Shakuntala Devi Batta, born on March 13, 1922, in pre-partition Punjab, embarked on her eternal journey at the remarkable age of 102. A dutiful, spiritual, and resilient soul, Mata Ji faced life’s challenges with immense strength.
Enduring numerous hardships, she gave birth to ten children, witnessing the passing of four, a testament to her indomitable spirit. In the early 1990s, Mata Ji embraced a new chapter in America, conquering the English language to proudly attain citizenship.

As one of six siblings, she inherited resilience, assuming the role of family matriarch after losing her husband, Inder Pal Bhandari, in 1989. Mata Ji was and will always be the glue that keeps her ten children, 19 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren together no matter where they are. Her extreme strength, positive attitude, and steadfast faith, will live on within each person that has gotten to know her.

Even as her appetite decreased over the years, some ice cream always put a smile on her face. Her love for Wheel of Fortune, reading and reciting Hindu religious literature, and watching her family grow kept her strong through a full 102 years.

Her guiding mantra, “Ishwar di mauj ah,” echoed the profound belief that life’s twists and turns were ultimately in the hands of a higher power.

May her spirit continue to inspire strength, resilience, and faith in the face of life’s
uncertainties. Mata Ji’s journey was a tapestry of love, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion. She will be dearly missed but forever cherished in our hearts.