Didi I remember you always…. Miss yapping with you for long .. sharing our experiences with our kids abroad and zillion of things. How I wish I could tell you in person ki ab main bhi nani ban gayi hoon and Kavi your grandson is is having a lot of creative interesting art and music. Has long fingers like you and papa. We will always be 5 sisters for eternity. Love you and miss you everyday.

इस बार जब मैं राँची में थी, तेरे नाग चम्पा के पेड़ पर कई फूल लगे हुए थे। तेरी जन्मदिन पर तुझे भेज रही हूँ। अथाह प्यार, मम्मी।

We heard “time is the best healer”. I thought losing a friend gets easier with time …… but it gets difficult with a reminder of memories. Aruna was a caring sister, a guiding mother and a sincere friend to all of us who knew her. Memories made will never be forgotten that created an eternal impression on those left behind; memories that helped make people became a better person for having such a wonderful friend!
This wonderful person, inside and out, was a true friend helping me for over forty years with her caring yet gentle nature. The strongest feature of her character was her authenticity and sincerity of her words and deeds. She never judged or forced her opinion on someone but always offered valuable and truthful advice that I will miss.
A sincere friend gone so soon is a tragedy, indeed. Her passing away affects everyone who knew her. I honor her life, her legacy and remember her always as a Great Friend!  

Mummy , you have taught us so many things . It is not possible to put all of them here as a book can be made on it. But the foremost thing is living for the happiness of others and doing more than what can be done for the family . You gave more than half of your life in raising me . It can’t be repaid by anything . I would request god to have you only as my mother in the next lives to come . I know you are there within me to still let me know what to do and I hope I am able to realise that and work accordingly .

Words fail me . Its hard to believe you are not around. Your blessings are always there. Miss You

She was my mother's closet's friend. They both shared a common love for gardening & used to spend long hours discussing about it. I can never forget her ever smiling face & warm nature.
Aunty, you will be surely missed by everyone.

It was 1974 when I happened to meet Hari in his make-shift office in Ranchi where he introduced me with Aruna and he brought me to their home in Booty where I saw their two young kids - Vani and Gautam - playing in the sand box outside their mansion. And that was the beginning of a great journey of my own life. It was a great honor and fortune to meet the entire family. Me and my wife came to their home at several occasions thereafter and have gone to BFCL Ramgarh with Hari several times.
In 1976, to obtain my Passport, I stayed in Late Mr. Lath’s house in Kolkata where Hari and Aruna were there. I met Late Mr. Ashok Chachra there. I remember him debating a topic of fate versus faith (while discussing about Lee Iacocca at Chrysler motors). At the end Arune quoted Maha Vagbatgeeta and summed up the discussion in such a simple and forceful argument convincing everyone that complete surrender to Lord Krishna was the only way while pursuing your tasks and dreams. It just blown me away to see her intelligence, realization of truth, honesty in her character and force of argument. The respect I developed on that day would stay until my last breath.
I left for USA in 1977. I was so scared to immigrate to a new country that I knew nothing about. Aruna was the one who provided me the mental strength and encouraged me to face the challenge. I listened to her advise and never regretted it.
My next visit to Ranchi was in 1986. Just a year ago Vani & Gautam had come and stayed with us in USA for a few days. Having lost Gautam was a sad moment when I visited their house but Aruna was so graciously strong in the midst of such grief with nerves frayed and hopes dashed - I could not hold back my tears. Instead of solacing her, she is the one who helped me compose myself. She presented me a cameo of Lord Krishna that I worship every day. It reminds of her grace, compassion and charming conviction every time I go to the Puja room in our house. She reinforced my faith in Lord Krishna in my difficult days. Following her devotion and inspiration, on my return, I helped found the first Krishna Mandir in the outskirt of our city.
In 1996 I had just been promoted to the Technical Manager’s job but my employer, Rio-Tinto, was going through a restructuring. Existence of my position was in question because of the impending changes. The country was going through a mild recession and I was rearing a young family. The entire situation stressed me out so much that I called Hari and Aruna. She immediately understood my feelings and had Vani call me from California and convinced me of visiting India. I came with her to Ranchi and stayed there for a few days with them. During my stay, I had a bout of incessant coughing for which Aruna treated me with some Homeopathic medications and later Vanika took me to a doctor in Kolkata. I was convinced that Aruna’s medication helped me a lot. She was the ideal Dr. Mom at times of need (for her wonderful feedbacks and honest opinions). I am so grateful to have learned so many fine qualities in life from her. She was passionate about her garden around their new home under construction. I learned Bonsai from her in such a short period of time. I was amazed to observe her multifaceted knowledge. She was a Gnyan Bhandar! She is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
My next visit was in 2006 … it was kind of a decade phenomenon. Aruna teased me for visiting Ranchi every 10 years. I promised to be back a little more frequently from then on. She was in great spirits having undergone treatments in Chennai. During this visit, she read from Sri Sri Chandi (Sapta sati Chandika –Durga/Mahalaya). I recited from the shlokas too. I was so impressed with her Bhakti (devotion) and Gnyan (spiritual knowledge) and I wished I had a spec of those virtues. She gave me two books during this visit –Thought Process by Swami Sivananada and Only Love by Daya Mata that provided the underpinning of elements to be focused on meditation. During my flight back she ensured that I had enough food (Soheli) that I really enjoyed. She was so sincere that it reminded me of my mother (in her affection), a beloved sister (to me in the true sense) and a friend in need. I will miss her for ever and even in my next rebirth if there is one! Saying goodbye is not for us. Instead, I will say that I look forward to seeing you my honored friend again, each time I am reminded of you through a garden I visit, I classical music I hear or a temple/puja room I bow my head. These are the things that will keep us close to our respected revered friend despite death. You will live forever in our hearts!
I was able to break the sequel of decade-long-frequency and visited Ranchi in 2008. During my stay I was grateful for having an opportunity to push her wheel chair on the garden pathway for the days that I lived with Hari and Aruna. I was so happy to do it no matter how insignificant it seemed … it filled my eyes with tears. For giving me this honor and the opportunity, "Thank you!" can never be said enough. But many of us might feel they were simply doing their duty for the good of a dear relative or a friend but for me it was an honor bestowed by Heavens. As the days passes by and I grow older, my respect grows even deeper. My life was blessed through your selfless advice, unbiased honest opinion and true friendship. May you find your deserved place in the Highest Heaven and Heavenly blessings in the next life!
I could not attend Gaurav’s marriage ceremony in December 2011. I had to cancel the ticket at the last moment as my wife being seriously ill due to her diabetic complications was hospitalized. I felt awful. Both Hari and Aruna understood my pain. Aruna was so kind, gracious and empathetic… no words could describe the feeling.
2014 was the last time I could see Hari and Aruna in Ranchi though I spoke with them several times over phone. I was planning to see them last year but pandemic had its ways. One regret I will carry in my heart till the last day I breath that I could not pay my respect for the last time… some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same. Aruna was such a strong and caring person. No matter how hard death tries, it can’t separate people from respecting and honoring. It can’t take away our memories either. She has proved, in the end, life is stronger than death!
May Lord Krishna give you, eternal peace!

Ranchi has always been and will always be close to my heart because, this place gave me this opportunity to be blessed with having met the two most beautiful people in my life, you have always been as a great team together and always admired both of you with utmost love, I have always respected the fact I was able to be around your guidance for few years of my life, those years brought me immense happiness and joy and most importantly the care, warmth and kindness sprinkled upon me, I still remember Chachiji when you told me “ chacha ji is very relaxed about the fact that I am around” what more can be more rewarding to a son than this , you have helped me to be the person I am today, I wasn’t very keen to move back to Ambikapur but it was you would told me that it’s always responsibilities and family first!

Your love and care towards nature and gardening is still fresh and will add to the thoughts of greenery whenever we will remember you in our hearts, you have been a great source of strength who would keep everyone around together, you would treat and respect everyone as equal, wish could inculcate few of the qualities from your personality and aura !

Chachi ji , as would address you , we still can’t believe..... and somewhere in the bottom of our hearts we don’t even want to believe.... because you were and will be cherished as a gem of a person we were fortunate enough to have known and my family were also very fond to be around your blessings!

We couldn’t be there to bid you farewell.... but We prayed for you !!!!! Hope you be really happy and peaceful in the new place .... for sure Heaven chose you ....

With this keep your blessings coming chachi ji with your smiling face , always in our prayers, thoughts and heart

Chachiji, you’ve been amongst those few whose footsteps have left a lasting impression. 
You will stay with me forever.
Love leaves a memory that is a priceless possession.


You asked for so little, you gave us so much.
With awe and admiration, I always looked up to you;
At your gentle, tender ways and that caring, passionate touch.


You taught us that lessons have to be learnt; that it is the journeys that matter.
And that to build a legacy,
One needs a positive mind and a certain grace of manner.

Telling someone you love them is nice.
Showing someone you love them is wonderful.
You showed it to us always.. not just once or twice.

Datta. Dayadhvam. Damyata.

To be self-controlled, to be charitable and to be compassionate-
Is what you what you believed in, what you lived for and what you left behind..
For all of us to learn and to strike a balance between the heart and the mind.

Few are those who can spread so much love in one lifetime.
 

Shantih  shantih   shantih

Masi = maa-jaisi. Annu masi was nothing short of a maa-figure to me and I'm heartbroken to not have her physical presence around. She was never one to say anything unintelligent and always lent a keen ear to everyone's stories. An incredible combination of elegance, grace, endless talent and unconditional love. 2

Masi taught me to love plants and music. Two things I've taken to fervently in the weeks before she passed -- possibly some connection of the heart? I'm sure it is. She has an indelible impression on so many of us; I feel ecstatic to think that there's a little bit of Masi in me. Through her family and friends, she will truly live on forever. May you rest in peace, meri maa-jaisi Masi. You are finally reunited with all our stars in the sky.

Aruna ji was known to me for more than 30 years. Gem of a person. Charming, soft spoken and calm. She was a very caring mother as Vanika would know,who's inherited these qualities.
On one occasion Aruna ji showed her garden, lots of exotic flowers. She was interested in nature.
She was a genuine and humane human being. May god give peace to her soul and courage to her family members for such a loss. I will always remember her and miss her presence.

My dearest Anu didi - a generous, kind-hearted, soft-spoken and wonderful soul. You were blessed with a wealth of knowledge and solved everyone’s problems with your calm demeanour. I still can’t believe you are no more with us physically but I am sure you have gone to a space where you will be at peace and no more pain to bear. Although there will be void left behind which cannot be filled but her memories will give us strength to go on with our lives. Her love and affection for nature reflected in her garden which she took care of like her baby. Her plants and flowers will also miss her like all of us.
Renu didi and myself were lucky enough that we got to visit her in Ranchi where we could spend such precious time with her recently. Little did we know that this would be our last meeting with her. Didi, you will be remembered and missed for a lifetime. Keep shining and smiling at us from above the skies and amidst the stars. Love you so much

Unfortunately I had first privilege of meeting her in the last 2 weeks of her life and that too in a doctor patient relationship. When I first met her it was just a casual medical advice and she responded with so much affection towards me that I had to visit her again.
As a doctor I was praying to God that please don’t involve the already ailing lung but to my despair, God didn’t heeded to my prayers. Though in next 2 weeks I saw the character of the lady.. the grit and strength. She was cooperating with all my advice smiling be it be injections, tests, monitoring, non invasive ventilation despite pain and gross discomfort, especially in front of me.
As a doctor moreover Intensivist you fail often and lose many patients in a year, but you remember a few.
She will be one of my favourite patients whom I have lost.

Masi,, I have had the pleasure of spending some quality time with you, every time I see a flower blossom you come into my mind, you Masi got me my first tell me why series of books which I read for years, You will remain in my heart as long as I breathe & will pray to mother nature that when time comes I be able to meet you in the afterlife!
Don't forget this son of yours, Huggs!

Even though I never met Aruna auntie, I am feeling compelled to write in her memory. I have known her daughter, Vanika, for over 30 years now. Knowing Vani makes me feel that auntie herself must have been an amazing person to have raised such a wonderful daughter! My sincere condolences to the family, and prayers for the departed soul.

Hum paanch... amongst the ever popular 5 sisters I am the youngest and most pampered.
There are zillions of memories to share. Didi is almost a decade older and I love and respected her as a Mother.
Her talent and passion for all forms of art and music in particular is known to all of us. She used to learn sitar from Abhiram ji and played it beautifully. We Baby (Niharika) and me could not sing out of fear of a wrong note coming out. Precisely the reason for me to have learnt singing so that I could be appreciated by her.
Gardening and plants were her passion and you can say just about everything she did very passionately.... Rearing cows also. She would tell me bacchi tu to plants ko maar degi. And ask about them when she would call. I can just go on...
Vani, Gautam and Gaurav her pride and joy....and Hari Jijaji her love.. you have left us all gaping....
Didi you are safe and without any physical pain with your Krishna. Look around you and you will find all your near and dear ones to hold your hand and take you around.
I want to always remember you as the slim tall dusky beauty with expressive large eyes and a heart of gold. She was a wonderful person inside out and it reflected in the person she was.
Love you and miss you always and you are going to always be amongst us.

The first time I spoke to Aruna Aunty, it seemed as if I have known her for years. Her words filled with love and affection made me fall in love with her instantly. For me she has always been someone who is simple yet has very high thinking, someone who loves nature, music and all the finest things . When she sang a line of Raga Bhairav for me over the phone several years ago , I came to know what a sweet voice she has. Dear Aunty , you are always amidst us through your love, affection and high values. Please continue to bless us all. My heart felt pranam to you my dear Aunty.

We grow up seeing certain people.I grew up seeing my 4 masis n mom.They were like a ball of energy n life.I can never imagine anyone of them with wrinkles or white hair ,forget growing old.Its heart rendering to acknowledge the fact that masi left for the heavenly abode.

Each one of them is so special.
Anu masi was so elegant ,tall n calm. Infact even the way she held her morsels of food or smiled was so slow and poised .
The way she used to say....gauro ful khaya...was so loving.It was sweet to see gaurav n masi have their meal together in Ranchi.

Anu masi ,I just hope you are in a much better place now where there is no physical pain.
You will be always alive in our memories.

कोई उनसे चाहे एक बार ही मिला हो, पर उनके व्यक्तित्व से प्रभावित हुए बिना नहीं रह सकता था। ऐसा ही था चाचीजी का व्यक्तित्व; शालीन एवं गरिमायुक्त। चेहरे पर सदा, सर्वदा स्थित सौम्य मुस्कान। सामान्य बातचीत में भी ऐसे बोलतीं जैसे किसी तानपुरे पर प्रेम से भरी संगीत की कोमल स्वरलहरी फूट रही हो। सभी के लिए बहुत आत्मीयता थी उनमें। उनको जानने वाले उनकी कमी को बहुत महसूस करेंगे क्योंकि ऐसे लोग अब कम ही मिलते हैं।
- बसंत हेतमसरिया

It was lunch time a few days back when I heard the news from Bada Ma. I just had received my food parcel. The ground below my feet slipped away. Thank You for your kindness and love shown to me when others turned their backs on me. It was like holding onto a log of wood in middle of a violent sea. Words fail me to Express my grief . Dear Masi you left too soon. Not Fair

अन्नू अब इस दु निया में नहीं है, यह बात गले के नीचे ही नहीं उतरती। गोदी में खिलाया था उसको, उसके स्वभाव में एक अद्भुत मासूमियत थी, निर्मल जल की तरह सरल, स्वच्छ....... पता नहीं ईश्वर ने क्यों उसको इतना कष्ट दिया। ईश्वर उसकी आत्मा को शान्ति दें।.- Prem Masiji

अन्नू बेटी के बारे में सुन कर दुःख हुआ। मेरी तो वो बचपन से फ़ेवरिट बेटी रही। जीवन में बहुत तकलीफ़ भी सही उसने। प्रभू उसकी आत्मा को शान्ति दें। - अन्नू की बिमला मौसी।

To all the grand-children in Booty she was fondly called as Chotta Dadi. She was one of the calmest figures I have ever known, with an extreme patience for kids. Some of the kids were scared since she spoke so gently and was so quite (very counter-intuitive). I have lots of fond memories to remember. Without fail every Sunday, she would haul all the little kids in her Maruti and take us to Upper Bazaar for art and music classes. She tried her best to develop skills in kids even though some of us (me in particular) were just incorrigible. The little brats we were, would try and copy her singing while she would practice classical music with Guptaji and her other teachers. I would often sneak into the hall and try my hands at the tablas or pluck few strings of the tanpura. She said she didnt mind since the kids were trying to learn. She was a wealth of knowledge and life skills and all the ladies of the house would look up to her on how to upbring the kids. Mummy used to constantly ask Chotta Dadi for tips to handle me and bhaiya. Those tips have now been passed to this generation. Trying my best to follow those tips on Rishabh and Divya. You would be dearly missed Chotta Dadi...