the show must go on ...

the years may wipe out many things, but some they wipe out never, like memories of those happy times, when we were all together...

So the month has come around and we're all groping around for each other again ...to share, maybe grieve - all in our own ways - the reality that you are not in our midst. In this month - friends, relatives, well wishers, colleagues, prayers, funny anecdotes, chilling war stories - have all come together to put together the grand old jigsaw puzzle that is you ... Funnily, it seems as if in your absence, we got to know you more than when you were right here with us. At least I did.

Undiluted. Thats the word that was on my mind when I looked out of the aeroplane window and thought of you as I made my way back from my first visit to see you this year . Still so undiluted.
Over the years, as life became from simple to complex .. I had begun to lose belief that one could be stoic yet passionate, successful yet grounded, firm yet benevolent, principled and still popular ... and then, not let that popularity go to your head. Sometime during that trip, and the next, and then the next, you re-instilled that faith back in me... that there can be happiness in simplicity and wisdom in reticence; that giving does not need to be equated with receiving and that keeping friends requires a lot more dedication than making them. I'm not sure how you found the time, energy and perseverance to achieve all that you have in your lifetime but as I discover more and more the person that you were, I know that down here your show must go on ...

My memories of uncle...

He lived life to the fullest. Celebrating life and bringing immense joy into our lives – that is how I remember him. My parents would meet Uncle and Nupur Aunty every weekend. I would hear from them stories of another wonderful evening spent with them. I still remember his jubilation and celebrations with my father when my daughter Ananya was born. He was there to enhance our happy moments and his strength helped us see through some tougher ones.His love was evident in his actions, never needed to be expressed in words.

I loved his passion. He was always full of energy and ideas. Always working hard and driven to achieve his dreams. Dreams that did not have any limits or boundaries…“impossible” did not exist in his dictionary!

He made life’s simple pleasures fun and memorable. Small things remind me of him and wonderful memories of times with him…Enjoying biryani, looking all over Russell St for an ice-cream thela, dancing on New Years eve, his love for cars and racing, all the parties, wishes on birthdays, love for golf, the evenings at Cal Club... I will carry with me these memories of Uncle forever. The heavens have gained a star so bright and may his light continue to shine upon us.

Lots of love,
Nitya

Happy Birthday Mesho!

Hi Mashi and Adi,

I was thinking the other day that I am so glad the last time I saw Mesho was at a celebration!

It was my birthday. Even though we were all in a hospital room and Mesho was so tired, he suggested the kind of cake we should get, got up, sat on that tiny sofa and joined us with his typical, quiet smile. The room was packed with people, many of whom I had met for the first time during that visit. It was by all means an odd birthday party.

But I will always remember it as the perfect way to say goodbye to Mesho -- with a smile and a cheer!

Thinking about you...

Lots and lots of love,

Moni

Happy Birthday Suresh!

Dear Friends,

Today, the 6th of November 2009, we would have celebrated Suresh's 65th birthday. Unfortunately he is no longer with us in person, though it is our firm belief that he will always be there with us in spirit. A spirit - that we know to be indomitable in the face of every adversity, an attitude that has been unwaveringly positive and an approach to life that
encouraged us to live life, in his own words, ...kingsize!

Many of you would have your own individual experiences with Suresh, as he had many facets to himself and participated with full fervour in the lives of his near and dear ones. This blog is a small effort by me and Adi, to keep intact, his circle of life.

You may like to come together, at this space, to share your thoughts, anecdotes and reminiscence of Suresh, or maybe just wish him happy birthday. You are sincerely welcome.

I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to his memorial service which will be held on November 13 2009, 7 PM at the auditorium of Ballygunge Shiksha Sadan, 51 A, Gariahat Road, Ballygunge, Kolkata -700019. We hope to see you there.

Sincerely,

Nupur Menon