Tributes
From across the globe, we were overwhelmed by the tributes that poured in for our beloved Anu. We thank our kind friends and family who have taken the time to put together these lovely tributes to our dear Anu. We have compiled a few of these in a slideshow. Some of the longer tributes are also included here.
Memories
Contributed by Krishna Barua (sister)
My elder sisters were twins and Anu and I were almost like twins since we were close in age. As far as I can remember, Anu was always there with me especially in our childhood and adolescent years. I realize now how lucky I was to have her as I never felt alone, her gentle and unobtrusive presence providing a comforting companionship.
A major event in our young lives was when our family moved to Shillong from Tezpur. Anu was not yet six and I was seven years old. We were delighted with Shillong where we were to join school for the first time. Anu settled down beautifully in the new and for us, alien environment of Loreto Convent. Her ability to socialize was evident even at that early age as she welcomed the exposure to a large group of people and made friends easily. She was always happy in the midst of company, attracting and befriending people from all walks of life. As we grew up we were hardly ever separated and found comfort in each other’s company, especially during crises such as the sudden demise of our beloved father. We never talked about this tragic happening at that time as it was too painful to verbalise and we did not have the words to express our grief. But we had each other and that was calming and gave us the strength to bear the loss.
Even later, Anu and I were always together at important events and in difficult times. I remember how she once insisted that I should be sent for when she was unwell. On being asked why, her answer was that I would know what to do. I do not recall what I actually did but probably my presence made her feel comfortable.
The last time I stayed with Anu was in December, 2018. My husband and I had gone to Haridwar to immerse my mother-in-law’s ashes in the Ganges and by the time we returned to Gurgoan it was late at night. Anu was waiting for us ready with a sumptuous dinner, a wonderful cake and a lovely present for my husband, as it happened to be his birthday. That was so typical of her – remembering these occasions in other peoples’ lives and making them memorable.
Anu’s birthday in October 2019 brought us together again. Juri had organized a grand celebration at one of the better known restaurants in Delhi and asked us to join. Anuwas delighted and extremely pleased that we were together on her birthday and mentioned repeatedly how our presence had made her birthday so special.
Extremely talented and creative, Anu excelled at whatever she did, whether it was academics, home management, entertaining or organising events. Her great culinary skills were legendary. The beautiful cake she baked for Juri’s fiftieth birthday covered with fifty exquisite roses was one of her best creations. A true labour of love, it bears testimony to her immense creativity, meticulousness, and affection.
She has left us heartbroken and shattered. We will always miss Anu, but feel consoled in the belief that she is surely in a beautiful place worthy of a pure soul like her, at peace and reunited with her loved ones who passed on earlier. Rest in peace, my beloved sister.
I conclude by quoting a beautiful and touching poem sent by a very dear friend, which so appropriately sums up the circumstances relating to the tragic loss of Anu. It also offers solace at this very trying moment.
Farewell Anu
“ God looked around his garden
And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain,
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb
So he closed your weary eyelids
And whispered, ‘Peace be Thine’.
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn’t go alone,
For our thoughts are with you
The day God called you home.”
We miss you. Rest in Peace.
My Anu Bou
Contributed by Proneeta Kotoky (sister-in-law)
Mother, Friend, Philosopher and Guide are the words, which immediately come to my mind when I think of my Anu Bou. Anu Bou was so close and dear to me and my family and I am finding it difficult to accept that she left us so suddenly on the first day of this year. Although we loved her dearly, it still fell short to be able to make her stay. She left a big void in our lives, but I think it was a joy and privilege to have her in our family and I would cherish our memories forever.
When Anu Bou married my elder brother in the year 1970, I felt that my mother has come back to take care of us. At that time, I was in school and she used to take care of everything, including my studies. I cannot forget the way she took care of me, when I suffered from chicken pox during my board exam. Her soft nature, her generous and hospitable personality, which is clear from the extent that she would go to make people feel welcomed and awed with her different delicacies, sparkled my heart.
The wonder that you were and the imprints you left behind will always sing your glory. I find solace in the certainty that your ever smiling face will always be in my heart.
To be honest, I am finding it really difficult to write anything further. May be sometimes words also fall short to express our pain.
My Anu Bou
Contributed by Ashita Khaund (Bhonti) (sister-in-law)
My Dearest Friend Anu
Contributed by Shiela Bora
My dearest friend Anu,
You were a part of my family, a sister to me, and even though geographical distance often separated us, I know you were always by my side no matter what happened. We shared beautiful moments together alongside with our friends, but the time has come too soon, to say goodbye to each other with a lot of grief.
Thanks to you, you have taught me to be brave, because even when you were in the hospital about to undergo a surgery the following day, you sent me a Whats App message on 31.12.2020 at 7.45 p.m saying, “Surgery is tomorrow morning. Should be able to see you all in better times. Much Love.” this was followed by a smiley sticker!!!
Your last message has transmitted energy to me and to all your loved ones, to smile and move on with our lives. My dear friend, though you have left me behind in my lifetime, you have taught me to be strong to withstand this.
I know I will not find a friend like you again, always so motivating, in good times and in bad. I will always remember you with lots of love and fond memories, as I pray that your soul rests in peace with God.
Clearly, I know I am not the only one who is suffering. Your loved ones and those who are closest to you must be experiencing a great deal of pain and shock. My condolences to the bereaved family with prayers that God gives them the strength to overcome this void in their lives.
Anuradha, My Friend
Contributed by Madhobi Medhi
Anuradha and my friendship goes back to last sixty-six years. It started on the first day in Cotton College, July/August 64.All those who wanted to take English Honours had to appear in a test. We were asked to write a gist of a poem. So in a small classroom in the Union hall we met for the first time. Anuradha came up to me and asked, “Are you Tillottoma?’ I replied “No, I am Madhobi.”
We met each other every day for the next three years in Cotton College and then the two years in Gauhati University.
Both of us lived in Uzan Bazar. I lived on the river-side of Latasil field, while Anu lived on the Ugratara side of Latasil Field. In those days we all used to walk to College. On the way were joined by Bonu, Sikha, Paban, Durba and many more.
Over the years, Anuradha has (had) not changed. She is still the same enchanting girl I remember. She was a walky-talky doll. I still remember her dressed in cotton light colored flower printed sarees. She looked so sweet. In short, she had a charming, loving personality with a soft spoken voice. Often during cotton college days I used to go to her house to study. We studied in her small room. Those were such trouble-free days.
During University Days (67-69) I stayed in the University Girls Hostel. But we met every day in class. We enjoyed singara and tea in the canteen. During holidays, I used to go to Shillong because my mother was living with my sister, Mamoni.
Mamoni and Meera Baideu were neighbours in Upper Lachaumiere Hill, Shillong. So during holidays Anu used to come her sister’s place. I have pleasant memories of spending hours together with Anu sitting, Knitting, sewing and chatting.
Over the years we made it a point to keep in touch. Even though we were far apart, we shared our joys and sorrows. It is hard to believe that she is no more May God give you strength to bear your loss. I have lost my youngest sister-in-law just two months before Anu. So I know what the loss means to all of you. May her soul rest in peace.
Moments with Anu Mahi
Contributed by Nandini Choudhury (Putli - niece)
Anu Mahi would always be the first one to wish me on my B’day.
Anu Mahi postponed her return journey only to attend the B’day celebration. Who else but Anu Mahi would do that ?
Will always cherish every moment spent with Anu Mahi
Anu Mahi with Chumki at my home
A very charming & loving Aunt
Always a pleasure to talk to Anu Mahi
Loving Grandmother
Enjoyed Priya’s wedding together
At my Home : A pleasant company, spreads joy & happiness
What fun we had at Priya’s wedding !
Memories from our childhood
Contributed by Sangeeta Goswami (Rinku)
There are certain consolations one is powerless to offer in the face of the grief and shock you must be feeling. If I felt bereft when I heard the news yesterday, I cannot even begin to imagine what the three of you are going through. I will call you one day sometime soon, but before that, I wanted to write down what comes to mind when I think of Anu Aunty.
It will always be Shillong, of course. Amidst the pines and the eucalyptus trees, life (and a childhood spent) on that Upper La-chaumiere hillside was as close to idyllic as it could get. And Anu Aunty was such a large part of that childhood. Her home was the centre of so much of what formed us those early years – the plays and musicals we staged in her living room, the room she loaned us as clubhouse for our ‘world-famous’ Mickey Mouse Club, the countless sleepovers she facilitated, and, of course, the food she made for us. So many of my memories of her are tied to food: making Swiss Rolls on your dining table with Ma and Dehu Mami, the delicious South Indian spread she laid out when I took Prateek home for the first time – everything always from first principle, everything always meticulously done and done to perfection. I have never ever had a Swiss Roll since without thinking of her.
I remember her learning music from our classical music teacher (an activity we hated, remember, Juri?, and desperately tried to bunk) before you were to relocate to the UK – and she was so adept at that as well – mastering more than a few Rabindra Sangeet in just a few sessions, as ‘Sir’ never failed to inform us! I remember her borrowing Ma’s winter fur coat for one of those sojourns – either to the US or UK. But you always came back – and our childhoods were seamless and intertwined – or so it seemed.
Inevitably, everyone went their separate ways, and one didn’t see as much of the people one loved as one would have liked to. But it always brought me so much joy when I bumped into you, Uncle, and Aunty – either in Guwahati or, later, in Delhi. Aunty never seemed to change – beautiful, loving, welcoming, warm, soft-spoken, but with a calm strength. I last spoke to her just after Uncle and Aunty’s 50th wedding anniversary. It was so lovely to hear her voice across the miles.
As Naipaul wrote: ‘Love makes memories and life precious; the grief that comes to us is proportionate to that love and is inescapable...’. And while everything now will be stitched with the magnitude of your loss, I hope that in time you will be able to think back fondly to the myriad ways she is and will always be part of your fabric: the 50 years you had together, Uncle; the lovely cake she made you on your 50th, Juri; her being there for you when you were going through the ordeal with Ava, Jumu, and her seeing you through that to the other side.
I feel I have lost a piece of my childhood. But I will always, always cherish the fact that she was in my life, and the wonderful memories I have of her.
Anu Khuri
By Rukmini Lobo
I chose this picture of you my dearest Anu Khuri, because it reflects my earliest memory of you. It reminds me of when you cared for me in Shillong during my school holidays from Loreto. This picture could well have been of me 50 years ago. It reflects your life of caring and love for children throughout the generations. My time with you was mostly as a visitor, and you treated me with so much love and care as if I were your own which has made my bond with Juri and Jumu everlasting. You always took the time to know me as a child and then later with my short visits over the years, as a mother. You comforted me and reassured me and indulged in me. I have not been able to recreate your famous chocolate cake. I treasure the gifts you gave me, in particular the mekhla sador for my wedding which I wore for the Gauri Puja. The color reminds me of one that you used to have. I treasure the cup from the Loreto reunion which you thoughtfully saved for me until my visit. There are so many other gifts that you and Bhaity khura have given me, that you chose so thoughtfully that will remind me of you both always. I always wished I could have had more time to talk during my visits like I used to when I was a child, or to tell you how much you meant to me but I think you knew that. The sound of your voice has always been with me, through the years and the distance and I will never forget the way you say my name. As I have raised my children and entertained guests, I have often strived to be like you and reflect your hospitality. Thank you for your love, kindness, caring, encouragement and inspiration. I am thankful that I spoke to you only a week ago but I never expected it to be my last and I will treasure your last text - which ends with "love you all lots".
Memories from Shillong Days
Contributed by Priyam Goswami
When I received the news from Geetam the other day , my initial reaction was one of shock and disbelief. I can therefore very well imagine how overwhelmed all of you must be with grief at this unexpected loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
As I sit down to write this , memories of the lovely times that we spent together in Upper La Chaumiere rush to my mind. As young mothers of small girls, Anu and I had a lot in common. Our free flowing conversations covered vast areas and stretched over many happy hours. I was particularly in awe of her culinary skills and the lavish dishes that she painstakingly laid out never ceased to amaze me. The boneless hilsa recipe that she gave me is a hit whenever I make it even today. I vividly recall the day when she taught me to make a perfect swiss roll and the day when both of us struggled to decorate a cake with roses. Clearly she persisted where I gave up , because Juri, I hear that she baked you a birthday cake with 50 roses this year.
Yesterday I took out the delicately embroidered peach napkins that she had given me on my 30 th birthday. As I looked at them for the umpteenth time, I could see once again the love, patience and labour that was embedded in them. Anu was so meticulous in everything that she did. For her everything had to be perfect. I remember her polishing the brass artefacts in her drawing room till they glistened.
Your house was an open house and our children loved visiting you . They knew that they were always welcome and would be pampered with all sorts of goodies that Anu generously handed out. Bhaity da do you remember how Tinku, then barely fours years old, would insist on sitting on your lap every evening , often dislodging Jumu from what was rightfully her place?
How time flies! We have all moved on but the memories lie deeply entrenched in the mind.
A soft spoken, loving, caring and non- judgemental person……… fragile , yet so strong. That is how I shall always remember her.
I pray that God will give you the strength during this time of crisis..
Amazing Anu
Contributed by Professor Itesh Sachdev
AMAZING ANU
Assamese Anu
Never disappointing
Uber conscientious
Radha’s elegance
Amazingly compassionate
Disarmingly courteous
Heart-warmingly welcoming
Always there for others
Like her name, which had As & also a Z in it, Anu had it all (including wonderful Madan & kids with kids). She was one of the most distinctive, respected, intellectually sharp, well-travelled and elegant graduate students we had at Birkbeck College, University of London. I was privileged to mentor her – not that she needed much mentoring! She worked hard and produced excellent work; became a close friend, and sister, over the years – loved her... We talked, discussed, laughed, argued, ate and cooked together on different continents, sometimes even late into the night. I learnt a lot from her. She also provided much solace when I lost meri jaan Donna many moons ago. Anu loved us all; fed astoundingly delicious, colourful veg gourmet food to me and my mum. She even served non-veg to my (late) wife who loved fish. While Donna ate, Anu distracted me with diplomatic argumentation about the value of tolerance and love. I remember joking that you can take the girl out of Assam, but not Assam out of the girl.. - she had laughed in her special way. Her last email (last year) to me was a proposal for research on perceptions of Assamese identity and vitality in Delhi. She was always curious, wanting to learn, with a fervent wish to make a difference. She certainly made a difference to my life, and, undoubtedly, the lives of many others: her legacy will endure, and in one form or another, she will always be with us. Her last message to me, a few weeks ago was “You must come and stay with us again. Good night Itesh, please take care”.
(Prof) Itesh Sachdev, La Palma, Spain (9.1.21)
My Dearest Anu Mahi
By Padmaja Barua (Jamuna)
My Dearest Anu Mahi….you were my mother’s only younger sister , younger by only 1.5 years and you were like a second mother to me…the first time I told you this , your response was swift – “ second mother is fine, as long as I am not like your step-mother” … I remember us bursting out laughing…I remember all those carefree and happy days spent with you at Dispur and Narangi when I was a child…Jumu, your youngest is only 1.5 years younger than me , and at that time, we were attached at the hip, racing around the place with identical hairstyles – the famous fringe- and a lot of energy and passion ( although I am sure I was the more rambunctious of the two)….You were endlessly amused by our shenanigans and antics but indulgent towards our high-spirited behaviour ….Then I remember our Delhi Diaries at R.K. Puram and Tilak Nagar and doing so much together right from shopping for pastries at Sarojini Nagar to Diwali parties to Spic Macay concerts …You went all out on my 30th birthday which was spent with you in Defence Colony and made this wonderful cake and Nargisi keema (my favourite and so of course, you made it for me)….You expressed so much nurture and love for everyone including me, through active and frequent demonstration of affection, support and not least, delectable food. You were the very embodiment of kindness and compassion and your infinite zest and passion for life and ability to have fun and find joy was infectious and left nobody you met unaffected…..I left for Norway in 2005 from your home in Delhi and when I returned to India in 2006 for my MPhil fieldwork, it was again your home I first went to and you were at the airport, patiently waiting for me at 1 in the morning…..you were at my wedding in 2009 in Assam and then you were in Norway in 2018 which was the last time I saw you…You fell in love with Bergen and told me you were coming back to stay for a longer time with me …I always believed you would. You have been with me in all phases of life and through various periods of joy and sorrow and your gentle, caring and affectionate presence has always been a big comfort, from across the miles. Even though we could not meet physically that often, I knew I could pick up the phone and call you or send you a sms but now, that has been taken away from us. We are all bereft and so devastated that you have left us so suddenly but I hope, as do we all, that you have found eternal peace and are happy wherever you are. You will never be forgotten and will always be loved…Till we meet again, my beloved Anu Mahi.
Anu Mahi
Sent by Jahnavi Barua
This was the last time I met Anu Mahi, the night we celebrated Ma and Deauta’s golden anniversary. We didn’t meet after that, but it felt like we weren’t very far away because we spoke so often. It was as if she was always there, just beside us and that is a feeling I have carried through my life. Anu Mahi has always been such a cherished part of my and later, Baptu and Arjun’s lives too. She was more than an aunt - she was a friend, a comrade and counsellor. Her bright cheerfulness, her zest for life illuminated ours. She leaves me with a memory of how she was that last time we met - bright, sparkling, full of warmth and fun. That memory will have to fill the void she leaves us with.
Anuradha
Contributed by Yeshoda Revi
There are so many memories of Anu that come together like a beautiful collage. She was such a lovely person, unassuming, dignified with a heart of gold. She was erudite but never wore it on her sleeve. As I got to know her, I was amazed at how broadminded she was.
Although we were in Loreto together; we became friends here in Delhi,
We lived at opposite ends of town. Anu and Madan travelled a lot. But we met as often as we could. Revi and I had wonderful evenings with them - sometimes at their home - where we enjoyed Anu’s culinary skills, at times at our place, and occasionally elsewhere. Anu’s hospitality was well known. She went out of her way to see that each one of us was special, fussed over us like a mother hen. We looked forward to her parties.
We spent enjoyable evenings at Siri Fort, listening to music or watching a dance.
She managed tricky situations with aplomb - in her quiet way she got around people to work as a team. Not an easy task. She may have had to listen to gossip but never gossiped - that was admirable.
We would go shopping; have coffee and finally after roaming around end up for lunch at IIC or Habitat. Later, stopover at Supriya and Ashok’s place for tea. There - she would disappear into the kitchen, to make sure the tea was properly brewed in a teapot and served in cups and saucers, and not mugs. Everything had to be just right for her. My protests would be ignored.
She and I would wander around the cottage or the Emporia. Stores - very few people are interested in now. Once at one of the Emporia - we even persuaded the management to give us a discount on khadi silk saris. Sales were down so they obliged.
She gave so much of herself and her time not only to her beloved family, but friends and acquaintances as well. If someone was distressed and unhappy, she would spend hours on the phone, listening to them. She was a born councilor.
She was a natural care-giver too. Despite her indifferent health, the way she looked after her family. She treasured her grandchildren. And they in turn doted on their grandmother.
There is no one who will come all the way, to take my cares away.
I will miss you Anu
Thank you for being my friend.
Memories with Anu
Contributed By Bee Ling (Frances Chua)
Anu Baidew
Contributed by Indira Nobis (Linu)
Anuradha Bezbaruah ( Anu Baidew to me ) was one of the finest human beings I have met or will ever meet.She was highly educated, dignified, elegant,cultured gentle spoken etc etc .The list is endless. And above all she was deeply compassionate and sensitive towards others. In short there was something angelic about her.
As close friends and neighbours Anu Baidew and I spent a lot of time together in the last fifteen years .We shared a lot of common interests like gardening etc.How much I miss her I cannot put into words.
Those lovely afternoon teas spent at the club or anywhere else in her company will always remain etched in my memory as long as I live.
Her high teas whenever anyone visited her were unmatchable .That exceptionally large tray absolutely laden with all kinds of goodies never failed to appear. And the tea would be served with a lot of style and elegance. She really knew how to pamper her guests. Also needless to say how good a cook she was.....always a perfectionist.
How could I not mention here the long drives from Gurgaon to Delhi or Noida wherever our ' kitty' lunch would be on that particular day.We would both be talking and talking about so many things including the idyllic life in Shillong where we both grew up .Our discussions kept us completely absorbed and amused during those long drives. I can go on and on and on talking about this wonderful friend that I have just lost. But I will stop here and join in prayers with her entire family and friends and all those who were privileged to have known her for everlasting peace of this very special soul.
Memories of Anu Borma
Sent by Suranjita Khaund (Jumka) (Niece)
People come and go through our lives. Some stay for a long time, some walk with us forever, while a few are there for short periods. Borma was there in mine for the few years when you were living in Rukmini Nagar/Gaon (I can never get those right). But such was her presence that I carry those memories with deep fondness to this day. You were this commanding presence and successful personality, no doubt, but Borma stole the show! Her soft words, delicious meals and finger-licking desserts were unforgettable, as was the attention she gave us when we visited. I still carry a montage of snippets from those times we spent together. The way your living room ascended to a small study before moving upstairs to the sleeping space, Jumu and I finding common ground in things we didn't like to eat, you moving to the UK. Golders Green, I believe was the name of the place you lived in. We exchanged letters for a while. And for some weird reason, I also remember visiting you in Delhi! Not sure if that's a figment of my imagination or real.
Take care Borta. You guys were the ideal couple, complementing each other in so many ways I noticed it even as a child. That's a precious gift and in some ways, comes with added burden when such a day arrives...
My Beloved Anu Mahi
Contributed by Anubha Singh (Rita)
For me my beloved Anu Mahi personified all that is exquisitely beautiful, the beauty of a pure soul, of gentleness and grace, of generosity of an eternally kind heart, of dignity and fairness at all times. In the treasure trove of memories, our childhood days spent with her and Moha still sparkle with the same lustre, in the sprawling Deputy Commissioner's Bungalow in Dhubri and travelling across the forests of erstwhile Goalpara, all her nieces and nephews almost bringing down with laughter the compact official residence in Dispur, winters spent in the various houses in Shillong, all under her indulgent watch. The joy of having all of us would not let the smile leave her face and every now and then she would laugh that soft laugh of hers with the slight crinkle of her nose. And then when it would get too hilarious, she would sit down and have a good laugh her eyes all lit up. In the backdrop of all this she would be rustling up delectables in the kitchen.
That was in our childhood. But she continued to carry that thread of affection, albeit with a change in tenor, as we moved to our adult roles in life where our conversations gradually changed from being purely between aunt and niece to that of aunt and niece who were also friends. I am sure that she did not set reminders for phone calls to her nieces, but she had an innate sense of time and she would call, to keep in touch, to know about our lives and that of our children’s. And I would call her too because her voice brought warmth to my life and I felt soothed even when everything seemed alright with my world. Anu Mahi brought that touch of the sublime and a balance to everything just as it is in her cooking, a dash of cream to take away the tanginess in life.
I have thought of Anu Mahi a lot in the past few days, have had snippets of conversations playing inside my head. I have been rewinding the memory spools and reliving a collage of situations spread across time. The more that I look at her, the more I discern her detachment to all her accomplishments. The splendid qualities that she possessed, all sat lightly on her, as if none were acquired and all innate. She set her own yardstick and approached each task with the same diligence and sincerity, and above all with all her heart. There were no half – hearted measures for her, be it a lesson for her dear students, a meal for a loved family member or friend, knitted woollens for a niece’s newborn baby, impeccably embroidered runners and table cloths, the perfect birthday cakes, the list is endless…
I imagine, or could it be real, Anu Mahi speaking just as she spoke to me for the last time on the 30th of December, “Don’t worry Rita, I have lived a full life. I know how much my nieces and nephews love me. I am not worried. You must pay attention to Adi, ofcourse he is so good! Give my love to Rajen, tell Priya and Abhinav that Anu Abu sends them her love.” Yes, I have told them all and I feel your love all the time.
I quote from T.S. Eliot’s play The Elder Statesman:
“There’s no vocabulary
For love within a family, love
that’s lived in
But not looked at, love within
the light of which
All else is seen, the love within
which
All other love finds speech.
This love is silent”
This silence will keep reverberating within me. Till we meet again!
Anu Mami
Contributed by Suruchi Kotoky (Rumpi)
Words would fall short to describe my most beloved Anu Mami. To me, she was, is and will always remain an epitome of warmth, grace, love, and purity. It would not be overstating, if I say, she was an angel in disguise. She symbolised peace, calmness, humility and was forever giving, hospitable and a warm family person, not to mention her amazing culinary skills.
She touched everyone's lives including mine and has left an indelible imprint in our lives. Even though we stayed miles apart in the same city, she would still come and visit us often including all important occasions, even if she was not keeping well. She always made it a point to respond to my messages in detail. Infact, I always felt that I had a special connection with her as by some divine coincidence, I would call her the moment she remembered me and vice-versa. I feel fortunate and blessed to have known her so closely and I would forever and ever cherish our memories!
My dearest angelic Mami, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure and I will hold on to the afterglow of your love, warmth and beautifully endearing smile! "
About Anuradha Bezbaruah
Contributed by DNS Srivastava and Venita Srivastava
I was introduced to Anuradha Bezbaruah by her husband, Madan Bezbaruah after they got married. I was the first to be introduced to her after the completion of the marriage ceremony. I was struck by her grace and simplicity.
Madan and I came to know each other at Mussoorie during the Foundation course of AIS 1964 batch. We shared the same room. Later we were allotted to the same cadre. We also got posted in the District of Goalpara as Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of police. We worked together for about 3 years. This brought our families also together. And thereafter, we have been good friends. Anuradha and my wife Venita were in close touch with each other. Our children too have been in touch with each other.
I remember a couple of episodes which throw light on the persona of Anuradha. A couple of days before the marriage of her elder daughter, I happened to call on her. She told me to come the next day and join in one of the ceremonies. I did not join her as my wife Venita was out of station. Later when I met her along with my wife during her daughter’s marriage ceremony, she asked me angrily as to why I did not come as requested by her the other day. She was not happy with the answer given by me. She said I should have come. The affectionate chiding left an indelible impression in me. For the first time I felt that she had so much affection for us and treated us as members of her family.
Another episode relates to lunch hosted by her to Venita when she visited her. I could not go with Venita as I was preoccupied otherwise. After a couple of months when I happened to meet her, she asked me as to why I did not join lunch. She did not accept my plea of preoccupation. She said that I could have attended it had I wanted. There was so much emotion in her complaint that I had no alternative but to apologise.
When I was posted at Guwahati and our children were in the hostel at Shillong, she visited them occasionally. Very often she took them home. Our children were of age 7 to 10 years at that time. They remember her affectionately. In fact, when my eldest son, who is settled in London, came to know of her death, he said that he felt as if had lost his second mother.
On the day of cremation when I saw her, I could not believe she was no more. I felt as if she were about to talk to me and tell why I came alone and did not bring Venita along with me.
Loving, caring, simply perfect and so elegant that was Anu
She was more than a sister to me, always welcoming in her own grand style, a big tray (I remember her big tray) full of home cooked delicacies.
May her soul rest (in bed of flowers) in peace.
Miss you always, it's difficult to forget time spent together.
A Tribute to Anuradha Bezbaruah
From Arun and Kobita Baruah and family
On the very first day we met Anuradha, whom we called Anu, she left a lasting impression as someone who possessed all the qualities of a true lady. Anu was graceful, spoke with such a sweet soft voice, and had a wonderful personality. To us, her husband Madan, my cousin whom we call Bhaity, and Anu were a perfect match to be life partners. Within a year of our arrival in the U.S. in 1980, Anu and Bhaity came to visit us in Ames, Iowa, a small town with a population of 47000, half of the population being Iowa State University students (see photo). Instead of coming to such a small town, they could have visited another well-known city during their short visit to the U.S., but it showed their love, affection, and respect. Since we were also relatively new in this country, we wanted to try something different during their visit. We decided to roast a turkey for the first time and we did it just the way we roast a chicken. When we cut the bird at the dinner table we found it was not fully cooked and pink fluid covered the plate. We felt so bad, but Anu and Madan were so gracious that we all still laugh at this memory.
During one of our trips back to Assam, we visited Anu and Bhaity in Delhi. We were entertained by a dinner prepared solely by Anu. Even now, we talk about the food Anu made for us; the menu was elaborate and the food was delicious. The presentation was so beautiful and memorable. To this day I can see the beautiful whole cauliflower cooked and decorated in the middle of the dining table. Everything she did or touched was with the utmost care and thought.
During another visit to Guwahati in 1984, we went to see Ram Prasad kokaideu, Bhaity’s father who was so beloved by all his relatives and friends. Bhaity, Anu and their daughters were also there, and it was a wonderful visit to see all of them together. My elder brother, Basudada, drove us to their house (see photo).
This past New Year’s Day we received the very sad news of Anu’s departure. We are shocked and in disbelief that Anu left us so soon, too soon. We lost one of the dearest people in our lives.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to Bhaity, Supriya, Supriti, their husbands and children. We pray for the eternal peace of Anu’s departed soul.
