With her classic good looks, our sister, Mamoni was, then easily the most beautiful girl in Shillong. Brought up by parents who considered simple living and high thinking the true essence of one’s wellbeing, Mamoni, from an early age shunned hypocrisy and artificiality in every aspect of life. Soft-spoken, ussuming, humble and dutiful she was the sister that every brother worth his salt would have been proud of. Educated first in Auxilium Convent, she later completed her graduation from St. Mary’s College, Shillong.
It is difficult to write now about the extraordiry bonding that we four siblings carried towards one another, a magic that is abundantly unique to each family. Yet, it was clear to us, even during those days that it was the incredible love showered on us by our parents that generated this special bonding. In 1980, Mamoni married Ankush Bhuyan. From that moment onwards she gave every inch of her life in catering to the responsibilities – both small and large – that followed her every step. Poised, graceful and dignified as she turally was she bore whatever travails that came her way with the stoicism of the traditiol Indian wife, careful not to disturb her newly adopted family’s social compulsions and equally careful that our parents’ image were never tarnished.
For 36 long years she was to everyone who knew her at close quarters – a dutiful wife, a loving mother, an obedient daughter-in-law and an ever smiling hostess who went about her household chores with the kind of unwavering discipline that can come only from unbounded self respect. From a bubbling little girl who had once ran about in our garden, playing hide and seek among the flowers and the pine trees she had matured to someone who committed herself to the new family. It was not just her rose tinted porcelain clear good looks that shone forth; it was also the utter lack of guile, the simplicity inte in her genes that contributed to her unique persolity. Blessed with two loving daughters, Zo and Tri and a son, Arjov she was showered with constant love.
On the 22nd of December, 2015 she woke up early morning with the realization that her right leg had become partially non-functiol. In the ensuing ten months, despite the best of treatment, she could not escape the Writ that is written for every person. But during this same period she showed extraordiry courage and an amazing will to fight back, reminiscent of our parents’ courage in surmounting seemingly insurmountable odds. Today, on her Addya Sraddha, we pray for the eterl rest of her soul. Free at last from pain and from the hypocrisies and artificialities of life she is now in that abode where angels sing from morning till night. Rest well, beloved sister. You did more for others than what others could ever do for you.
Dhruba Hazarika (Dhan)
Subra Hazarika (Tito)
Shobha Hazarika Bora (Minu)