I have known Fr. Varghese Alengaden since 1993 while I worked with Pratyasa Movement and Dharma Bharathi Institute of Peace and Value Education (now known as Universal Solidarity Movement). I met him first time at Kochi during an inter-religious conference organized by Dharma Rajya Vedi, an inter-religious wing of Pratyasa Movement. Following that meeting, he invited a four-member team (consisting of Acharyasri Sachidanand, Swami Sundaresan, Sant Isher Singh and I) to Madhya Pradesh for a month-long tour. 

We addressed different categories of people like school students, teachers, religious nuns, priests and general public in various parts of Madhya Pradesh. As a consequence, Fr. Varghese took up the promotion of Value Education as his mission. Since then, there was “no turning back” and he continued this mission until his premature death.      

I have found Fr. Varghese a person of values which was evident in every aspect of his life. 

Kind and gentle: A jack fruit has a rough surface but it contains sweet fruits inside. Likewise, the voice and dealings of Fr. Varghese seemed to be rough. Yet he had a kind and gentle heart. He was affectionate to others. 

Joyful: He always had a gentle smile. It was an expression of his inner joy. If a person was depressed, worried or tensed, he could heal that person just with a magic smile. His jovial nature and “Ho Jaayega” mindset kept others close to him.

Simplicity: He followed the “incarnational model” of Jesus. He abandoned the religious dress and chose a common man’s dress and wore it always. Even in his final journey, he was given a farewell in his simple dress (Kurta, Pyjama and Gamcha). He never wanted to own any property during his lifetime. Hence, he opted for cremation. 

Truthfulness: For Fr. Varghese, “yes” meant yes and “no” meant no. He never minced words. He exhibited his sincerity in his words, actions and life always and everywhere. 

Convictions: He had his own convictions. He was a person of principles and values such as patriotism, hard work, punctuality, cleanliness, service to the needy, respecting the uniqueness of every individual, etc. He never ever compromised his values.

Hard working: One of his mottos was: “I am busy 24/7 but I have time for you”. He had the habit of working till late night or early morning. He used to sleep for just 3 to 4 hours only. He used to keep himself busy with reading, writing, traveling, and conducting meetings. 

Punctuality: He was always ‘before time’ for any community activity like prayer, group work, meeting, etc. He always began a program on time and ended it on time.  

Communicating and training: He was very good in his oral and written communications. He expressed his thoughts and views with great clarity and courage. He has authored many books that have inspired priests, nuns, students, teachers, parents and government officials. He has conducted hundreds of training programs for different categories of people all over the country as well as abroad.

Motivating: He always tried to listen and understand a person’s problem and motivated that person accordingly. He could motivate any person, of any age, of any background. Everyone who came in contact with him was motivated. On March 14, 2022 he came to St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru to meet me. I was under treatment for my rectal cancer. On the next morning my surgery was due. He boosted my morale by saying, “Satyan, do not worry. You have overcome health crises in the past. Now also you will come out clean. Be courageous”. He also assured of his prayerful support to my wife and daughter. 

Memory power: He always remembered every individual whom he met and worked with. Likewise, he had a good memory of the past events. He was good in documenting every important event for future reference.     

Spiritual: Although he belonged to a priestly group and a diocese, he never remained at the level of “religiosity”. He rose above caste, colour, creed, rituals, ceremonies, rules and laws and lived in a “spiritual sphere”. “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the whole universe is one family) was his spirituality. Hence, he chose the name “Universal Solidarity Movement” as the name for his mission. 

I had the privilege of attending his funeral ceremony in Indore. There was a perfect harmony between the Eucharistic Celebration (since he was a priest) and the Inter-religious Prayer (since he had an inter-religious mindset). Probably the Cathedral witnessed the inter-religious prayer first time. People from all walks of like bid him a tearful farewell.     

In fact, Fr. Varghese played many roles – a loving brother; a reliable friend; a trustworthy guide and an affectionate father. I wish to conclude this Tribute with a meaningful poem titled “Away” written by James Whitcomb Riley.    

I cannot say, and I will not say
That he is dead. He is just away!
With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand
He has wandered into an unknown land,
And left us dreaming how very fair;
It needs must be, since he lingers there.
And you, O you, who the wildest yearn
For the old-time step and the glad return,
Think of his faring on, as dear,
In the love of There as the love of Here;
And loyal still, as he gave the blows
Of his warrior-strength to his country’s foes.
Mild and gentle, as he was brave,
When the sweetest love of his life he gave,
To simple things: Where the violets grew
Blue as the eyes they were likened to,
The touches of his hands have strayed
As reverently as his lips have prayed:
When the little brown thrush that harshly chirred
Was dear to him as the mocking-bird;
And he pitied as much as a woman in pain,
A writhing honey-bee wet with rain.
Think of his still as the same, I say:
He is not dead, he is just away!