It has been difficult writing about my dear friend who was more like a brother and a family member. Every time I sat down to write, emotions took over and could not continue. I am personally and deeply saddened by the passing away of my dearest friend Capt. Kulwant Singh who was an extraordinary human being possessing attributes like compassion, caring, hardworking, sincerity, understanding, always willing to help others, thoughtful, loving and patience are a few I can name besides many others. His amicable and cheerful disposition was remarkable and I never saw him offend anybody ever. His dedication and commitment to his family mainly his wife Dr. Sarjit and Children Holly, Gudiya and Mannu were unquestionable. My mother had a special affection for Kulu.
One can take solace in the good times we had with Kulu. Recollecting the past: Train trips to college in Sonepat where he was successful in getting elected as the President of Student' Physics society, his service to his country as a young Captain in the Army almost risked his life in the Indo-pak war. His romance in Sirinagar with his future wife Dr. Sarjit and all of us attending their marriage ceremony in Jammu. We saw the birth of their first born Holly followed by Gudiya and Mannu. He was indeed proud of their children with a soft corner for Gudiya as all fathers have for their daughters. My visits to India with Sonu and Anjali always staying which I considered as my second home. Countless visits to Dhaula Kaun De fence Services Club and Teen Patti (Flash) card sessions. Kulu and Sarjit's visit to San Jose California and driving to Reno and Lake Tahoe Nevada.
There were tough times too. The shop got looted during Prime minister Indra Gandhi's assassination, yet he stood up and reestablished his business where he worked 12 hours a day many times 6 days in a week or more. I was able to assemble the video clips featuring kulu, which is hard to imagine he is gone.
1 comment:
This sure is a very rare paradigm of attachment and solidarity.
Uncle Sat has sure been one of Kulwant Chachaji's closest friends and used to lovingly call him "Kulu".
I had the great fortune, as a small kid, of tagging along with them when they went to the cinema or to the coffee house. They would at times take me for walks to the Buddha Jayanti Park or to Children’s’ Park at India Gate. Such simple luxuries of those times were so much fun and can never compare to the visits to best of the "five star" places today.
My initiation into listening of music, the art of being well turned out in our meager means, the finer qualities of chivalry and grace were majorly due to my observing these wonderful gentlemen who were always there for each other and later their families, and even to the extended families. While planning my visit to California, in spite of other relatives being there, Kulwant Chachaji insisted that I live with Sat uncle and in spite of his busy schedule, he gave me one of the best times of my life.
Sat uncle is so much family, that he would accord respect and honor to Papa, Mummy, Gurcharan Chachaji and Jasbir Chachiji, in the same manner in which Kulwant Chachaji would render his respects to his elders. In-fact he would actually call them by the same names that Kulwant Chachaji would use for addressing them, “Dr.ji, Bhabhiji, Bhapaji” etc.
In our self-seeking urge, to hang on to a very vital link in the life of Kulwant Chachaji, we wish that he shall continue touch us with his wonderful heart and tell us more about the days they spent together.
We further look forward to his visits us just like the good old days, so that even though one friend is gone for ever, the other shall be there to provide solace.
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