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In Memoriam: Om Parkash Sharma, MBE
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
London, UK - On May 11, 2010 Mr. Om Parkash Sharma, MBE, passed away. Mr. Sharma was a great friend of the Universal Peace Federation and an Ambassador for Peace. Hearing more about his life from his family members extended our understanding of his kindness to a much wider realm of his life. He was able to touch so many people with his compassion and care.
Mr. Sharma supported the Universal Peace Federation in a number of ways. He supported the campaign to remove an unjust ban from the UK of UPF's founder, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon. He introduced us to many important figures who helped us in the campaign. He joined one of UPF's Middle East Peace Initiative visits to Israel and the Palestinian Territories. He was also willing at very short notice to speak or offer an inspirational chant.
Many friends gathered at the house to put flowers in the coffin and pay last respects. His coffin was drawn by a horse-driven hearse in a procession from his house to the crematorium. There was a moving service, attended by more than 500 people, full of testimonies of the loving care and goodness that had touched their lives.
One recent story was of Mr. Sharma's invitation to Buckingham Palace to meet Her Majesty the Queen representing the Hindu community. Mr Sharma, who was recovering from a stroke and in a wheelchair, was happy to be driven to the Palace for this distinguished occasion in his somewhat rusty, T-reg Nissan Primero. 'It gets me from A to B, so what's the matter?' was his attitude. His son said that they were held up with a line of Mercedes and Rolls Royces behind them while security checked them, but Mr. Sharma did not seem to mind. Material things were not so important to Mr. Sharma.
One grandson added that he had given the grandchildren both 'roots and wings.' The roots were the values he had imparted and the love that he had given to them. The wings were the opportunities to fly high to fulfil their talents in the world.
Doves were released after the service to represent Mr. Sharma's extensive peace activities.
Mr. Sharma had received an MBE from Her Royal Majesty the Queen and the Hind Rattan from the Indian Government. He was President of the National Council of Hindu Temples UK and a Director of the Hindu Council UK. He was a great interfaith figure being Co-Chair of the Interfaith Network, Patron of the World Conference on Religion and Peace, a Trustee of the World Congress of Faiths, UK Chapter and a Patron of the United Religions Initiative.