Nestled in the soil of the vibrant new courtyard at Actionmarguerite Saint-Boniface is a coin that carries a prayer and blessing for this revitalized place of contemplation, healing and belonging.

Dr. Pravinsagar Mehta and his wife Kalpana tucked the coin of the Hindu deity Ganesh into the freshly turned soil at the project’s sod-turning ceremony a year ago to express their hopes for the development and for the people who are part of this community of care.

The couple donated $250,000 to the major refurbishment project, which they see as a blessing planted for future generations. Their further $250,000 donation will ensure the upkeep of the courtyard into the future.

“Kalpana’s name means imagination and the coin was her suggestion,” said Dr. Mehta. “It is a traditional invocation to start things right, to help things proceed smoothly, and to symbolize gratitude, hope and continuity.”

Supporting the courtyard project was a natural fit for the couple, whose 60-year partnership has been shaped by a mutual love of nature, gardens and a shared philosophy of compassion and service.

Since arriving in Winnipeg—from India and Uganda by way of Dr. Mehta’s medical training in England—the Mehtas’ story has become deeply intertwined with the mission of the Grey Nuns, who founded their health ministry in Manitoba in 1844. Dr. Mehta, a respected physician and medical leader in Manitoba, has served with Actionmarguerite for more than 50 years and continues a full-time practice rooted in interdisciplinary care for older adults.

“From the beginning, I could see that the Sisters served with a strong sense of community,” said Dr. Mehta. “They cared not only for residents, but also for families and community, and they treated health-care workers with deep respect and dignity—asking about our families and our lives. Today, that same compassion, dignity and care for the most vulnerable is what makes Actionmarguerite special.”

“In my work, I have been blessed by people around me who offered love and affection and who cared for people beyond their need for medical care,” said Dr. Mehta. “Kalpana and I have great affection for the Grey Nuns, and wanted to support what they have done for us and for so many.”

Over the decades, one particular space at Saint-Boniface remained quietly important to him.

Dr. Mehta’s connection to the courtyard goes back to its opening in 1978, and he fondly remembers the joy on the faces of some of those he cared for as they helped plant trees and tend the gardens. He notes the value of the courtyard in helping create a home-like environment and a sense of being in one’s own house.

The couple’s belief in the healing effects of nature runs deep in their family tradition. As a child in Uganda, Dr. Mehta ended each day with his family in their local park to play and visit with community. As he and Kalpana lived in other places and grew their own family, they enjoyed the wilds of Scotland and the national parks of Canada. During the pandemic, walks in Assiniboia Park became a lifeline for the couple, alleviating stress and restoring joy and peace.

“Nature is simply part of good health care,” he said. “Parks and greenery, combined with gentle movement, can be deeply restorative. They improve sleep and mobility, reduce loneliness, anxiety and depression, and help rebuild a sense of connection.”

Dr. Mehta credits his parents with instilling a holistic understanding of wellbeing and sees the garden as a tribute to his mother, who believed health was central to peace and prosperity, and his father, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who encouraged giving back as an investment in the wellbeing of others.

The Mehtas hope that their gift will support the wellbeing of both staff and residents and that the courtyard will restore joy by creating more opportunities for gathering, reflection, healing and connection—with smiling faces turned to the sun, gentle strolls past vibrant flower beds and quiet conversations.

“You wonder why you are on the earth,” he said quietly.  “This garden reflects my life’s journey—from childhood, to medicine, to service. My dad was right. This has given me a sense of fulfillment. It gives meaning to life.”

Thanks to the Mehtas, the gift of the courtyard will endure season after season. Thinking about the continuity of blessing for future generations was central to the couple’s decision to give both for the construction and the maintenance.

“Our grandchildren saw their grandmother place that coin in the soil and, in years to come, they will be able to come back and see that what we have planted has grown and flourished,” said Dr. Mehta.

Like the coin tucked quietly into the soil beneath the courtyard, the Mehtas hope their gift will continue to offer blessing, peace and belonging for generations to come.

“From our hearts, we want to send a message of deep gratitude and respect to all who have tended this place and who have supported this project—for their dedication and care,” said Dr. Mehta. “This garden belongs to the people and the community; they all share ownership. May everyone feel valued and at peace here.”