For some reason I was thinking a great deal about Siddarth recently, thinking I must go see him. I should have taken it as a premonition, especially after that terrible life-changing collision inflicted on him as he was returning from Mhadei or Mopa duty. Ever the activist, he took the mishap in stride. I regret that it is not a reflex for me to check the obituaries the first thing in the morning or I might have been able to pay my last respects and say, see you soon, friend, the least one can do in the circumstances. This premature departure hits all the harder coming so quick on the heels of that of another stalwart friend and activist at village level (an activism impelled by Christian notions of right and wrong and the feeling that he must always lend his support to any fellow-villager in need of it). Glad to have known you, Siddarth. Rest in power, amigo!
