Sadly enough I never knew my Dadaji was such a great person, until Piyush Bhaiya (see below) wrote all that about him. As a kid, for me he was a good friend, always ready to play with me and my Chachaji's sons and my cousins; Ankur, Ankit. He would tell us stories and engage us in his conversations.
He would sometimes accompany the three of us to school, when Ankur and I would walk while Ankit would perch at the back seat of at the front bar of his cycle. Perhaps one of the reason why I never felt ashamed to ride a cycle, even when I working as a lecturer; where as all my school friends had long back started riding scooty's / cars; was that I had seen my Dadaji riding a cycle all his life. This thought must have occurred to me; when we could ride one at his age, why couldn't I ride one at my age?
At Dusshara, Dadaji would bring us toy teer-kaman (bow and arrow) to play with. Once Ankit who was barely 5 that time, aimed and by mistake shot that wooden toy arrow at Dadaji's eye. My daddy who was passing by and saw that, suddenly came into a complete state of shock and was almost on the verge to loose his temper, but on the other hand there was not a word of anger in Dadaji's voice, not a single brow on my his forehead. He simply lay down for a while, treating his eye. And in the next 15 minutes got back to his feet and started playing with us again, as if nothing had happened in the middle.
I always heard my daddy say in admiration, of how Dadaji managed to raise his kids; how by Dadaji's inspiration and motivation; 4 of his kids ultimately went on to study at one of the most reputed engineering and medical colleges of their time. All that happening within the limited means that he had.
Everyone used to appreciate his stamina and health conscience attitude where he could walk for miles together, without feeling the need to hire a rickshaw or an auto. My parents always realized that Dadaji was light years ahead of them in terms of the strength he possessed and drew immense inspiration to be like Dadaji.
Dadaji was not only good at his work; he was a great cook too. Several years after Dadaji moved to Allahabad, and once came to visit us; on one occasion he tough us how to prepare post-partum ladoos. They were full of rich dry fruits, black pepper and tons of ghee; and undoubted the most different and best ladoos I had ever tasted before.
The last time I had the fortune to seek Dadaji blessings was in my marriage. In spite of his poor health condition, Dadaji stayed awake through out the marriage, and gave his last blessings to me and Abhinav; as we got prepared to leave for my new home.
May his sole rest in peace.
My paternal cousin - Piyush (Bua's ji son) wrote this when my Dadaji left this earth for his heavenly abode on November 5th this year.
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Dear Brothers & Sisters,
This is a tribute to our beloved Nanaji.
Please share any memories you have of him, with all of us.
Love,
Piyush
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My maternal Grandfather, Shri Atul Krishna Sharan left for his heavenly abode, at the age of 94.
He was a model of simplicity and righteous living.
A large part of his career was spent as a News Editor, at the All India Radio (AIR).
In the later part of his life, he also acquired a LLB law degree, and worked in the offices of the noted jurist, LM Singhvi.
Not many people know that Nanaji was an expert at many languages. Apart from Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi, he also knew French and Russian.
I have fond memories of the love he showered on us as children. When we used to visit Ghaziabad, he would stand outside the gate waiting for us to arrive from the station. When we arrived, he would lift us in his lap, and hug us.
He led a very simple life. He never liked wasteful expenditure. He was happy with whatever he had, and led a life of contentment. He did not like to throw anything away, and would try to reuse and recycle everything. He never craved for materialistic possessions.
His life was based on a spirit of sacrifice.
He used to do Shirshasana and other Yogic exercises regularly. His regular Yoga exercises, moderation in eating, temperance in outlook, and contentment of heart were the secrets of his long and healthy life.
As children, we loved to see him do Shirshasana, where he would show us how to balance himself on his head.
He was a pure vegetarian, and only ate Sattvik food.
He was a very sweet and simple man, whom you always found smiling. I never saw him angry, or shout at anyone. He would take life's ups and downs with equanimity, without losing his cool. He was a straightforward person, who bore no ill-will towards anyone.
He liked to keep himself updated on current affairs, and would read the newspapers regularly. When we used to go to his room, we would usually find him reading something, wearing his characteristic dhoti.
One of his interests was to listen to radio channels from around the world.
He was very fond of his beloved radio.
His blessings will always be with us.
May God give Peace and Liberation to his soul.
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2 comments:
found your blog!.. yes all elders have amazing and unique stories and personalities. I met my nanaji also last when i got married and he passed away april 07. i miss writing letters to him.
Thank You, Piyush, Pawan, and Deepti, for this obituary of our beloved Father.
My Father Shri Atul Krishna Sharan was my Hero, God's Representative on Earth and embodied all the best on Earth.
The Almighty God is our Supreme Father in this Universe. After God, Mr. Atul Krishna Sharan was/is the best Father, one could wish, desire and hope to have on this Earth. My Father always made all our dreams come true. In the eyes of us children, nothing was impossible for him.
He was a man of great self control. His self control was so great that even if you would cut his arm without any sedative, he would not utter a word. I actually never saw him complaining about anything in the world.
In the presence of my Father, one felt as if one is in heaven.
Shri Atul Krishna Sharan was the embodiment of love, affection, devotion, kindness, generosity, selflessness, forgiveness, encouragement, advice, and greatness etc., that are all the qualities that made him the best representative of God.
My Father never demanded anything from anybody, never expected anything from anybody, and always gave everything to everybody.
Everybody who came in contact with Shri Shri Atul Krishna Sharan felt enlightenment, happiness and contentment.
Shri Atul Krishna Sharan died very peacefully in his sleep. According to my Mother, Mrs. Sushila Devi, who was near him at that time, my Father's soul left his body through his eyes without any pain and suffering. I am extremely grateful to Mr. Ankur Kumar Sharan, eldest son of Vigyan Kumar Sharan, who did the last rights of my Father.
GOD'S ANGELS CARRIED MY FATHER'S SOUL TO THE HEAVENLY FATHER ON THEIR WINGS. MY FATHER NOW HAS BEEN RELEASED FROM THE CYCLE OF LIFE AND DEATH, TO RESIDE FOR EVER IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
My Father is the person I admired most, since my childhood. The next person I admired most after my Father and Mother was my younger brother Mr. VIGYAN KUMAR SHARAN.
Vigyan was a true copy of Father in love, affection, devotion, kindness, generosity, selflessness, forgiveness, encouragement, advice, and greatness that are all the qualities that made him the next best living soul on Earth.
Unfortunately, those whom we need most on the Earth are needed most by God in his heavenly Kingdom. The Heavenly Father, Our God, therefore, lifted VIGYAN from this world very peacefully on 21st January 2008. After the passing away of VGYAN, My FATHER felt acutely that He also would like to join VIGYAN in the Heavenly Kingdom of GOD. Shri Atul Krishna Sharan left for the Heavenly abode on 5th November 2008.
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