Devadas, what can I say about him? He was a constant friend all through my school days. I first met him when I joined Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kanjikode. He was a person who would stand alone in the crowd. A person with a bubbling character full of energy, he would go on to become one of the closest friends of my school days.When I think of him, the first picture that comes to my mind is that of his dance. His performances in school including as Krishna for the school annual day was a big hit and made him popular among the teachers and students alike. As our years rolled by, Devadas became a constant friend. At that time our school was functioning from the Sathram, an old and a palacial building at Kanjikode. I still vividly remember sharing our lunch between our selves. Devadas was highly active in all the cultural activities of the school.
As time went by, I moved on in life. After completing my Pre-Degree, I moved to Calicut to complete my studies in law and after that 3 years of practise. But at this time, I would get the updates of Devadas from common friends. He was flourishing as a teacher, earning high regards with the public. He was a born teacher, a sort of a jack of all trade proficient in dealing all the subjects with ease. He was a teacher working with Assisi and Seventh Day schools. He also ran a successful tution centre from his home. On my visits back to Palakkad, I used to bump on him in town some times. One of those occations was in the town where I could find him escorting a big train of students for some function. We had a long talk on that day. After I moved my practise to Palakkad, I would occationally meet him in town on his eveining walks and visits to the Ganapathi Temple. The last I met him was over 1 year ago. He was returning from the Ganapathi temple in town and saw me at Sulthanpet. We had a long talk, vividly and nostalgically recollecting our days in school. After some time, Devadas insisted that he had to meet my parents and visited my home where he had a long talk with my parents which lasted upto 8 PM. I dropped him at the Stadium Bus Stand on that day. That was the last time I saw him. Of course, we used to keep in contact through ORKUT. But my professional commitments kept me busy and any contact with him was rare and far between.
Last week, I got the disturbing news tha Devadas was suffering from acute illness and also saw a picture of him taken by a close friend. I was shocked to say the least. He looked weak and fragile. I wanted to call him after that but my work kept me busy. Today when I was in the courts working in the morning, I gotthe call from Mahendra informing me that Devadas has left this world and us for ever to attain the heavenly abode. I cursed my self for not calling him when I could, a blotI would carry in my heart for the rest of my life. I visited his house to pay my homage to him. He looked composed but that rediant smile that is the hall mark of Devadas still in his lips. He seemed to be resting peacefully.
Devadas
You left us early, it was not your time. Anyway you will remain part of our lives and our minds for ever. May you rest in peace and find the deserving place in the heavenly abode.
Manoj
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