Bahá’í World/Volume 20/Ludwig Papai
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LUDWIG PAPAI
1937—1990
“He was the founder of the Roma Society for the promotion of gypsies and he was a follower of the Bahá’í Religion.”
These were the opening words of an article in one of the major Austrian daily newspapers describing the funeral of Ludwig Papai who, at 54 years of age, had ascended to the Abhá Kingdom.
A member of the Roma folk and a simple man, he accepted the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in 1986 and recognized the importance of unifying the different peoples while respecting diversity. He was elected as the first President of the Roma Society in Austria and later functioned as their Honorary President. He was the first Roma to be officially received by the President of Austria and caused the existence of this gypsy minority in Austria to be publicly recognized and positively acknowledged.
Born 25 July 1937, Ludwig spent his early childhood in the concentration camp of Lackenbach under the Nazi regime. After a youth full of suffering and hardships, and upon completing his professional education, he married Renate from Felixdorf in Lower Austria in 1958. Their marriage brought forth three children.
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Ludwig Papai
As a school caretaker, he provided all his children with a good formal education and it was through them that he learned about the Bahá’í Faith in 1980. Even before he declared his faith officially, he strove bravely for its proclamation. He was loved by all, especially for his warmheartedness and humble servitude. His untiring efforts in teaching the principles of Baha’u’llah and his own example helped his neighbours to accept the Faith. His home became a centre for many Bahá’í activities.
When he fell ill and was physically weakened by a series of operations, he strove with even greater spiritual efforts for the recognition of the Roma minority and taught the Bahá’í Faith at every opportunity.
He left this world on 2 November 1990 accompanied by the prayers and loving respects of many. Many newspapers" and radio broadcasts reported that “The Founder and first President of the Roma Society for the promotion of gypsies in Austria has died....”
His funeral on 9 November 1990 was an event of the region as hundreds of people of all races and Bahá’ís from all over Austria
THE Bahá’í WORLD
filled the cemetery. Dr. Kurt Sypal, the Director of the Presidential Office of President Kurt Waldheim, spoke heartfelt and moving words at his graveside. Journalists reported on his ascension, causing a wave of proclamation of the Faith in Austria in various newspapers.
Many who knew him realised it was his Faith that gave him the strength and the measure with which he served his people.
THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’I’S OF AUSTRIA