You Will Be Always Alive In Our Hearts
| Sanjana Mohan - Editor in Chief, CEO & Thought Leader - 25 Aug 2020

LATE SHRI RAM MOHAN PRASAD

MEMOIR OF A FATHER-IN-LAW BY A DAUGHTER IN LAW

Face book is full of information coming from various quarters and states about the death. From common citizens to celebs, the news of Corona Virus and related death has become common. We publish the news, if any celeb dies. We rarely publish any memoire if a common citizen dies. However, today, we are publishing this Memoire, written by a daughter-in-law for his beloved father-in-law. And with this, we are opening and offering this media outlet for others also, if they want to write and get publish about their beloved ones. – Onkareshwar Pandey, Editor in Chief, Indian Observer Post   

By Sanjana Mohan

(Only your Daughter-in-law)

That day, I woke up early in the morning as I couldn't sleep well; your thoughts were jerking me all the time. I sat in the living room on the couch seeing the picture of yours with the Garland around. I was in so much pain and was wondering why you couldn’t be part of my future. Why you will not be in the journey of your grandchildren seeing them becoming what you dreamt for them.

Uncontrolled tears streaming down my face while my heartbeat starts to race. Asking God why did you take my “Dad” a second time away?

Yes I am writing about my Father-in-law Late Shri Ram Mohan Prasad who left us behind on 20th August 2020. This was unfortunate that even being in best of his health, he was encountered by Coronavirus. He was hale, hearty and knew how to embrace life; A man with a beautiful soul, full of human values and humane to the core.

Born in a learned Kayastha family in Khagauli, Madhubani, Bihar on October 20, 1946, Late Shri Ram Mohan Prasad’s father was DSP in Police. He had 7 siblings, 4 brothers, and 3 sisters. He did his schooling from Jila School, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, College from L.S College Muzaffarpur and completed his degree in BSc (Hons) Chemistry and later studied law. He joined Police services in 1969 and retired at the age of 58 yrs in Dec 2004. He got married to Mrs. Archana Prasad on 24 Feb 1973 at the age of 27 and later was blessed with 2 daughters and one son. During his team of service, he was posted to Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Motihari, Khagargiya, Samastipur, Sitamarhi, Hajipur, Arrah and Patna. Post-retirement he started practicing law and joined the high court.  

It’s not common for a daughter-in-law writing about his father-in-law but I was the lucky one and I want to tell him he was the most understanding human being around. It’s just the last christmas we had such a lovely time, we saw so many places in Bihar and bonded like never before.

Never knew if that was going to be the last time i would see him. He was so happy as his Bahu, Son and Grand-children were enjoying places in Bihar, selecting the best christmas tree and ornaments to hang around. As a gift we got him sports shoes as he was a fitness freak. These memories shake me and it's really hard to believe- he is gone…..

I shared a beautiful relation as the only daughter-in-law who is from Punjabi culture but only with his help and guidance could understand a new culture. He was the one who introduced me to all the customs and traditions and also made me understand the importance of every relation new or old.

We created a relationship of mutual trust and understanding and yes it took a few year but then he could know me to the core. He wanted to see me doing well in my career and always wanted to see me dressed up the best.

He was a big foodie so he kept bringing all sorts of stuff of his choice and asked me to cook his best delicacies whenever we were around.

He had served in police for 36 years and was a storyteller as he had so much to share, the incidents he encountered and what all he faced in his life.

He was a learned person with knowledge of each and every field and looked up to the celebrities like Shri Amitabh Bachchan and nations hero like Lt Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri and Shri Narendra Modi. He started practicing law post his retirement as he was also a lawyer by profession.

All his life he wanted to be self sufficient and wanted to be best of himself. He was fond of lavish lifestyle along with being close to nature. He spends lots of time gardening and doing yoga. His day started early and ended watching news or methodological series. 

He made sure he spoke to us every week even in his busy schedule. He loved to talk like kids with his grandchildren; he created such a beautiful bond which still makes me nervous of kids missing the coming years.

He was a social person and had a very long list of friends and colleagues. He used to respect all his family members and played all the roles beautifully.

He was such an amazing father-in-law in spite of being so conservative in his ideologies he was liberal in his thoughts. Even being rigid in personality, with love he would agree like a kid. Even being so authoritative he could agree to every point if shared with feelings and emotions.

I still remember the time I used to go shopping with him. He would be only looking towards the vibrant colors, he loved buying Red. He knew how to live life to the fullest. He was just not well read but a frequent traveller.

He loved going to places and knowing the importance of those places mythologically. Whenever he would get to sit with me he would tell me the same stories umpteen times and I too would listen with the same interest as I am listening for the first time.  

As a father-in-law he always tried his level best to connect me with the roots and tell me the importance of it. He used to speak highly about Bihar and its importance so that I too feel connected. Today when he is gone I feel I have lost a teacher and guide in my life.  

“Curve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A Legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you”

Such was my Dad whomever he met; he has a story to share. He would leave behind lots of humor and laughter, a beautiful experience and lots of joy.

He taught me to touch the hearts and soul and bring life in the lives of people around. I feel proud to be associated and have his blessings all these years and it's painful to say him Goodbye.

I can say just these few words of thoughts as a daughter in law… my appreciation for my father's greatness cannot be measured.

“Dad your guiding hand on my shoulder will always remain forever”

His last lines in his diary were: Return Ticket is confirmed

रिटर्न टिकट तो कन्फ़र्म है

इसलिए मन भर कर जियें

मन में भर कर नहीं।

छोड़िये शिकायत, शुक्रिया अदा कीजिये

जितना है पास पहले उसका मज़ा लीजिये।

चाहे जिधर गुजरिये, मीठी सी हलचल मचा दीजिए....

उम्र का हर एक दोर मज़ेदार है

अपनी उम्र का मज़ा लीजिये

क्यूँ कि रिटर्न टिकट तो कन्फ़र्म है।


Browse By Tags