I remember the interview of your intake, and the good souls who vouched for you and said that you would be an asset to the institution.
I also recall the confidence you had in yourself, in your subject - though I did have differences with you, that your use of Malayalam in the class was more excessive than I preferred.
The most important 'stakeholder', namely, your students, I guess, cherished you. You had a way with them, and you definitely appeared to be on their side. However, what I did observe was your concern for those students who seemed to be losing their hold - for them, you were a support. And that support did not confine you to your class or department - it went out to your neighbourhood in Nagapuzha/Thodupuzha; and to children in Idukki and Marayoor, where your initiative led to collaborative ventures with the anti-narcotic cell, in a creative fashion - including people, and initiating agriculture. For SH, your arrival gave the right boost to the theatrical skills of the students, and your accompaniment brought laurels for the college in that domain. Indeed, your presence was a stronghold for SH in the university youth festival outings!
Your academic and social engagement did not prevent you from engaging with the earth and family farming - a very rare trait for these times.
In spite of my persuasion, you were determined to travel back home, almost 80 odd kilometres, to be with your parents and at home. And yet, managed to be back the next morning, in time, having found a daily commuting senior company from your neighbourhood. In my interactions with you and your family, I sensed a deep bonding, especially between you and your parents. They seemed more like your friends, and you did care. Yes, the unexpected departure of your fitness-conscious father was indeed a shock!
You didn't forsake the revolt of the youth/student even when you were on the other side of the table. Though you did not complete your research programme, as I would have desired you to do, you did bring in inputs for sharpening research in the department and created a space for such engagements in the department.
And you had that special art of 'mimicking' people, showing a keen sense of observation and theatre skills - though you did not always come forth with a performance of that talent - perhaps, you did, in closed circles.
From what I learn, after my departure from the scene, your involvement was much deeper and committed, that the students and the staff sensed the void you left, and they felt pained. And you deservedly get the best tribute an individual can get - You are missed!
Your departure - though we all count it untimely, was a grand exit befitting one of my ideal figures in history - the Tathagata, the one who went thus!! I hope I too will be able to go thus - exiting in full engagement (though, I would love that it be at the age of 100 - shataayu purusha:, isn't that our ancient adage?)
As someone professing the communion of saints, dear young friend, I hope you are there in communion with us, and hope the passionate spirit of service and involvement you showed will be shared with those of us who were blessed to be in your company!
May the nitishatakam (20) be fulfilled in you:
Jayanti te sukritono... naasti tesham yasha kaaye, jara maranajam bhayam!
Those virtuous (poets) are triumphant (immortal) ... there is no fear of death and decrepitude in their bodies of fame!
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