Kumudini Mayur
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 4, 2004: “I seldom recognized why I was here for the time passed like a second. My life was too fast as if it was a legend,” wrote Rashmi Mayur prophetically in “Poetry of Life,” his last collection of writings, which he wrote while he was recovering from a stroke in Mumbai, India. On February 10, 2004, his life passed like a brilliant flash of light from here into the universe – perhaps on a more spectacular mission. In another context he wrote: “I am searching for new ways to find the future in the universe of tomorrow.”
Rashmi Mayur was a futurist, an environmentalist, an educator, a scientist, a conservationist, and much more. He was a voracious reader, a prolific writer, and an international traveler, who had visited 85 countries. Our mother used to call him a “nomad.” On his numerous treks around the globe, he touched the lives of millions of people from all spheres of life – from the slums of Mumbai and the favalas of Rio to influential people from many realms.
Rashmi’s information and knowledge on any subject were profound. He was a walking computer and data bank packaged into one – his exceptional mind was his priceless possession bursting with ideas. These talents – combined with oratorical excellence, logic, humor and his catalytic personality – left deep impressions on his audience. Current statistics on any subject were at his fingertips. One had only to spend some time with him to be captured by his charismatic character, vision, and in-depth knowledge on any subject. He immediately touched both heart and soul with his passion, and his compassion for the suffering and the poor, especially for the people from the Third World countries.
Rashmi was a member of many committees in various nations and an advisor to several United Nations agencies and governments around the world. He worked throughout the world on issues of sustainability, poverty, pollution and more. Through his innumerable lectures and interactions at conferences, where he often was a keynote speaker, he awakened an awareness of simplicity, reverence, and unity for this Planet. Any topic relating to the Earth aroused his passion, but he had a special vision of space technology as a tool for peaceful purposes, especially in developing countries, and to use the potential wealth of the oceans for the betterment of humanity. Rashmi was truly a citizen of the world. He was an admirable example of dedication and commitment and an advocate of peace with revolutionary and practical ideas.
Rashmi’s dream was: “We can hope that what we do makes a difference, that we can build our Earth from our fondest dreams and visions.” He further urged in earnest, “Our purpose is to dedicate our lives to regenerating the Earth and building a new human order. A new Earthly order where every child – no matter where – will experience joyful existence, happiness in unity with the universe, and the ecstasy of being a pilgrim in the eternal march of evolution. If we devote our common energies to our common future, then we cannot fail to realize our hopes.”
Rashmi leaves behind a host of loving friends and admirers, who mourn his loss and lament his premature departure from this earth. The best compliment his contemporaries and followers can give him is to carry the flaming torch of his legacy to even greater heights, while Rashmi shines from the universe like a guiding star.
Dr. Kumudini Mayur, the sister of Dr. Rashmi Mayur, is based in Washington, DC metro area. Her e-mail is kmayur@netscape.net.