[Special Note: Dr. Jagdish Dave is a regular volunteer of Servicespace – week upon week, one can find his insightful comments on the Awakin readings. On May 15, 2025 he turns 100 and on the brink of the milestone, we are honored to gather for this special Awakin call to collectively glean the lessons from his 100 years of living and giving.] 

Dr. Jagdish Dave was born and raised in the Indian state where Gandhi spent many formative years. “I was blessed to attend the evening prayer meetings at his Ashram, called the Gandhi Ashram. I was only 4 years old at that time. I would never forget his Presence. I am very indebted to Gandhiji for the impact he has had on my life.”

During his high school years, Dr. Dave actively participated in India’s Freedom Movement, embracing Gandhi’s principles of nonviolent civil disobedience—a legacy that continues to shape his life and work.

Dr. Dave came to the United States in 1959 as a Fulbright scholar. Bridging Eastern spirituality with Western academia, he earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in Education from the University of Chicago and later a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.

With over five decades of teaching experience, he has inspired generations as a high school teacher and university professor. His pioneering research on integrative meditation demonstrated the effectiveness of pranayama (breathwork), yoga, and mindfulness in regulating emotional and cardiovascular health.

Now based in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Dave offers workshops on mindfulness, stress management, and holistic wellness. Perhaps recreating his childhood experiences at the Gandhi ashram, he hosts interfaith meditation gatherings and satsangas (devotional gatherings), sharing wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali Yoga Sutras. Summers find him in Naperville, Illinois, leading mindfulness workshops and performing Vedic wedding ceremonies. He has intricately integrated his teachings into his own life and relationships including his over 70 years of marriage and supporting his children and grandchildren in well-being practices.  

Dr. Dave’s mission is to inspire balance, peace, and mindfulness, summed up in his heartfelt prayer: “May we all find our way to walk steadily in the journey of our life.”

Join us in conversation with this heart-centered elder on 25th Jan, moderated by his nephew and long-time servicespace volunteer Birju Pandya.