Abhay BrijkishorSharma (B. Arch.) was born in a Prarthana Samaj family as a fourth generation member of Prarthana Samaj. His mother Vasundharabai Sharma and many members of his maternal family were devotedmembers of Prarthana Samaj. His father Dr. B. J. Sharma also followed the principles of Prarthana Samaj. His maternal grandparents, Bhandarkars, were in Indore. Because of his grandparents and maternal uncle Shri. K.Y. Bhandarkar, Abhay Sharma developed a keen interest in religion, philosophy and humanities.
By profession Abhay Sharma was an architect, a graduate from Sir J. J. School of Arts, Mumbai. He started an architectural firm ‘Architects United’ in partnership with Shri. Vijay Ghotge, who also became a member of Pune Prarthana Samaj.Abhay Sharma also taught in Abhinav Vidyalaya College of Architecture in Pune.He was a sincere teacher with excellent teaching skills. Teaching young students and making them able good persons was one of his passions in life. He used to be friendly with his students and receptive to the different views of students on the subject. He adopted innovative approaches in his teaching. He was honoured by the ‘The Best Teacher Award’ of the College. During one of the Utsavs of Pune Prarthana Samaj Abhay Sharma gave a lecture onthe topic ‘Religion and Architecture’. He described and explained this idea with ease and sheer simplicity with the help of some sketches. The audience that packed Hari Mandir was totally engrossed in his presentation. This was the result of his knowledge, deep study and complete involvement.
Abhay Sharma was interested in various fields- Architecture, Music, History, Languages and Upanishads. He had command on three languages- Marathi, Hindi and English.
Abhay Sharma was the Secretary of Pune Prarthana Samaj for several years (1962-1997). With his religious family background he conducted many weekly services in ‘Hari Mandir’, Pune. He was invited to Mumbai Prarthana Samaj often to conduct monthly services and Utsav services. At Mumbai Prarthana Samaj he was invited to deliver a series of lectures on Upanishads because of his knowledge and sincere efforts in learning the Upanishads.
Abhay Sharma also visited Indore Brahmo Samaj on Utsav days and other occasions where he conducted upaasanas in Hindi. Mangalore Brahmo Samaj and Sindh Brahmo Samaj at Khar, Mumbai, and Wai Brahmo Samaj, Wai,also invited him for Utsav upaasanas.
Brahmo Samaj Youth Network activities during late nineteeneightees were an important part of his Brahmo life. Under the auspices of BSYN,Abhay Sharma delivered lectures inPune Prarthana Samaj, Mangalore Brahmo Samajand Indore Brahmo Samaj. Many youth attended these lectures and discussions with enthusiasm. This is one of the reasons, Prarthana Samaj could inspire some youth. Abhay Sharma was a founder member of the Central Council of Brahmo Samajes (CCBS). He shaped CCBS in the early years.
Pune Prarthana Samaj celebrated its centenary on 4th December 1970,under the presidentship of respected Baburaoji Jagtap. Abhay Sharma as the secretary of Pune Prarthana Samaj and Vasundharabai Sharma as Vice President of Pune Prarthana Samaj were fully involved in arranging programmes, lectures and discussions. It was a memorable eventwith a grand success.
Prarthana Samaj was a passion and mission of life ofAbhay Sharma. He lived for the religious cause and social thought of Prarthana Samaj. It was the central focus of his life. The next generation of his family is quite enthusiastic about the religious thought of Prarthana Samaj because of his activities and his Upasanas. The message of Prarthana Samaj is ‘God is Love’.Abhay Sharma prayed for this message, this cause all through his life.
Om Brahmakripa Hi Kevalam !

– Smt. Usha Abhay Sharma