Niva Goswami: A tribute
A mother can be a true friend, philosopher and guide along the long and arduous journey of life. She can be a source of enduring inspiration. My mother was one such persolity, who left us for her heavenly abode on December 15 last.
As I sit down to pen my thoughts about my dear Ma (Niva Goswami), a person whom I had loved, adored and argued with, a thousand thoughts cross my mind. I find it very difficult to decide what to share. She was one of the persolities who had profound influence on my life right from my childhood. She was simple, soft spoken and mild, but at the same time clear about her goals and determined to achieve them.
During my childhood, my father’s job required him to be on tours for long periods of time (he worked in the Reserve Bank of India). During his absence, Ma single handedly took care of the educatiol needs of her three children- me and my two elder brothers.
She was an exceptiolly social person and an indispensable part of any social and family gathering. She was a religious lady and an active member of all local socio-cultural organizations and a prominent member of the Bharalumukh Durga Mandir Ayoti group which she enriched with her close association. Whenever anyone known to her fell ill or any misfortune fell upon them, she would proactively make all efforts to render whatever help she could.
She had an amazing quality to make friends with at the first acquaintance and thereafter nourish such friendship. She was fond of cooking and very particular that anyone who came to her house did not return without having a full meal.
In recent past, she was hospitalized on a few occasions. Yet she never complained about her health to anyone. In fact, during every visit to the hospital, she made new friends which included nearby patients, doctors, nurses, ward boys. Her sudden demise has left everyone shocked. Her passing away will forever leave a void in my life as well as everyone close to her which will be difficult to fill.
Her memory will always remain a true source of inspiration to all of us. On the occasion of her Adya Shraddha on December 25, 2105, I earnestly pray to the Almighty for the eterl peace of her soul.
Most of all the other beautiful things in life come in twos or threes, by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers and sisters, aunts and cousins, comrades and friends - but there is only one mother to guide us till eternity.
-Ajanta Bhattacharyya
(Mala)