The Whispering Epitaph

             

         The Whispering Epitaph

It was in 2014, the exact date I can’t recollect as some dates are like that,Implanted in the heart. One sweet voice in Odia “Kie Baishnab ?” (who , Baishnab?” (Who am I speaking to you)Mun Kie Kahuchi Jani parilat ?”Pondered for a couple of seconds and shouted in ecstacy,”Hai Upendra, kana Cochin ru?Equally surprised Upendra blurted out,”What a memory Baishnab,40+ years and You could recognize my voice,wonderful.”I just quipped some voices are like that it gets recorded and echoes every time. Our  master craftsman was with him.

 

Of all flyers who were airborne  on 13th May Upendra must be most skilled  with a lions heart,eagles eyes and ladies fingers,yet the best of planes and pilots can meet untimely crash. Such is the tragedy on the aftermath of Upendra’s getting out of the orbit;” started losing heights but piloted with brave heart with the defiant  voice “I AM THE storm” to the turbulence of the craft “Can you withstand the storm” till withering of his power, slowing of the lions heart and shrinking of ladies fingers and the crash  with the retrieved black box  whispering :

 

“Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call;

I turned my back and left it all.

  

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way;

I found that place at the close of day.

 

 

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss;

Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.”

 

                                            

                           

 

The values you set in the  MKCG  1970 Batch mates  group are beyond appreciation ,beyond praise and beyond comparison. No language however eloquent and complimentary can describe its vast, varied and versatile contribution to the group. And  they will always remain with us.Upendra,always a source of inspiration has left behind a rich harvest of memories, to cherish,honor and emulate.

      

  Upendra’s last conversation with me,”Baishnab ,can you please add xxxx name and details in our icon”. Dear Upendra can’t you do this exercise once for all .It is infact a Herculean task

“And  for you  , 5minutes ? You can’t disagree, as in xxxx case you had done it.This is the last time I am requesting you. I shall prepare a consolidated final list and give it to you ,please give some time.”

But before that, he joined the heavenly choir. And His promise?

Reborn as “UCB ICON”.

 Unfinished task is for others to complete

                                     In reverence and remembrance

                                               MKCG 1970 Batch mates

                                              Dr(Major)BCNAYAK