Please send prayers to our dear friend, Prema Nama, who passed away early on Janmastami 2024 morning. Prema Nama (Diane Cristin) came to the New Dwarka community in 1978 at the young age of 16. She soon moved into the temple (with her parent’s permission). She was almost immediately out on book distribution, mainly with Mother Sanatani’s traveling party. She was the top collector for the Christmas marathon (along with two other devotees), and she was consistent with her book distribution throughout the years. She was initiated by Ramesvara Swami and continued to serve the Los Angeles community until she moved to Switzerland with her devotee husband.

After some time, she returned to the U.S. with her two young children, Anirudha and Saraswati, and moved to the Alachua/ Gainesville community over twenty years ago. After her children graduated from college, they moved back to Europe to pursue their careers. Despite the distance, she and her children maintained a very close and loving relationship.

She was diagnosed with a debilitating neurological disease three years ago. Many devotees from the Alachua community were involved in her care. However, due to the progression of the disease, her children moved her back to Switzerland in May of 2024 so she could be closer to them. Since her care was complex, she was being cared for in a nursing home near her family. She passed away on the auspicious day of Janmastami.

Prema was special. She was always kind, upbeat, positive, funny, and extremely smart. She had the uncanny ability to memorize the scriptures. Even in her debilitated state, she could quote full passages that she had memorized decades ago. She was very striking in her appearance—tall, thin, and energetic. It came as a surprise that this healthy, vibrant person came down with such a debilitating disease.

Everyone liked Prema. She was never one to create disharmony and she saw the good in others. She was well respected and loved by neighbors, coworkers, and friends alike. It is said that Yudhishsthira’s enemy was never born. I really don’t think Prema had an enemy.

Motherhood was very important to Prema and her children were a priority. She was a person of integrity, honesty, dependability, and responsibility. She has passed these qualities onto her two children who have helped so much to facilitate her during this illness, despite the distance.

Her disease was a difficult one. She had other physical issues as well and it is safe to say that she was always in pain. She rarely complained and was very appreciative of the care given to her. She somehow maintained an upbeat, positive mood (and a good sense of humor) despite her disability.

It was presumed that she had the disease quite a few years before the actual diagnosis. She maintained a high level of independence, cleanliness and organization for years, even as the disease progressed. Sadly, her condition debilitated within the past two years and required ongoing assistance from a dedicated caregiver group. Many of the caregivers expressed admiration for her good qualities, especially her tolerance.

Such a good friend and such a good person! Prema, you are a wonderful example of kindness, patience, tolerance, and goodness. We are appreciative of your association in this life. Thank you for being who you are. Her family will sponsor the Sunday feast on September 15th on her behalf.