User:Sajalchakrabortyias

We have gathered today in memory of Sajal, a dear friend and colleague!

We joined the academy together and then all of us went our separate ways; some to interact again and some to interact with much less frequently. But some of those with whom we didn’t have too much interaction after leaving the Academy still left an indelible mark on us – and Sajal was without any doubt one such person. An officer and gentleman to the core, a larger than life person, the impact he left on many of us is clearly reflected in the eulogies we have heard so far.

I recall Sajal as the very friendly probationer, with a smile that never left him, and as someone who always had time for a friendly chat, no matter where he was going or how much of a hurry he was in; but above all I remember his generosity – the ease with which he would part with anything in case someone else wanted it was amazing. A genuinely large hearted person with a perpetual twinkle in his eye. I also remember very clearly his love for horse riding; in fact if I close my eyes the image of Sajal that comes before me is of this gentleman probationer in his riding gear; a passion he carried on even after leaving the Academy; and was perhaps one of the very few batch mates who was the proud and fond owner of a horse.

Sajal's passing away is a big loss in itself; but it also shows the fragility of life and why we must live each moment, reach out to friends, and above all lend a helping hand to whomsoever and whenever we can. In fact on this count I must say that the amazing sense of camaraderie that I have seen being recounted in the various statements made by batch mates relating to the help they extended during Sajal's professional and medical travails, is so uplifting. Batchmates, many of whom hadn't met him for decades didn’t think for a moment before walking the extra mile to help in whatever way they could, whether it be in Patna or Delhi or Mumbai or Bangalore. All of us must have spent only around a year with each other, and that too close to 40 years ago, but it is very clear that the bonds of friendship that were established in that period are everlasting, and something to very fondly and proudly cherish.

Sajal went through a very tough time professionally and very often the negative, and often incorrect, aspects of his life got projected in the media which thrives on sensationalism. It is absolutely essential that through these few words, expressed and written by many of us, we help to show the world what a wonderful human being Sajal was; his memory must always be with us – a warm and positive memory which brings a glow and a smile each time we think of him. May Sajal rest in peace.