The Last Goodbye
It was Sunday morning 17th April 2011 when mom called up and told “ Tupsy koka nai” that was a line that is always gone play on my ears all through my life. Koka stayed with us for a long time, he was a companion to me, i remember sitting with him in the veranda where he used to tell me numerous stories all about his college life, all his encounter with ghost, how he encouraged gardening to the young boys , etc etc..... his absence will always be felt in our heart . some moments which i have spend with him i have just tried to recall about it and dot it down, being his grand-daughter its shame on me that i m not a good writer but still i tried to write something, whenver he used to ask me too read the newspaper to him i used to make excuse and run away and then get scolding from him, the only bad think that he gave us was his poor eye site, but he even showed that nothing can be a hindrance in your life, he used to use two glasses to see the words which were not visible to him. remembered him using his torch lite to read his books when there was no electricity. Will remember him giving encouragement to mom and dad when ever i used to get less marks, he used to say “”tair kusti bhaal, bhaal habo tair”” He tried to impart a his knowledge to me, but i always avoided it, which i regret now. He was the best tutor, guide and philosopher. Koka here is a final goodbye to you, I am going to miss you all my life my. Your values will be my stepping stones to success.Love you koka.
"Remembering Pita"
By: Sri Debrabarta Sarma ( U.S.A)
I came to know “Pita” in 1980. Our conversations were very enjoyable and it was always a learning experience for me. One day he looked at my horoscope and asked me to do Siva Pooja every Monday; it was a tall order for me but he assured, "there is a Sankhipta Poddhati". Next day, he gave me two pages of hand written mantra and steps. That was July, 1984. I was really amazed at his loving nature. I met him years later on his 95th birthday. After exchanging some pleasantries, he asked, "Are you still doing the Pooja". It was a big surprise for me that he remembered what happened 30 years back! A nice smile of satisfaction beamed across his face when he heard me say, "Yes!"
"Remembering Koka"
By: Mr.Rahul Sarma(Grand Son-in law)(U.S.A)
The Lost Companion
By: Ms Prabalika Goswami(Tuktuk)(Grand Daughter)
In Koka, although we all lost our mentor, friend and the protector, however our loss could never measure against someone who lost her companion of 60 years. My Aita, Shrimoti Anupama Devi’s childhood exposed her to a classier lifestyle familiar to very few during that era; but as she started her conjugal journey with Koka some of her myths were broken. Koka was an altruist who did not believe in personal materialistic possession, while Aita always wanted a posh life. Two people whose ideologies in life could never converge yet stood by each other for the last 60 years through thick and thin. Makes us question modern marriages and the spew of divorces around us. We all used to commiserate with Aita, while she passed on sarcastic comment on Koka’s benevolence making them loose out on many pleasures of life including owning their own house. But today, as he disappears in ether and she stares at his empty bed, she would miss their constant arguments, their sojourns together at their son’s houses and sharing their common grief. Koka was emotionally her protector, her companion who listened to her never ending complaints and who always assured her a sense of security when nobody was around. Aita! today on behalf of Koka I wanted to say that your 60 years of companionship have earned you assets more valuable than material wealth and it is your Family and the bond they share. Your companion and you imparted values that forever would guide and keep the family together.
My Father-in-Law: The Omnipotent Rishi
By: Sri Hiren Sarmah(Babul)(Son In-law)
I was shocked to receive the sad news of demise of my Father-in-law, late Prabodh Chandra Goswami on 17th April 2011. Since my marriage, whenever I met him, I used to meet him exclusively for sometime as there was always some new experience to learn from him. He was a sportsperson and used to play lawn-tennis, badminton, volleyball and hockey. He was in the hockey team of Cotton College. He left his imprint as an able administrator when he was the principal of Mongoldoi College. The name and fame of the college spread far and wide. The success of his “Earner Learner Scheme” through which many poor students completed their higher studies was a unique and innovative scheme. He encouraged the poor students to grow vegetables in the surplus land of the college so that they could meet their educational and maintenance expenses. A few such students later went abroad for higher education and they still cherish the sweet memories of their association with Goswami Sir.
He had in depth knowledge of religious scriptures and astrology. He made horoscopes for all family members and his predictions have come true for most of us. In my case his predictions of dog bite and accident while getting into or getting of a vehicle and the time of both these happenings matched surprisingly.
After his death some of our relatives also confirmed about the accuracy of his astrological predictions. He was a literateur, a poet, a critic, a sportsman, a journalist, and an educationist, an astrologer, a doting father, a loving husband, etc. He showered his blessings on all including the downtrodden. He had all well wishers and no enemies. In short he was the Omnipotent Rishi.
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AN UNFORGETFUL DEMISE
By: Ms Prabahika Goswami(Tista)(Grand Daughter)
17th April, 2011, 9:30a.m.: I was doing my homework upstairs when suddenly my mother called me. I thought that she was calling me to give me some useless work so I didn’t respond. After a few minutes, I felt that the whole house was unusually quiet. I felt uneasy and went downstairs. Mom was sitting besides koka, rubbing his hands and reading out the hanuman chalisa. A hot water bottle was on koka’s feet and Saraswatiba was rubbing his feet.
As I took in this scene, I asked mom what had happened to koka. Mom said that he was not well. After that the only things I remember were fleeting images of Pita and Biju bordeiuta coming, Paruli borma, Jitu bordeiuta, Rimu ba and Siya arriving moments later and koka, opening and shutting his mouth, every time he took a breath, everybody in a state of panic, calling family members and telling them that koka was unfit.
Amidst this atmosphere, at about 10:05 koka passed away. I remember, Aita asking me what had happened to koka. Unable to answer, I walked away. Walking away, the thoughts that came to my mind were those that there would be no more ‘ashirwads’ everyday, no one to whom I could read out the morning paper, no person who would patiently write on big sheets of paper with an unusually small handwriting. There would be no person who would praise me consistently for my studies or music, no person who would ask me which raga I am learning at the moment. Koka, I am going to miss you the most.
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"Remembering Pita"
By: Sri Debrabarta Sarma ( U.S.A)
I came to know “Pita” in 1980. Our conversations were very enjoyable and it was always a learning experience for me. One day he looked at my horoscope and asked me to do Siva Pooja every Monday; it was a tall order for me but he assured, "there is a Sankhipta Poddhati". Next day, he gave me two pages of hand written mantra and steps. That was July, 1984. I was really amazed at his loving nature. I met him years later on his 95th birthday. After exchanging some pleasantries, he asked, "Are you still doing the Pooja". It was a big surprise for me that he remembered what happened 30 years back! A nice smile of satisfaction beamed across his face when he heard me say, "Yes!"
***
"Remembering Koka"
By: Mr.Rahul Sarma(Grand Son-in law)(U.S.A)
Though my interaction with Koka had been limited but through Tuktuk it feels like I have known him from a long time. He was a statesman, loved and respected by people who were touched by him. A long and fruitful life, having seen 3 generations below him. His legacy is his wonderful family he created. I am fortunate to have known him. May he rest in peace.
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“Memories of Koka”
By: Mr. Amlan Sarma(Anku)(Grand Son)
Throughout our Gauhati University life me and my elder sister had very close association with Koka. He used take evening strolls from Assam Engineering college campus to our house at University Campus. I still remember that he always carried a torch with him. Whenever we saw Koka at our gate, we would run to sit infront of our study tables. He never liked us watching TV or chattering in evening hours. Our study tables were also special for us as those were specially ordered by Koka for his sons and daughters and later we got the privilege to study on them. Koka’s few lucky grandchildren including me still possess those special tables. Being an academician Koka always wished his grandchildren to shine in their academic life and every one of us will always remember his assistance during our schooling days. Koka and Aita always used to call before our examinations to wish us good luck and I got those phone calls till my final LL.B examination. Parents always contribute to success of their children, but our Koka rendered enormous contributions to success of his grandchildren also. By: Mr. Amlan Sarma(Anku)(Grand Son)
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The Lost Companion
By: Ms Prabalika Goswami(Tuktuk)(Grand Daughter)
In Koka, although we all lost our mentor, friend and the protector, however our loss could never measure against someone who lost her companion of 60 years. My Aita, Shrimoti Anupama Devi’s childhood exposed her to a classier lifestyle familiar to very few during that era; but as she started her conjugal journey with Koka some of her myths were broken. Koka was an altruist who did not believe in personal materialistic possession, while Aita always wanted a posh life. Two people whose ideologies in life could never converge yet stood by each other for the last 60 years through thick and thin. Makes us question modern marriages and the spew of divorces around us. We all used to commiserate with Aita, while she passed on sarcastic comment on Koka’s benevolence making them loose out on many pleasures of life including owning their own house. But today, as he disappears in ether and she stares at his empty bed, she would miss their constant arguments, their sojourns together at their son’s houses and sharing their common grief. Koka was emotionally her protector, her companion who listened to her never ending complaints and who always assured her a sense of security when nobody was around. Aita! today on behalf of Koka I wanted to say that your 60 years of companionship have earned you assets more valuable than material wealth and it is your Family and the bond they share. Your companion and you imparted values that forever would guide and keep the family together.
Contemplation
My day begins with a cup of coffee and my laptop,
But your day always started with a handful of Prayers.
I socialize with the mortals through email and Facebook,
You socialized with God by means of Yoga and Meditation.
I need technology to pen down my thoughts,
You wrote books over books just on plain white paper.
I use laser printer and yet I forget to print double-sided,
You saved trees by using every small piece of paper you had in your stock.
I use a battery operated toothbrush and yet I keep dental insurance.
You used plain salt water and never saw a dentist in your lifetime.
I am a member of one of the finest gym in the city where i don't even go,
You stretched yourself while enchanting prayers and lived life close to a century now.
I care for a car, house and dining in a fancy place,
You didn't have any of those and yet you were at peace with your life.
I complain and cry when I loose out on the "goodies" of the day,
You, only kept praying for us without a care for the "goodies" of your day.
I expect appreciation and praise from my co-workers at work,
You only cared about doing what you liked without thinking about any name & fame.
I worry about saving money for the next big investment on myself,
You didn't even have a wallet but bought me fat dictionaries on my Birthday.
Maybe, thats why and for innumerable other reasons,
Everyone shed a tear for you.
I would die as common man one day,
But you will live like an IMMORTAL in our hearts forever.
By: Sri Hiren Sarmah(Babul)(Son In-law)
I was shocked to receive the sad news of demise of my Father-in-law, late Prabodh Chandra Goswami on 17th April 2011. Since my marriage, whenever I met him, I used to meet him exclusively for sometime as there was always some new experience to learn from him. He was a sportsperson and used to play lawn-tennis, badminton, volleyball and hockey. He was in the hockey team of Cotton College. He left his imprint as an able administrator when he was the principal of Mongoldoi College. The name and fame of the college spread far and wide. The success of his “Earner Learner Scheme” through which many poor students completed their higher studies was a unique and innovative scheme. He encouraged the poor students to grow vegetables in the surplus land of the college so that they could meet their educational and maintenance expenses. A few such students later went abroad for higher education and they still cherish the sweet memories of their association with Goswami Sir.
He had in depth knowledge of religious scriptures and astrology. He made horoscopes for all family members and his predictions have come true for most of us. In my case his predictions of dog bite and accident while getting into or getting of a vehicle and the time of both these happenings matched surprisingly.
After his death some of our relatives also confirmed about the accuracy of his astrological predictions. He was a literateur, a poet, a critic, a sportsman, a journalist, and an educationist, an astrologer, a doting father, a loving husband, etc. He showered his blessings on all including the downtrodden. He had all well wishers and no enemies. In short he was the Omnipotent Rishi.
***
I never thought I would write something here. Had my cousins not persuaded (read as irritated) I was never willing to jot down my thoughts about Koka. Why?? May be because I take much longer time to get started/ to react or respond, perhaps I don’t feel this is the way I would like to pay tribute to someone, probably because I was always staying outside Assam and didn’t have much of opportunity to interact with him. Yes I think the last one. And whenever we had interactions I always tried to avoid anything on studies. Never had the interest of solving crossword with Koka like few other cousins. The majority of the grandchildren probably fall in this category. Hey all, please welcome The Ekalavya Breed! The band of people who considered themselves self-sufficient, believed in struggling and facing life on their own no matter how many times they stumble, life is still graceful than facing those insulting questions on economics or science.
My mother always used to tell about her childhood, her siblings, her parents. Her dad would always be part of most of her stories. She used to be treated by her dad with cheese cubes everyday during her exam times. Koka used to take a lot of care of Ma after my birth, be it taking her to the evening walks or the timely reminders for food and medicines. But then again I don’t remember anything here, and for me these are only stories.
Koka had prepared my detailed horoscope. The major things in my life are yet to happen.
I did not get much of a chance to learn or gain anything from Koka so far, I shall probably miss him the most. I would miss the interactions wherein I refrained from learning anything. Feel sad as he is gone before could realise the good times awaited as per my horoscope. Shall continue to miss him as I realize his goodness with every passing day. For all of us realization would only keep increasing with every passing day.
In the various roles of his life- as a husband, as a father, as father-in-law, as grandfather, and as great grandfather- Koka had always taught to take life in the right stride. He has seen the worst and the best of the times- has never taken the back foot when it comes to responsibilities. A living legend who believed in “The show must go on”. Lets all promise ourselves to face life with the same vigour always as we remember Koka.
My mother always used to tell about her childhood, her siblings, her parents. Her dad would always be part of most of her stories. She used to be treated by her dad with cheese cubes everyday during her exam times. Koka used to take a lot of care of Ma after my birth, be it taking her to the evening walks or the timely reminders for food and medicines. But then again I don’t remember anything here, and for me these are only stories.
Koka had prepared my detailed horoscope. The major things in my life are yet to happen.
I did not get much of a chance to learn or gain anything from Koka so far, I shall probably miss him the most. I would miss the interactions wherein I refrained from learning anything. Feel sad as he is gone before could realise the good times awaited as per my horoscope. Shall continue to miss him as I realize his goodness with every passing day. For all of us realization would only keep increasing with every passing day.
In the various roles of his life- as a husband, as a father, as father-in-law, as grandfather, and as great grandfather- Koka had always taught to take life in the right stride. He has seen the worst and the best of the times- has never taken the back foot when it comes to responsibilities. A living legend who believed in “The show must go on”. Lets all promise ourselves to face life with the same vigour always as we remember Koka.
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A Promise to Koka:
By: Miss Kankani Sarma (Pansi)(Grand Daughter)
Seems like yesterday,
That we were together,
Then I opened my eyes to realise gone means forever.
I know deep inside,
U will always remain in our hearts there,
But we are not together,
which isn’t that fair.
The one who was our friend,
The one who was our guide,
How much we all love you and care for you,
No words can describe.
You’ve always been our Hero,
You’ve always been our Pride,
You’ve always given us so much love,
And show whats deep inside.
You’re not there with us,
Even the family unions will never be the same.
We do hereby promise we all will give love to our lovely “Aita”,
So that she can smile even in Pain.
Seems like yesterday,
That we were together,
Then I opened my eyes to realise gone means forever.
I know deep inside,
U will always remain in our hearts there,
But we are not together,
which isn’t that fair.
The one who was our friend,
The one who was our guide,
How much we all love you and care for you,
No words can describe.
You’ve always been our Hero,
You’ve always been our Pride,
You’ve always given us so much love,
And show whats deep inside.
You’re not there with us,
Even the family unions will never be the same.
We do hereby promise we all will give love to our lovely “Aita”,
So that she can smile even in Pain.
i love paplu's ekelevya statement and "the show must go on" statement and pansi's promise to Koka.
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