We received the shocking news this evening of the passing on of our friend Aninda Majumdar in Kolkata. He was my classmate from school. Some of my friends and I exchanged frantic calls and whatsapp messages on hearing the news. As did others. There were some who were in touch with him a lot more than I was and could not believe what had happened. Aninda and I had an interaction on Facebook a month or so back, while discussing a video of the son of another classmate of ours who was playing the guitar in it. Aninda had many kind words to say about me in that conversation and he evidently knew more what was happening in my life than I of his. Looking through his feed today made another friend write to me and say, “he was so talented!” It’s a pity we never took the time out to appreciate that.
He is survived by his wife and his mother and his school going son. I decided to write a letter to Aninda’s son about my memories of his father. I will reach out to my classmates to share their’s and post those here as and when I receive then. Our tribute to our friend Aninda, whom we will never forget.
Dear S,
You don’t know me. I am your father’s classmate from school.
I was a few years younger than what you are today when I had first met your father. I was nine. My father had just passed away too. I had moved schools and it was a new phase of life for me. One I would never have foreseen.
Folks in my class in the new school were largely friendly and welcoming. Some a bit more than the others. One such person was your father.
We were together in school for six years after that before we followed our own paths after the ICSE exam. Six years do not seem that long a time period for us today, but was like a lifetime back then. Those were the years when one started taking baby steps in ones journey from childhood to adulthood. Everything was a new discovery. Sports. Books. Movies. Love. Pimples. Adolescence.
We were on a ride more exhilarating than any in an amusement park.
I wish I could have connected with you in nicer times but that was not to be. I was stunned to hear the news of your father’s passing on. There were texts, messages and calls flying from all corners of the world, people from our batch expressing shock and grief… if only I had met him as I had promised…if only I had stayed in touch with him … if only…
Conversations soaked in sorrow and regret, for Aninda was universally loved.
Which is when I decided that I would write to you. Share with you what I remember of your father from the time he was a schoolboy. Hopefully adding to the mosaic of memories that he has left behind. Memories that you will cherish as the years march by.
The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Aninda was that he used to take tennis lessons. While the rest of us in class split our loyalties between Becker and Edberg and our hearts (the boys that is) between Gabi and Steffi, your dad was the only one who actually played the game! The upshot of this was that it made him a bit of an arm wrestling champ! He would don his wrist-band from tennis and challenge and win over folks who were much stronger than him. A tennis wrist is more useful than a tennis elbow after all!
He played the violin and was praised for his prowess by our teacher, Mr John Bison, who played the violin too. Every function when we were in school…t eacher’s day, children’s day, founder’s days, Independence Day, Republic Day…would feature a violin performance by your dad. The hair on my hand stood on its end when I saw Facebook videos of your dad playing the violin as a grown up. One recorded by you as he had proudly written and that is how I know your name.
The other thing that you should know about your dad was that he was mischievous, just as any school going boy should be. Fun to hang with. Anything but a bore!
He was very polite and good natured too. Which is why our teachers would never get angry with him and which is why he would never get angry if we ever pulled his leg, which was rather often. We were all brats! The thing about Aninda was that he never held a grudge.
And the most important thing that you should know about your father, is that he never went anywhere without his smile!
As I am sure he has in his journey to the next world.
Take care and live a good life.
With love,
Kalyan Kaku
More memories:
Poli Gupta:
Aninda was mischievous and ever smiling. Once my dad was sick and I needed some help. I didn’t know anyone in Kolkata and those were the beginning days of social media. He called me and said he can send a car for my mom. Gave me contacts of doctors. He met me when I went to Kolkata and till date my parents go to the same hospital and doctor that he suggested. Last time I was in Kolkata I couldn’t meet him. It was a very hectic trip where we had commitments to visit 3 sates across India. I promised him I will see him. I often talked about his health issues but he was always positive. He inspired me to start walking and focusing on losing weight. He always had a positive note for something. His text to me when I was leaving was .. ki re na dekha kore chole jachchish. I promised him to be back soon. But na dekha kore chole gelo.
Mausumi Das Nath:
Simply don’t have words now. He will be remembered through his violin, piano. Whenever I used to appreciate his talents, he used to feel thankful. Often used to share in my personal whtsapp no. For more such feedback. His talent was not restricted to this only, he was a good photographer. He used to visit Rabindra sarobar for beautiful pictures of birds. A very positive minded person. Will miss him. Stay well and keep playing violin and piano. 1 day I shall join you there for more feedback and appreciation
Riju Bose:
*Very very sorry to hear about Aninda. He and I had a fun-and-fight relation in school. He would win the fights, thanks to his crushing grip (aided by tennis). We were never in touch post school. I have not had the good fortune of attending gatherings of ex classmates – where I could have bumped into Aninda. May his soul rest in peace… in the melody of his violin. – Riju*
Madhurima Roy
Hi Kalyan, was touched to see your post on Anindo….so thought of writing something for our dear friend…
Absolutely shocked to hear about the demise of Anindo. It’s true that he always wore a big and happy smile on his face and after coming to Kolkata from Mumbai, Shivaji and I had the opportunity to be a part of some gatherings where we shared many animated conversations…infact last year he came to our house and since he was super talented, we shared some recipes and also discussed about our common passion- gardening. Shivaji and Anindo often used to go for walks together where he not only clicked birds but also captured candid moments of Shivaji. He was such a lively, positive, talented man who never ran out of his vivacious smile….we shall really miss him.
A beautiful tribute by friends. My sincere condolences to you, his friends and family. May his soul rest in peace.
Thank you Pritam