Sunday, June 14, 2020
Jaggu mama always was, and always will be Jaggu to my generation. That informality and indulgence drew us closer, almost a kindred part of the same generation.
As a brother that Amma was particularly close to, their bonding and intimacy rubbed off on us as we grew up. Through the years, she would speak of her soft corner for him, regale us with stories of their growing years. And it always made her smile.
Jaggu was always available to us, keen to help and support in any manner possible. On many an occasion, Jaggu would go out off his way, often traveling across cities to help our family in a moment of need. No ask was deemed trivial or dismissed. He was there to support us in organizing most life events we have had, often the last to leave, to make sure that everything was taken care of. Selfless as ever.
Personally, Jaggu was a father figure to me. In my formative years, he was someone who was easy to talk with, quick of wit, always sporting a smile and a kind word of enquiry. He counseled me through my school years, supported my entry into college and frequently enquired after my wellbeing thereafter.
In his public self, Jaggu exuded joie-de-vivre. He fascinated us with his ability to tell a tale, often accompanied with songs for added embellishment. He brought the world to our doorstep with the stories he drew from his experiences from his travels.
With Anuradha, Jaggu started a tight knit and close family that he was devoted to. They raised three of the warmest people in have had the privilege to know. Role models all.
We will miss Jaggu, his many dimensions, his wisdom and guidance, and the constant twinkle in his eyes
