SANTOSH PANDE, MY FRIEND, RIP !!

“Jeevan ke safar mein rahi, milte hain bichhar jaane ko…..
Aur de jaate hai yaadein, tanhai mein tarpaane ko”

When we listened to this song for the first time, what attracted our attention? The romanticism of Dev Saab or the drive with his film’s girlfriend, Nalini Jayant or is it the wordings of the song?

As I sit today on the terrace of my Dubai home, overlooking the endless horizon, thinking of my very close friend Santosh, who succumbed yesterday to the Almighty’s call, and think of the wordings of this song, it throws a different perspective to life for me. I can only say RIP, my friend.

From our school days in Durgapur to listening to Sthaniyo Sangbad (the local news), where he was announced having secured 8th position in Higher Secondary Board examination, to IIT and then our work-life together, there was only positivity in our lives. Even when we discussed our somewhat different views on politics in particular, we did that with a lot of grace and respect for one another. Santosh was full of dignity, grace, poise and stature. He was our undisputed topper in school, as also in IIT, but most certainly and undoubtedly, he cared for me and loved me. And the feeling was mutual.
Today, when he has left for the Heavenly abode, I can still see him smiling and telling me as he always did:
“Dada, Bengal needs you today, do something.”

When he decided to do his PhD AT 60+, he showed me all the paperwork and took my permission of sorts. Such an endearing person he was. Wherever he is, may God take care of his soul and keep his family safe and happy.
Love you, Santosh.