Pitaji's Sher Puttar

Meenakshi di was born third in the family but she was number one in so many ways: she was the tallest amongst all seven sisters; she was the best in sports and remained the Best Athlete during all four years in college; she was an all rounder- the best in theatre, the best speaker, the best in cracking jokes and instilling loud laughter; she was the smartest of us all; she was the most courageous daughter, a doting wife and mother.

Meenakshi di was different. When I was school going child, she would often have to complete my home work when my little strength and patience gave way. She was our role model in 'pitthoo' where she remained unchallenged champion for years amongst boys and girls of street no. 7, Abohar. She was not very studious and would always steal time to shirk for a hit in the street. In 'geete', she excelled with her broad hands and focussed attent. And in playground, she was unbeatable in athletics, shot put, discuss throw. When on stage, her oratory skills would mesmerise as she spoke with authority. It was due to these qualities of head and heart that she she was offered lectureship in DAV College, Abohar by Late Sh. ND Grover Principal even before her MA II result was declared. Pitaji was very fond of his third kamau puttar. She directed a number of dramas and also the one titled 'byah ka ghar' wherein she acted with other lecturer colleagues to showcase their theatre skills to students !

She was my teacher and mentor in college and taught us Economics. While explaining Keynsian law of diminishing marginal utility, she would often use the (mouth watering) example of gulabjamuns. She was strict disciplinarian and uncompromising, meticulous manager of events. Hordes of memories I find deluged with how she was a friend to her students and a very dedicated NSS programme officer. She made the whole of family including my father take part in manually cleaning of place in Bodiwala village she had organised camp in.

She had a brilliant career and rose to become Director, Ministry of Home Affairs, GOI after her elevation in the IES . She had an indomitable spirit and resilience. She could not hide if she was angry and the transparency in her nature endeared her to all peer and kin. She was so full of life, valued relationships and untiringly made efforts to keep the glow of warmth alive with her zeal and zest and above all uncomplaining nature. She gave the world two wonderful daughters Megha and Sugandha who are doing so well in their career. Bless them. 

God had willed short span for her in this life and we lost her when she was just 50. It us beyond human comprehension as to why lives as hers have to be so short. Miss you, Meenakshi di all the more on this day. Happy birthday.