On April 1, 2025, Nilamben Parikh, the great-granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, passed away peacefully at her home in Navsari, Gujarat. She was 92 years old. Known for her deep-rooted connection to India’s independence movement and her lifelong commitment to social causes, Nilamben leaves behind a legacy of service, activism, and authorship.
Born into the revered family of Mahatma Gandhi, Nilamben was the granddaughter of Gandhi’s eldest son, Harilal Gandhi. Over the years, she became widely known not just as a descendant of one of the most iconic figures in Indian history, but also for her significant contributions to the empowerment of tribal women and her efforts in preserving and sharing the personal stories of her family’s complex history.
A Lifelong Advocate for Women’s Empowerment
Nilamben Parikh’s life was defined by her unwavering commitment to social justice and community service. One of her key contributions was through her work with tribal women in Gujarat. She founded an organization aimed at uplifting the lives of marginalized women, focusing on providing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to women in rural and tribal areas.
Her efforts focused on helping women gain access to vocational training, which empowered them to become financially independent and improve their socio-economic standing. She was deeply involved in grassroots movements, recognizing that true change often starts at the local level. Nilamben’s contributions are still felt in the communities she worked with, where many women have gone on to become leaders and role models for younger generations.
Beyond her humanitarian work, Nilamben Parikh was a voice for the voiceless, advocating for the rights of the underprivileged and marginalized sections of society. Her compassion and determination earned her the respect of not only her peers but also those who were directly impacted by her work.
The Author Who Explored Gandhi’s Complex Legacy
In addition to her activism, Nilamben was also a writer. She penned several works, but her most renowned book focused on the complicated relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his eldest son, Harilal Gandhi, who was also Nilamben’s grandfather. The book, which delves into the often strained and troubled dynamics between father and son, brought a nuanced perspective to the understanding of Gandhi’s personal life.
The relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and Harilal has long been a subject of interest for historians, as it reflects the complexities of Gandhi’s family life, contrasting with the idealized public persona of the Mahatma. Harilal, who struggled with his identity and often opposed his father’s ideas, created a deep rift in their relationship. Nilamben’s work offered a rare and intimate look at these dynamics, shedding light on the personal challenges faced by the family of one of the world’s most revered leaders.
Her book was appreciated for its honest portrayal of a deeply personal, yet historically significant, aspect of Gandhi’s life. Nilamben’s ability to convey this complex history with sensitivity and insight was celebrated by scholars and readers alike. In many ways, her writing became an important contribution to the broader discourse on the impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles on his own family.
A Quiet Legacy of Service
Nilamben Parikh’s life was not only marked by her heritage but also by her own contributions to society. She did not let the weight of her great-grandfather’s legacy overshadow her own achievements. Instead, she carved out a distinct identity, guided by the same values of service, nonviolence, and self-reliance that Gandhi espoused.
Her quiet dedication to improving the lives of others was evident in the way she led her life. Despite being a figure connected to one of the most prominent families in India, she lived a life of simplicity, guided by the principles of humility and service. She was deeply rooted in her community and worked tirelessly to support those in need, much like her great-grandfather did in his own time.
Though Nilamben Parikh was a figure of great historical significance due to her lineage, she was much more than just Mahatma Gandhi’s great-granddaughter. Her work with tribal women, her exploration of complex familial relationships, and her steadfast commitment to social causes have left an indelible mark on the world around her.
A Family’s Loss and a Nation’s Tribute
Nilamben Parikh’s passing marks the end of an era for the Gandhi family, as she was one of the last living members with a direct connection to Mahatma Gandhi’s immediate family. Her death is being mourned by her family, friends, and the countless individuals whose lives she touched through her humanitarian work and her writing.
In her final years, Nilamben had often spoken about the importance of continuing her family’s legacy of service, but also about the necessity of adapting to contemporary challenges. Her message was clear: while history and legacy are important, true progress comes from focusing on the needs of the present and working towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.
Her funeral was attended by family members, friends, and admirers, many of whom paid tribute to her life of service and her contribution to the welfare of others. The country has lost not just a family member of one of its most iconic figures, but also a compassionate individual who dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of those who needed it most.
A Continuing Legacy
Although Nilamben Parikh is no longer with us, her work and legacy live on in the many women she helped empower, the stories she told through her writing, and the values she instilled in those around her. She is remembered as a woman who, despite the weight of her family’s history, remained focused on improving the lives of others. Her passing serves as a reminder that legacy is not just about lineage, but about the positive changes one can bring to society through compassion, dedication, and selfless service.
Nilamben Parikh’s life reminds us that true greatness is not defined by one’s ancestry but by the impact one has on the world. As India and the world reflect on her contributions, her example will continue to inspire future generations to live lives of service and integrity.