by Moti Kachru

Created on: July 07, 2008   Last Updated: July 08, 2008

ADIEU AND REST IN PEACE

He came, he played his allotted roles and went away! He was so consummate in working out all his different roles that it is difficult to judge in which he excelled best or which suited him to the cue!Was he in his element as a dutiful son, as a loyal husband, as a caring father, as a concerned brother, as an obedient disciple, or as a faithful friend, as a helpful neighbor, or as a crusading citizen? Above all, he as a grandfather was as playful and full of fun as his children themselves.

He was never a social unfit in society or charmless dude in a party. Though reticent to some extent could talk on as dry subjects as politics and metaphysics with knowledgeable ease. Had a penchant for subjects of religion bereft of dogmas, half-truth faiths, and concocted ceremonies, but its real import and significance in one's daily life; and a special interest in Bhakti cult, self-realization and in reciting prayers and scriptures in his mellifluous melodious voice. When in mood could be seen even in trance on certain occasions.

In contours tall, handsome with proportionate features, fair complexion and compassionate eyes, could attract people even unknown to him and once in contact would go to all limits to help them out in their need.

Being fourth sibling after him, the most I know about his childhood and early years is what I have been told and hearsay! He was not a coquettish child or given to tantrums. In fact, was no trouble go his parents. More inward than outward type, kept his company. Was attracted towards natural beauty, flowers, lofty mountains, picturesque temples, monuments, and holly places. Not very brilliant academically, he passed his Grades and Degree creditably.

Perhaps, yet not sure of what was his calling in life started with a teaching job. It lasted for sometime before he chose to become a mendicant moving from place to place, and shrine to shrine.. with holly people, discoursing and learning from them. Having discarded home and with n o connection with the family this phase of his continued for about four years. This may, perhaps, have provided him with the inkling of his purpose in life. He left his native state to provide his share of succour to the people uprooted during the greatest migration of
the people world has ever seen from one part of the same country to other as the aftermath of the division of India in 1947. He acquainted himself well here perhaps to his liking being connected to the Government's efforts to locate lost, rehabilitate, provide start of new life to the uprooted after century's greatest migration of people. From here he never looked back.

This is my way of saying adieu to my big brother today this day July 2nd when he went into oblivion and then on to burning wood-pyre mixing with the elements we know not of and unrecognizable to us.

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