Eruch Byramshaw Jessawala (October 13, 1916 – August 31, 2001) was one of the closest disciples of Meher Baba and served as the primary voice through which the silent Master communicated with the world. Born into a devoted Zoroastrian family in Bombay, India, Eruch's destiny became intertwined with Meher Baba from an early age, eventually earning him the title "The Tongue of God."

Early Life and Education

Eruch was the eldest child of Byramshaw (affectionately called "Pappa") and Gaimai Jessawala. His father held a prestigious position as Chief Inspector of Boilers for the Central Provinces in the Indian government, stationed in Nagpur—the capital of the central provinces at that time. Due to his father's frequent work-related relocations, young Eruch was enrolled in an orthodox Zoroastrian boarding school in Nashik at the age of six.

Two years later, at age eight, he transferred to a Catholic school where he proved to be an exceptional student. Academically gifted and following in his father's footsteps, Eruch planned to pursue engineering studies at Benares University.

First Encounter with Meher Baba

Eruch's first meeting with Meher Baba occurred in 1925 when he was just nine years old. The Jessawala family had traveled to Ahmednagar, and it was during this visit that the young boy first encountered the Master who would transform his entire life. This meeting planted the seed of a divine connection that would fully blossom twelve years later.

The Call to Discipleship

In 1930, Meher Baba made a prophetic statement to Eruch's mother Gaimai: "Eruch is My Son. I will give you another." This declaration foreshadowed the extraordinary role Eruch would play in Baba's mission.

In 1937, when Eruch was preparing for his engineering studies, Meher Baba showed the Jessawala family the Rahuri ashram. During this period, Eruch assisted with the sacred task of bathing the God-intoxicated souls known as masts.

The pivotal moment came in 1938 when Meher Baba called Eruch to Panchgani and posed the life-changing question: "If I were to ask you to leave everything behind, your studies, your friends, your property, your family, and come and stay with me, what would your answer be?" Eruch's response revealed his complete surrender: "By your grace, anything is possible." At twenty-one years of age, Eruch Jessawala abandoned his worldly ambitions and joined Meher Baba's mandali permanently.

The Tongue of God

Meher Baba maintained silence from July 10, 1925, until his passing on January 31, 1969—a period of forty-four years. During much of this time, Eruch served as Baba's primary interpreter, first translating the Master's communications from an English alphabet board, and later interpreting his unique and expressive sign language.

Eruch's gift for understanding and articulating Baba's silent communications was unparalleled. He became known as "The Tongue of God," the voice through which the Avatar of the Age spoke to humanity. His deep attunement to Baba allowed him to convey not just words, but the essence and feeling behind the Master's messages.

Literary Contributions

Eruch's intimate understanding of Meher Baba's teachings made him invaluable in the creation of Baba's magnum opus, "God Speaks." He painstakingly transcribed the entire work from Baba's alphabet board dictation. Furthermore, Eruch wrote the ninth chapter of "God Speaks" himself, working from a chart provided by Meher Baba under the Master's direct supervision. He also authored the book's conclusion. This collaborative work stands as one of the most significant spiritual texts of the twentieth century.

Beyond his work on "God Speaks," Eruch dealt with correspondence for Baba and served as his constant companion and valet. His stories and recollections of life with Meher Baba were later published in several books, becoming treasured resources for devotees worldwide.

Marriage

On May 28, 1945, Eruch married his cousin Khorshed Jehangir Damania in Ahmednagar. Meher Baba personally attended the wedding ceremony. However, in accordance with Baba's explicit instructions, Eruch never lived with his wife—their union remained a spiritual bond while Eruch continued his dedicated service to the Master.

The 1956 Automobile Accident

In 1956, a significant automobile accident occurred in Satara while Eruch was driving. This incident, along with another accident in 1952 near Prague, Oklahoma during a trip to America, marked difficult periods where Baba and his mandali faced physical trials together.

Legacy After Baba

Following Meher Baba's passing in 1969, Eruch continued living at Meherazad and devoted himself to the Avatar Meher Baba Perpetual Public Charitable Trust, working in the trust office in Ahmednagar. He assisted Mani Irani (Baba's sister) in her work as Chairman of the Trust and, after her death in 1996, continued going to the office until his own death.

For thirty-two years after Baba's passing, Eruch remained an inexhaustible source of inspiration for followers from both East and West. Visitors to Meherazad were enchanted by his remarkable storytelling ability. With vivid detail and profound insight, he would recount incidents from Baba's life in Mandali Hall, bringing the Master's presence alive for new generations of seekers.

Death and Remembrance

Eruch Jessawala passed away on August 31, 2001, at 2:31 AM at Meherazad, having served his Beloved for over sixty years. He was laid to rest in the Men's Cemetery at Lower Meherabad, India, joining the other close ones who had dedicated their lives to the Avatar.

His books, recordings, and the countless stories he shared continue to illuminate the path for those drawn to Meher Baba. Eruch Jessawala's life stands as a testament to what complete surrender to the God-Man can look like—a life of selfless service, unwavering devotion, and the privilege of being the voice through which the Silent One spoke.