Death and Denial

In the memory of a never-say-die spirit

'Death is the only truth, no one can deny. So I have stopped fearing it, I just want to live as long as I can,' he said with a smile, one day when I asked about his health. It was his never-say-die attitude that made him bear the suffering and pain with a smile. No one ever found him complaining or making illness an excuse to avoid the work.

Sometimes, he did talk about taking voluntary retirement, but that was an ephemeral thought, after all he was also a human being and bound to phases of joy and sorrow. When he would come back to his usual spirit, he would say, 'Sitting at home will make it more difficult. It is better to work and forget about illness, of which there is no cure. My survival is just a miracle.'

In fact, it was a miracle. Despite such a prolonged illness, he never appeared as a sick man. He loved his work and always performed with diligence.  He always kept himself busy in myriad of activities. He was a good badminton player. He followed Yoga rigorously.

More than six feet, he was tall and handsome man. He stood like a pillar, wherever he went.  

'Tell me if I can do anything for you,' he would say finding any one sad or disappointed. He helped many colleagues, whatever way he could. Most of us who worked with him always found him cooperative and willing to guide and teach.

You will always remain etched fondly in our memory, Kalisharan Budakoti, sir.