One of warmest childhood memories that I lovingly remember is Daul(Holi), the festival of color. In my hometown there used to be vibrant processions, with devotees carrying the idols of Krishna and Bhagawat. I may be five years old when I joined the Daul procession for the first time. I remember, whenever someone chased me to throw colors, I used to run to my mother and hide behind her Riha Cheddar, a traditional cloth for female Assamese. I had the feeling that my mother would be there to protect me and somehow I have been carrying that warmth with me throughout. I am a grown up young man now, but for my Ma, I am still a kid. Whenever I talk with Ma, we talk all things in life, about job, my visit to Assam, about my own family etc. however our conversation always ends
with Ma asking me, Baba, are you drinking milk regularly?
I know Alpana Sarangapani , whom I call Alpana Baideu , through AssamNet. I have not met baideu , but we had few telephonic conversations. Baideu was enquiring about a person coming to Dallas, Texas from Assam, whether I could help him. It was first time visit to States and that person was nervous. I said yes, however, in between I became busy with my work or may be I was lazy to act. Baideu , again called me , reminding me about that persons arrival. Finally, I was able to contact a good friend of mine, who was able to help that person for accommodation, buying calling card etc. Baideu , is so kind hearted , always eager to help anyone from Assam , as we see in assam nets emails.
I was speechless, when some one broke that news, the untimely death of Nitin , baideus only son. We read and come across news of death and destruction everyday. After the initial shock, they gradually fade into oblivion. They hit us hard only, when we realized that someone was from us!!! And that day was going to be Nitins birthday , baideu must had been preparing Nitins favorite assamese dish May be Baideu was recollecting those fond memory; Nitins first step forward, when little Nitin used to run to her whenever he was frightened. She must had been waiting when would he return, whether Nitin had finished his glass of milk
Alpana Baideu ,I could feel the unfathomable grief and pain that you are going through, probably my words are not going to recede the deeper sorrow that carves into your being. What I would like to say that, we will always be there, trying to alleviate your pain. You have created so much good will among us, through mentoring assemese students, proving financial support (as I come across some of the e-mails), caring for assemese visiting this country, I am sure these positive feeling will lessen your sorrow. I wish you and Ram Sarangapani will continue with the good work and we will like to see more of your writings in days to come.
Ankur,
Dallas ,Texas
For one who has taken his birth, death is certain; and for one who is dead, birth is certain. Therefore, in the unavoidable discharge of your duty, you should not lament
Krishna to Arjun------Bhagavad Gita
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