On Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. during the holy month of Kartik, Jagajivan Das (ACBSP) left this world at Bhaktivedanta Hospital & Research Institute, Mira Road, Thane, Maharashtra, India to join the Lord’s eternal pastimes.

Jagajivan Das was on a visit to India for the recently concluded GBC meeting. While in Mumbai he was residing at ISKCON Juhu with his wife Bhakta Priya Dasi. For over a decade Jagajivan Das was suffering from cardiomyopathy resulting in the weakening of his heart and leading to breathlessness on exertion. Under the guidance of Consultant Interventional Cardiologist from Bhaktivedanta Hospital & Research Institute, Jagajivan Das consulted an Electrophysiologist at P. D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai for his heart disease.  The Electrophysiologist advised him to undergo pacemaker implantation to improve the functioning of his heart. On the morning of November 9, 2016 Jagajivan Das became extremely breathless while he was in his room at ISKCON Juhu. With the help of oral medication, he felt only marginally better. Hence with the help of ISKCON Juhu staff Bhakta Priya Dasi took Jagajivan Das to a nearby hospital where his Electrocardiogram (ECG) was done. On seeing the ECG the doctor at the local hospital advised immediate hospitalization.

The same day at around 3:00 p.m. Jagajivan Das was brought to the Emergency Room at Bhaktivedanta Hospital & Research Institute with mild persistent breathlessness. Later he was admitted to the Medical Surgical Ward of the Hospital. On admission the Chief Intensivist and the Consultant Interventional Cardiologist assessed him. Understanding his long standing poor cardiac reserve along with compromised kidney function they put him on medication. Before the team of doctors at Bhaktivedanta Hospital & Research Institute could plan for pacemaker implantation, Jagajivan Das’s condition suddenly deteriorated at 9:00 p.m. in the night and he went into cardiogenic shock with deranged vitals. He was instantaneously shifted to the Intensive Critical Care Unit (ICCU) where he recovered temporarily.

Next day in the morning Jagajivan Das talked nicely with the ICCU staff and was in his usual jovial mood. Later in the day till 2:30 p.m. he listened to Śrī Caitanya-Caritāmṛta being recited by the Department of Spiritual Care staff. After that, he relished Srila Daspada’s kirtan being played on the Hospital speaker. On his request, Radhanath Swami was also informed about his health condition by the Hospital Director – Dr. Ajay Sankhe himself.

In the evening at around 6:30 p.m. Jagajivan Das told the ICCU Nursing In-charge that he was feeling much better and started sharing about his preaching activities in Belgium. Soon at 6:45 p.m. the Chief Intensivist came for his daily ICCU round. When Jagajivan Das was telling the Chief Intensivist that he was feeling good he suddenly collapsed in bed. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was immediately given for over half an hour simultaneously with End of Life care by the Department of Spiritual Care. Despite all measures Jagajivan Das’s condition deteriorated and he finally succumbed to his illness at 7:30 p.m. while Srila Daspada`s kirtan was playing on.

While leaving, Jagajivan Das received End of Life care appropriately by Dr. Ashok Shetty, Deputy Director – Medical Services (Chanting of Holy names, Prayers, Ganga jal, Tulsi jal and Maha garland).  Dr. Ajay Sankhe informed Bhakta Priya Dasi and the officials at ISKCON Juhu that Jagajivan Das had left his body for the eternal abode. On receiving the news Bhakti Charu Swami along with eight senior devotees from ISKCON Juhu came to the Hospital. The Chief Intensivist explained to Bhakti Charu Swami about the disease Jagajivan Das suffered from and the cause of his death.

After the arrival of Jagajivan Das’s daughter, his last rites were performed according to Vaishnav vidhi by Janmastami Das on the morning of November 12, 2016 at Mira Road. The cremation ceremony was attended by the Senior Management, Department of Spiritual Care team and other staff members of the Hospital in addition to devotees from ISKCON Juhu and ISKCON Mira Road.

Jagajivan Das joined ISKCON in the year 1970. He was initiated by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada in the year 1972. Throughout his stay at the Hospital Jagajivan Das was extremely cheerful and always spoke enthusiastically about the preaching mission. He will be fondly remembered by the Hospital team which considers itself fortunate to receive an opportunity to serve this dear devotee of the Lord.