RIP Prof Ritesh Tiwari

You Left Too Early.

I had a draft post about Platforms and Arts this week but then tragedy struck and I lost my IBS Hyderabad colleague and younger brother Prof Ritesh Tiwari to Covid-19 on Friday, 30th April 2021.

Rest in Peace, my brother.

It would be hard to identify many of us in this 10 year old colourful holi picture but I would want to remember Ritesh as a cheerful and smiling human being.

I am also thankful to friends, IBS Hyderabad current students and alumni who have reached out through messages and phone calls to offer their condolences and just check-in. We are blessed to have you in our lives.
I have often reflected on coping mechanisms to deal with such profound loss and have found HHDL’s words calming and inspirational. In summary, three things can help- Believe that the departed soul is now in a better place; your tears/anguish is not going to help the departed soul; and finally try to do things that would have made the departed soul happier.

And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.

And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.

And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

On Death- Kahlil Gibran- 1883-1931

If you have also recently lost someone close to you, my heartfelt condolences. Please do take some time off to grieve and to remember the departed soul. If you would like to communicate to someone to express yourself, just reply to this email. I may not have anything substantial to offer, but I’ll reply and perhaps together we would be able to offer support to each other.

And now is not the time to let down the guard. Please Wear Mask, Wash Your Hands and Maintain Distance. Please Vaccinate ASAP.

I Love You

Shailendra

PS- Like I said earlier in my New Year post, let's oxygenate our relationships by calling/texting our friends and family. Over last few months, I have been using calendly to set up formal/informal calls with friends and family. You could use the link at https://calendly.com/shailendrabisht/catchup to set up an interaction. 

Of course, the easier way is to just pick up phone and call !