A tribute to Jiban Borah

Staying so far away, still when I close my eyes I can smell the fresh aromatic air of North Lakhimpur and the picture of Ganesh Mandir with K B road leading to Thakur Bari, where lies the precious abode of my grandparents. The remembrance of the fragrant air is not because of any perfume shops around it, but the love that my grandparents showered on me. On November 9, I lost my right to call someone koka forever. My maternal grandfather was the last figure from that generation, having lost my maternal grandmother two years back.

My grandfather, Jibon Bora had many qualities in him. He was a well-known laureate, movie producer, and artist. He won a national award for his contribution towards the film fraternity through his movie Opaja Sunor Mati (1972). We were all very proud of him.

Besides his professional achievements, he was a very loving person. He used to call me 'Baba', until my cousins arrived in this world and I got promoted to 'Dangor Baba' (elder Baba). He had a huge collection of books and it was one of my favourite pastimes to go to his library and look at the illustrative pictures in the books explaining Hindu culture and traditions. One of his prized possessions was his green ambassador car in which he used to drive us around all the nearby places.

On November 9, while praying to God to give him strength to fight his condition, I had a sudden feeling that he left us all. It was as if a dark cloud of never-ending grief had crushed my heart. I consoled myself that he had gone to a better place and had united with my grandmother. I pray to God that he rests in eternal peace.

– Himadri Sikhar Khargharia

Also Read: Soumitra Chattopadhyay's death leaves film frat in grief

Also Watch: No respite for Akhil Gogoi, next hearing on Dec 8