoying my college years. Now, even after graduation, I remain steadfast in my decision to embrace diksha. I believe I have passed the test," she said.

The event also included a unique "courtroom-style" interrogation, where students had the opportunity to ask Gandhi about her decision and the reasons behind her choice. "Our students have pursued various career paths, but this is the first time we’ve had a student decide to take such a different route. We wanted to show others that no matter what path you choose, the ultimate goal should always be to contribute positively to society," said Dr. Preeti Dave, a professor at the college’s Gujarati Department, who has closely mentored Gandhi.

Gandhi’s formal diksha ceremony will take place on February 23, following five days of religious rituals. The event will be hosted by the Shankheshwar Parshwanath Shvetambar Murtipujak Tapagachchh Jain Sangh of Ghatkopar East, where she will begin her new life as a nun.

The college’s farewell serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse paths students can choose, and for Gandhi, it is a life-altering decision that promises to inspire many.