Snapped Dacca Town1930 My ma. 2 Introduction Sudha my mother covers almost all the Chapters written as my maiden family biography – ‘Dispersion’ in two

Snapped Snapped Dacca Dacca Town1930Town1930

My ma

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IntroductionIntroduction Sudha my mother Sudha my mother covers almost all covers almost all the Chapters written the Chapters written as my maiden as my maiden family biography – family biography – ‘Dispersion’ in two ‘Dispersion’ in two parts inparts in

http://www.arnab.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

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IntroductionIntroduction

Here 164 slides 10 seconds Here 164 slides 10 seconds apart show excerpts from apart show excerpts from the original web page of the original web page of Arnab, Sudha’s IX grand Arnab, Sudha’s IX grand son and my eldest son.son and my eldest son.

SujataSujata

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Few linesFew lines Born & brought up in Born & brought up in

rural Bengal Sudha rural Bengal Sudha Chatterjee grew up with Chatterjee grew up with her one elder & four her one elder & four younger brothers, four younger brothers, four sisters & her motherless sisters & her motherless p-she Kashi as an elder p-she Kashi as an elder sis than an Aunt. sis than an Aunt.

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Few linesFew lines

Sandwiched between Sandwiched between qualified brothers Sudha qualified brothers Sudha loved reading books and loved reading books and was aware of matters was aware of matters going on in the outer going on in the outer world! Part II reflects world! Part II reflects Sudha as a loving Sister!Sudha as a loving Sister!

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Few lines

As a teenager after As a teenager after marriage Sudha gained marriage Sudha gained wings moving from wings moving from Padma river rich Bengal Padma river rich Bengal to Sindhu river rich west to Sindhu river rich west Indian states and Indian states and eventually almost all eventually almost all main Indian cities. main Indian cities.

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Few lines

The following pages as The following pages as Part I give some Part I give some glimpses of her life as a glimpses of her life as a responsible Sister- in- responsible Sister- in- law. law.

Daughter SujataDaughter Sujata B 14/168 KalyaniB 14/168 Kalyani

July 2004July 2004

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Part I: Part I: excerptsexcerpts

Sudha Sudha as as a a Sister- in- lawSister- in- law

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My ma(Chapter III: page14) Sudha was married to Sudha was married to Chitta Ranjan eldest son Chitta Ranjan eldest son

of of Mahamaya & Mahamaya & Manindra Nath Mukhotee, Manindra Nath Mukhotee,

when he passed his when he passed his second entrance second entrance examination. examination.

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My ma(Chapter III: page 14)

C R continued his B Sc C R continued his B Sc with Astronomy in with Astronomy in Calcutta University and Calcutta University and Sudha stayed with C Sudha stayed with C R’s two younger R’s two younger brothers and four brothers and four sisters at parent in-laws sisters at parent in-laws in Chitagang & Daccain Chitagang & Dacca..

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Manindra Nath Mukhotee Manindra Nath Mukhotee a graduate of Dacca a graduate of Dacca University of 1906 died University of 1906 died as a Sub Inspector just as a Sub Inspector just after C R ‘s graduation after C R ‘s graduation from Calcutta University from Calcutta University in 1933.in 1933.

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My ma(Chapter III: page 14) In between Manindra In between Manindra

Nath Mukhotee just could Nath Mukhotee just could marry Anupama, the marry Anupama, the eldest of his four eldest of his four daughters to Kalipada daughters to Kalipada Banerjee as marriage of a Banerjee as marriage of a daughter was considered daughter was considered the first duty of parents .the first duty of parents .

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The responsibility of The responsibility of widowed grandma widowed grandma Mahamaya with Kaka Mahamaya with Kaka Nashu & Manu, P-She Nashu & Manu, P-She Bulbuli, Tultuli & Kutti Bulbuli, Tultuli & Kutti became that of like C R’s became that of like C R’s daughters Meera & baby daughters Meera & baby Sabita to Sudha. Sabita to Sudha.

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With all of them With all of them

Sudha shifted to Sudha shifted to Canning after- Canning after-

C R had taken up a C R had taken up a job! job!

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Tultuli P-she recalls the Tultuli P-she recalls the days even today in 2004 days even today in 2004 of Sudha’s wise of Sudha’s wise management of Kitchen management of Kitchen handed over by widowed handed over by widowed grand-ma who now had a grand-ma who now had a separate Kitchen for her! separate Kitchen for her!

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Sudha had a purple Sudha had a purple colored heavy gold colored heavy gold threaded expensive threaded expensive Benarashi sari from Benarashi sari from grand-ma, a gift to grand-grand-ma, a gift to grand-ma by her ma by her Guru-ma.

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Guru-ma had it from had it from the Maharani of the Maharani of Kashi, who passed on Kashi, who passed on the sari to grand-ma the sari to grand-ma as divine blessings!as divine blessings!

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My ma

Like the gold threaded Like the gold threaded Sari Sudha adored all Sari Sudha adored all of widowed grand-ma’s of widowed grand-ma’s and the entire family and the entire family moved together!moved together!

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My ma

They moved from They moved from Canning to Pakur to Canning to Pakur to Mahishadal to Tamluk Mahishadal to Tamluk to Kashim Bazar to all to Kashim Bazar to all the places as C R the places as C R moved!moved!

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My ma

Then as C R joined Then as C R joined RIAF during WWII they RIAF during WWII they all once again returned all once again returned back to Pashchimpara , back to Pashchimpara , Vikrampur with Kaka Vikrampur with Kaka Noshu carrying on his Noshu carrying on his studies in Calcutta!studies in Calcutta!

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My ma

After the War Sudha After the War Sudha joined C R at joined C R at Allahabad, Kaka Nashu Allahabad, Kaka Nashu taking the rest of the taking the rest of the family to Tollygunj as a family to Tollygunj as a S I in the Excise S I in the Excise department!department!

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My ma

Then Sudha with C R & Then Sudha with C R & her three daughters her three daughters and a son traveled from and a son traveled from Allahabad to Ambala to Allahabad to Ambala to Lahore spending a year Lahore spending a year at each place!at each place!

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My ma

From Lahore to Bombay From Lahore to Bombay & then at Agra Sudha & then at Agra Sudha took up grand-ma’s took up grand-ma’s responsibility once responsibility once again after Kaka again after Kaka Nashu’s accidental Nashu’s accidental death at Calcutta as S I. death at Calcutta as S I.

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My ma

1950 at Agra P-She 1950 at Agra P-She Bulbuli was married to Bulbuli was married to Santo Dhan Banerjee of Santo Dhan Banerjee of Shaharanpur and Sudha Shaharanpur and Sudha with the new born child with the new born child had efficiently managed had efficiently managed all as P-She Tultuli recalls all as P-She Tultuli recalls even today in year 2004!even today in year 2004!

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My ma

As Kaka Manu took the As Kaka Manu took the charge of S I soon after charge of S I soon after Sudha took up grand-ma’s Sudha took up grand-ma’s responsibility of marrying responsibility of marrying P-She Tultuli to Suraj Nath P-She Tultuli to Suraj Nath Chatterjee of Allahabad Chatterjee of Allahabad but at Tollygunj Calcutta but at Tollygunj Calcutta in 1951in 1951

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My ma

At Tollygunj, Calcutta At Tollygunj, Calcutta C R’s youngest sis C R’s youngest sis Kutti was married in Kutti was married in 1952 to Shobhanlal 1952 to Shobhanlal Banerjee of Calcutta.Banerjee of Calcutta.

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My ma

Thus C R & Sudha could Thus C R & Sudha could give peace in certain give peace in certain amount to a grieving amount to a grieving widowed grand-ma widowed grand-ma Mahamaya though she Mahamaya though she was not so happy as all was not so happy as all were in active Aviation!were in active Aviation!

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My ma

And finally an early And finally an early widowed grand-ma widowed grand-ma Mahamaya was set free Mahamaya was set free of her duty after Kaka of her duty after Kaka Manu’s marriage with Manu’s marriage with Manju Chakroborty at Manju Chakroborty at Tollygunj, Calcutta.Tollygunj, Calcutta.

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My ma

All the four P-She had All the four P-She had taken active initiative taken active initiative in this act to assist in this act to assist Sudha of grand-ma Sudha of grand-ma Mahamaya’s Mahamaya’s responsibility.responsibility.

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My ma(Chapter IV: page 25)

While in Madras she While in Madras she with sisters and with sisters and Sudha with her ladies Sudha with her ladies club members had club members had gone to the beach for gone to the beach for a moonlit picnic. a moonlit picnic.

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My ma(Chapter IV: page 25)

Eyes closed, she can Eyes closed, she can still see the star filled still see the star filled night sky with the night sky with the moon reflecting on moon reflecting on blue sea with white blue sea with white foams of dashing foams of dashing waves.waves.

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My ma (Chapter IV: page 30)

In Later years while at In Later years while at Tollygunj in Calcutta Tollygunj in Calcutta grandma took her to the grandma took her to the nearby nearby burigangaburiganga (Aadi (Aadi ganga) in the early morning ganga) in the early morning for her daily holy dip and for her daily holy dip and fetching sacred water for fetching sacred water for dada's rituals of thread dada's rituals of thread ceremony. ceremony.

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My ma ( Chapter IV: page 30)

Leaving home in the Leaving home in the early mornings, before early mornings, before Sunrise, grandma first Sunrise, grandma first visited the nearby visited the nearby burning ghat. Grand-ma burning ghat. Grand-ma passed on the small jute passed on the small jute bag and asked her to bag and asked her to stand at a distance from stand at a distance from the pyres. the pyres.

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My ma ( Chapter IV: page 30)

She then bowed She then bowed her head to the her head to the pyres where ladies pyres where ladies feet where painted feet where painted red. red.

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After that grand-ma After that grand-ma asked not to touch asked not to touch her and went straight her and went straight in the water taking in the water taking dip after dip till the dip after dip till the Sun was visible in Sun was visible in the horizon!the horizon!

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Grand-ma with folded Grand-ma with folded hands came out hands came out chanting chanting mantra’s mantra’s ((prayer in Sanskrit), prayer in Sanskrit), changed clothes, changed clothes, collected holy water and collected holy water and holding her hand walked holding her hand walked towards a temple.towards a temple.

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she could see two she could see two feet, bordered red and feet, bordered red and decorated with decorated with flowers, hibiscus, that flowers, hibiscus, that too red. Grand-ma sat too red. Grand-ma sat near the feet, touched near the feet, touched them with tears..them with tears..

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Before entering the Before entering the house she whispered house she whispered in her ear,“ ma Kay in her ear,“ ma Kay ko-ish Na“ (don't let ko-ish Na“ (don't let Sudha know this). Sudha know this).

She understood.She understood.

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That was in year That was in year 1957!1957!

But that she But that she understands now in understands now in year 2004 is totally year 2004 is totally different!different!

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Grand-ma daughter of Grand-ma daughter of Shastro Shiromoni Tirtha-Shastro Shiromoni Tirtha-lankar (leading honor of lankar (leading honor of Sanskrit school) Ananto Sanskrit school) Ananto Chakrobarty was left Chakrobarty was left with nothing to follow with nothing to follow what she had learned! what she had learned!

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And to perform a And to perform a ritual out of Status ritual out of Status is not a happy is not a happy event! event!

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Grand-ma with her Grand-ma with her previous Status never previous Status never imagined of performing a imagined of performing a grand son’s thread grand son’s thread ceremony the way she ceremony the way she did.. did..

………………..That for her tears!..That for her tears!

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Grand-ma’s rest Grand-ma’s rest act was of wanting act was of wanting to get rid of to get rid of herself, a sinner herself, a sinner she might had she might had thought of her fate!thought of her fate!

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She did not let She did not let anyone know that! anyone know that!

……… ………..That for ..That for don’t tell Sudha don’t tell Sudha what you kid do not what you kid do not follow! follow!

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My ma (Chapter VI: page 52)

The visit of C R’s The visit of C R’s brother in law S D brother in law S D Banerjee in New Banerjee in New Delhi reflects Delhi reflects Sudha’s bondage Sudha’s bondage with P-She Bulbuliwith P-She Bulbuli

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The Republic The Republic day morning in day morning in New Delhi New Delhi suddenly turned suddenly turned warm in 1959.warm in 1959.

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My ma (Chapter VI: page 52) The chill of the early The chill of the early

hours at Raj path and hours at Raj path and India gate was forgotten India gate was forgotten soon as soon as

P-Shay came with sweets, P-Shay came with sweets, letters and snaps from letters and snaps from

P-She. P-She.

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It appeared, It appeared, P-Shay was a P-Shay was a sort of close sort of close friend to C R friend to C R

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P-Shay talked about P-Shay talked about the Saved Air crash the Saved Air crash with a dignitary for with a dignitary for that P-Shay was that P-Shay was awarded on that awarded on that day! day!

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Sudha expressed her Sudha expressed her blessings. blessings.

P-Shay left for his P-Shay left for his unit at Bangalore unit at Bangalore with a letter from with a letter from Sudha for P-She.Sudha for P-She.

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Years after at Purulia, Years after at Purulia, this P-She talked of this P-She talked of Sudha with tears; with Sudha with tears; with what difficulty Sudha had what difficulty Sudha had managed the situation managed the situation with all of them from with all of them from collapsing down. collapsing down.

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How P-She had How P-She had teased Sudha as a girl teased Sudha as a girl and Sudha tolerated. and Sudha tolerated. How P-She had used How P-She had used Sudha's silk sari’s to Sudha's silk sari’s to decorate her dolls.decorate her dolls.

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My ma (Chapter VI: page 55) All these childish All these childish

confessionsconfessions

P-She made in tears as a P-She made in tears as a token of affection and token of affection and gratitude towards Sudha, gratitude towards Sudha, for securing firm for securing firm settlement in her life.settlement in her life.

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My ma(Chapter VII: page 75) Sudha was equally Sudha was equally

tolerable & helpful to tolerable & helpful to neighbors as was neighbors as was reflected when few met reflected when few met again & again after years again & again after years as all stayed in military as all stayed in military camps that surely proves camps that surely proves that the earth is Round!that the earth is Round!

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My ma(Chapter VII: page 75) A Delhi Walk-I Aunt was very A Delhi Walk-I Aunt was very

close to Sudha. It was her close to Sudha. It was her duty to bring flowers and duty to bring flowers and durba and bel-pata and tulsi durba and bel-pata and tulsi from from INAINA market for Aunt’s market for Aunt’s Thursday ritual of worshipping Thursday ritual of worshipping the goddess lakshmi that with the goddess lakshmi that with for Sudha, though Aunt had for Sudha, though Aunt had those made of copper metal. those made of copper metal.

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My ma(Chapter VII: page 75)

Aunt did not talk to her Aunt did not talk to her much but the conversations much but the conversations which she had with Sudha which she had with Sudha revealed the previous revealed the previous identity and even at that age identity and even at that age she thought that Aunt was she thought that Aunt was different but surely great.different but surely great.

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My ma(Chapter VII: page 81) A sweet relationship A sweet relationship

existed with Sudha & P-existed with Sudha & P-She, C R’s sister Tultuli She, C R’s sister Tultuli married to S N married to S N Chatterjee from Chatterjee from Allahabad but maternally Allahabad but maternally related to Tagore’s family related to Tagore’s family at JoraSanko, Calcutta!at JoraSanko, Calcutta!

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My ma(Chapter VII: page 81) SNC P-Shay remembered SNC P-Shay remembered

Sudha at Avadi. He was Sudha at Avadi. He was the one whom C R had the one whom C R had urgently called from urgently called from Tambaram at St.Thomas Tambaram at St.Thomas mount hospital_ Sudha mount hospital_ Sudha fighting for her life. fighting for her life.

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SNC P-Shay had SNC P-Shay had always maintained always maintained the respectable the respectable distance from distance from Sudha, as was Sudha, as was usual then!usual then!

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Tultuli P-She was the Tultuli P-She was the favorite of Sudha. She favorite of Sudha. She looked sober even now looked sober even now she was straight, just she was straight, just as if she was one of as if she was one of her elder sister and not her elder sister and not C R's younger one. C R's younger one.

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Unfortunately Bulbuli Unfortunately Bulbuli was in Purulia, Tultuli was in Purulia, Tultuli in Bangalore, Kutti in in Bangalore, Kutti in pilgrimage and Kaka pilgrimage and Kaka Manu was in Birbhum Manu was in Birbhum when Sudha left for when Sudha left for her heavenly abode. her heavenly abode.

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None of them None of them were near C R were near C R to make him to make him feel at home feel at home without Sudha!without Sudha!

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My ma(Chapter VIII: page 89)

Paternal Grand-paPaternal Grand-pa Manindra Nath Mukhotee Manindra Nath Mukhotee Paternal Grand-maPaternal Grand-ma Mahamaya ChakravarteeMahamaya Chakravartee

Pa : Pa : Chitta Ranjan Chitta Ranjan

MukhoteeMukhotee Ma: Ma: Sudha Chatterjee Sudha Chatterjee

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Sudha as a Sister-Sudha as a Sister-

in-law in-law

End of part IEnd of part I

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Sudha as a Sister

part IIpart II

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My ma (Chapter IX: page 05)

Ma is like …… ………..following the

Ganges, through spectacular Scenery past the origin which is the awe inspiring Gangotri glacier, the source of the river itself to the end where it surrenders in the lap of Sea, the Ganga Sagar!

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Or ma is like …… …….. Kanya Kumari

where the Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal makes visible appearance together as Indian Ocean from the Vivekananda rocks!

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Or ma is like …….….. Viewing the spectacular

soft pearl border parting the emerald landscape and sky blue horizon at the coast with the wide sea stretching towads Sunderbans all together from the window at a height of 30,000 ft!

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Sudha loved reading Sudha loved reading books, stitching books, stitching clothes, knitting wools, clothes, knitting wools, cooking and making cooking and making country sweets, various country sweets, various pithay with payesh and pithay with payesh and even plain cakes. even plain cakes.

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Sudha’s best handicraft Sudha’s best handicraft is in white with blue is in white with blue Sindhi stitch , crème Sindhi stitch , crème colored embroidered in colored embroidered in blue - English tablecloth blue - English tablecloth and laced works but and laced works but none in her possession!none in her possession!

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Sudha had been a silent Sudha had been a silent sufferer of difficult adverse sufferer of difficult adverse situation throughout her life. situation throughout her life.

Anything pleasing reminds me Anything pleasing reminds me of of

My maMy ma

Cheerfully & Instantly!Cheerfully & Instantly!

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My ma(Chapter X: page 11)

This chapter is about Sudha This chapter is about Sudha & Deepali with Mani, the & Deepali with Mani, the last but one younger last but one younger brother of Sudhabrother of Sudha

Fourth in line of Sudha’s Fourth in line of Sudha’s eight younger brothers and eight younger brothers and sisters!sisters!

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While at New Delhi While at New Delhi once in the once in the brother’s day she brother’s day she saw Mama to saw Mama to speak and not speak and not chat with Sudhachat with Sudha

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Sudha overwhelmed Sudha overwhelmed to see the younger to see the younger brother on that brother on that special day with special day with Deepali & Tuni & Deepali & Tuni & Munu as tiny tots & Munu as tiny tots & obviously gifts!obviously gifts!

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And Sudha And Sudha possessed a possessed a soft corner for soft corner for mami Deepali mami Deepali too! too!

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She respectfully She respectfully called Ma’m called Ma’m instead of mami for instead of mami for praising her sense praising her sense of this and that!of this and that!

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And when they finally And when they finally anchored at Calcutta anchored at Calcutta she found Sudha she found Sudha missing from a missing from a similarly laid down similarly laid down lunch table years back lunch table years back but at Delhi!but at Delhi!

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Sudha was Sudha was exceptionally exceptionally adored by this adored by this younger brother younger brother who had just two who had just two elder sisters to call elder sisters to call Didi!Didi!

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Both of them had Both of them had last seen Sudha at last seen Sudha at CMH few days CMH few days before Sudha left before Sudha left for her heavenly for her heavenly abode! abode!

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Sudha was a much-Sudha was a much-wanted person in wanted person in her near & far her near & far neighborhood, neighborhood, especially among especially among couples with small couples with small children.children.

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She has seen Sudha, She has seen Sudha, while warming up in while warming up in the winter afternoon the winter afternoon Sun, communicating Sun, communicating and providing and providing necessary information necessary information to just arrived to just arrived neighbors….., neighbors…..,

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…….. from places at .. from places at south & west coastal south & west coastal areas. areas.

Also from the villages Also from the villages along river along river Brahamaputra and Brahamaputra and Ganges. Ganges.

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It was amusing to see It was amusing to see how they talked and how they talked and listened to each other listened to each other with expressions, smiles with expressions, smiles and stray words from and stray words from English, Hindi, Ashomiya, English, Hindi, Ashomiya, Telegu and off course Telegu and off course Bengali.Bengali.

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Sudha was born and Sudha was born and brought up in a brought up in a highly conservative highly conservative familyfamily.

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My ma (Chapter X: page 27)

She wondered how She wondered how Sudha gradually Sudha gradually learned languages, learned languages, the communication the communication Skills decently Skills decently without words!without words!

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My ma (Chapter X: page 28)

She saw Sudha-She saw Sudha-seeing guests from seeing guests from Bengal, practically Bengal, practically through out the year through out the year while in New Delhi. while in New Delhi.

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My ma (Chapter X :page 28)

Sudha was destined to Sudha was destined to disperse out of Bengal disperse out of Bengal but had a constant but had a constant touch with Bengal touch with Bengal through child hood through child hood folks, indeed her folks, indeed her friends in need! friends in need!

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My ma (Chapter XI: page 33)

Sudha's parent Dadu & Sudha's parent Dadu & Didima lived at Arjunpur Didima lived at Arjunpur left of the VIP road, left of the VIP road, near the city Airport near the city Airport after they had migrated after they had migrated from their ancestral from their ancestral home at Dacca.home at Dacca.

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The large kitchenThe large kitchen was the was the magnetic net thrown by magnetic net thrown by Didima, like a fisher man's Didima, like a fisher man's net holding the rope tightly net holding the rope tightly in her small hand, the lean in her small hand, the lean and tall figured Dadu and tall figured Dadu alarmingly standing behind alarmingly standing behind to hold, in case Didima to hold, in case Didima toppled.toppled.

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M mama Sudha’s immediate M mama Sudha’s immediate younger brother Poltu younger brother Poltu recalled, while in the prison recalled, while in the prison as Detainee with B-mama, as Detainee with B-mama, the eldest of all, for the eldest of all, for supporting Swadeshi supporting Swadeshi movements, he had the movements, he had the permission of writing five permission of writing five letters to his home! letters to his home!

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And all the five he And all the five he wrote to his Didi as wrote to his Didi as brother Poltu. M-brother Poltu. M-mama still had the mama still had the letters which Sudha letters which Sudha wrote back to him. wrote back to him.

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Sudha in her first letter Sudha in her first letter had consoled Poltu for his had consoled Poltu for his personal freeing through personal freeing through ‘Aiysa –din –nahi- rahega’ ‘Aiysa –din –nahi- rahega’ unaware of the unaware of the implication & implication & consequences the words consequences the words may do!may do!

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My ma (Chapter XI: page 37) Sandhya-mashe repents Sandhya-mashe repents

they knew no language they knew no language than Bangla & the than Bangla & the intellectual words were intellectual words were a copy & paste for that a copy & paste for that what innocent Poltu had what innocent Poltu had suffered! suffered!

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M-mama declared M-mama declared that among brothers that among brothers he loved his Didi he loved his Didi most and Didi was most and Didi was Poltu’s Didi all alone!Poltu’s Didi all alone!

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Possibly M mama was Possibly M mama was right in his thought as right in his thought as Sudha’s sis Shova shared Sudha’s sis Shova shared the post of Didi for the the post of Didi for the other three brothers other three brothers Gosain, Mani & Mintu!Gosain, Mani & Mintu!

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She thought about the big note She thought about the big note book, Sudha’s name written in book, Sudha’s name written in red/blue pencil, decorated by red/blue pencil, decorated by flowers, drawn with the same flowers, drawn with the same pencil, in which Sudha had pencil, in which Sudha had some time written about the some time written about the Nobel prize winner poet Nobel prize winner poet possibly at the time when those possibly at the time when those events had taken place.events had taken place.

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The rest write-ups were The rest write-ups were noted down from books noted down from books or newspapers at Sudha’s or newspapers at Sudha’s leisure hours those leisure hours those impressed Sudha’s impressed Sudha’s thoughts and feelings! thoughts and feelings!

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She remembered Sudha She remembered Sudha speaking about the knee speaking about the knee long 22carat gold chain, long 22carat gold chain, contributing to Swadeshi contributing to Swadeshi fund through Narayan fund through Narayan Chatterjee, B-mama and Chatterjee, B-mama and telling Didima that she lost telling Didima that she lost it while bathing in the pond!it while bathing in the pond!

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Sudha had sometimes talked Sudha had sometimes talked about Narayan Chatterjee, B-about Narayan Chatterjee, B-mama, his sufferings, not mama, his sufferings, not having support from Dadu on having support from Dadu on what B-mama wanted to do, what B-mama wanted to do, but Sudha was proud of B-but Sudha was proud of B-mama & also was a supporter mama & also was a supporter & reflected respect towards & reflected respect towards him. him.

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With Sudha’s other With Sudha’s other emotional write ups the emotional write ups the last page of the big last page of the big note book contained note book contained the date, astrological the date, astrological time and place of birth time and place of birth of seven children! of seven children!

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At places Nakalia daughter At places Nakalia daughter Meera, Dhaka daughter Meera, Dhaka daughter Sabita, Hanshail son Pranob, Sabita, Hanshail son Pranob, Bikrampur daughter Aloka, Bikrampur daughter Aloka, RIAF camp Lahore daughter RIAF camp Lahore daughter Sujata, IAF camp Agra son Sujata, IAF camp Agra son Pradip and IAF camp Madras Pradip and IAF camp Madras daughter Sumita.daughter Sumita.

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Sudha was an ardent Sudha was an ardent reader. She has noticed reader. She has noticed that while in Delhi. She that while in Delhi. She was not so used of reading was not so used of reading books written in her books written in her mother tongue but Sudha mother tongue but Sudha read just Bengali books. read just Bengali books.

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She tried some, especially She tried some, especially those which Sudha asked those which Sudha asked not to read. She understood not to read. She understood little, but still remembers little, but still remembers the fat book written by the fat book written by Promath Nath Bishi named Promath Nath Bishi named Lalkella and few written by Lalkella and few written by Chanakya Sen mostly on Chanakya Sen mostly on foreign diplomats!foreign diplomats!

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Sudha had been the Didi for a Sudha had been the Didi for a good number of her cousins good number of her cousins too!too!

Cousin, Shibu, Didima’s Cousin, Shibu, Didima’s younger sister's son, the younger sister's son, the favorite mama, with a camera favorite mama, with a camera in his shoulder & stories in his shoulder & stories related to ghosts, was a much-related to ghosts, was a much-wanted person among kids! wanted person among kids!

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Shibu-mama took all the Shibu-mama took all the kids to the museum to see kids to the museum to see the Egyptian mummy & the Egyptian mummy & the Exhibition at the Eden the Exhibition at the Eden gardens. C R being at gardens. C R being at Delhi Sudha’s permission Delhi Sudha’s permission made it possible for her to made it possible for her to take part! take part!

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In later years Shibu In later years Shibu

mama with Sudha’s mama with Sudha’s ma-she C-Didima had ma-she C-Didima had dropped in to New dropped in to New Delhi to see Sudha.Delhi to see Sudha.

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Being the just one Being the just one Didi of so many bright Didi of so many bright youngsters Sudha youngsters Sudha reighned over but reighned over but with creating envy to with creating envy to some people no some people no doubt! doubt!

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Nearly the same time C R’s Nearly the same time C R’s three cousin brothers from three cousin brothers from Asansol had arrived after Asansol had arrived after visiting Kashmir and visiting Kashmir and exchanged gifts and it exchanged gifts and it appeared they all knew each appeared they all knew each other since the reception other since the reception days some25 years back at days some25 years back at Vikrampur Dacca but as kids! Vikrampur Dacca but as kids!

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Another cousin of Sudha, Another cousin of Sudha, Kanu-mama, Dadu’s Kanu-mama, Dadu’s sister, Kashi didima's son sister, Kashi didima's son was also close to the was also close to the children at that time and children at that time and gave some time-slots to gave some time-slots to the children.the children.

110


Kashi didima's Kashi didima's another son, Dulu another son, Dulu mama too came to mama too came to see Sudha while at see Sudha while at Chakeri, from Chakeri, from Chandigarh.Chandigarh.

111

My ma (Chapter XII: page 64)

Sandhya-mashe was Sandhya-mashe was very attractive, with very attractive, with high cheekbones, like a high cheekbones, like a Greek Goddess; very Greek Goddess; very rare among Bengalese rare among Bengalese and off course had a fair and off course had a fair untainted complexion. untainted complexion.

112


Sandhya-mashe & Sandhya-mashe & Chinmoy-mesho Chinmoy-mesho from Maithon have from Maithon have visited Sudha then visited Sudha then at New Delhi. at New Delhi.

113


C R never discriminated C R never discriminated between his sisters and between his sisters and Sudhaa's sisters. C R was Sudhaa's sisters. C R was busy buying the best, Sudha busy buying the best, Sudha busy cooking the best and all of busy cooking the best and all of them, she with her younger- them, she with her younger- brother Pradip & sister Sumita brother Pradip & sister Sumita & the just arrived cousins & the just arrived cousins playing Traders/Snake ludo etc. playing Traders/Snake ludo etc.

114


Her ears open to Sandhya-Her ears open to Sandhya-mashe's experience of mashe's experience of Bhakra Nangal, tamed for Bhakra Nangal, tamed for generating power and the generating power and the just started rock gardens just started rock gardens there at Chandigarh, where there at Chandigarh, where they stayed for someday at they stayed for someday at Kashi- Didima's place, Dulu Kashi- Didima's place, Dulu mama managing the mama managing the Hindustan Machine and tools.Hindustan Machine and tools.

115


Sudha & Sandhya-mashe Sudha & Sandhya-mashe revived their memoirs of revived their memoirs of kashi-didima. It was a real kashi-didima. It was a real fun because Sandhya-mashe fun because Sandhya-mashe was the solo visitor who was the solo visitor who brought their children with brought their children with them, the two totters them, the two totters Samar , Tapan with the tiny Samar , Tapan with the tiny Bipul then! Bipul then!

116


Chinmoy-mesho & C Chinmoy-mesho & C R chatted mostly they R chatted mostly they talked about the talked about the bygone days & then bygone days & then when Sandhya-mashe when Sandhya-mashe was a kiddy girl.was a kiddy girl.

117


Sudha adored this Sudha adored this younger sister a lot younger sister a lot more than the more than the other three other three Shobha, Ava & Shobha, Ava & Aroti!Aroti!

118

My ma (Chapter XIII: page 72)

Ava-mashe, she Ava-mashe, she Considered was the sister Considered was the sister whom Sudha has visited whom Sudha has visited more, had Confided more, had Confided more, in return Ava-more, in return Ava-mashe has proved to be mashe has proved to be a dotting & sincere a dotting & sincere younger sis to her. younger sis to her.

119


This for the short period This for the short period Sudha lived in Calcutta, Sudha lived in Calcutta, before the CMH opened the before the CMH opened the gate of Heavens for her, gate of Heavens for her, removing the gallbladder removing the gallbladder stones counting 100 stones counting 100 creaking old Dadu & creaking old Dadu & breaking Didima at breaking Didima at Arjunpur!Arjunpur!

120


It was Ava-mashe It was Ava-mashe & Anil-mesho’s place & Anil-mesho’s place where Sudha & C R 's where Sudha & C R 's evening walk stretched evening walk stretched from the eastern side from the eastern side of the park circus of the park circus maidan to the western maidan to the western side, where they lived. side, where they lived.

121


It was Ava-mashe who It was Ava-mashe who last saw Sudha at CMH, last saw Sudha at CMH, whom Sudha had whom Sudha had expressed willingness expressed willingness of leaving this place for of leaving this place for a beautiful trouble free a beautiful trouble free heaven else where!heaven else where!

122


The first introduction The first introduction of Anil-mesho, as she of Anil-mesho, as she saw, was at their saw, was at their place at New Delhi, place at New Delhi, passing on a gift from passing on a gift from Ava-mashe for Didi Ava-mashe for Didi Sudha.Sudha.

123


A world fair was going on, A world fair was going on, some times in 1959 or 1960 some times in 1959 or 1960

Anil-mesho had come there Anil-mesho had come there for some official work from for some official work from Calcutta. He stayed for a Calcutta. He stayed for a day or two, but they had day or two, but they had visited the fair all together! visited the fair all together!

124


The thing of which she can The thing of which she can trace back is the pebbled trace back is the pebbled roads from one pavilion to roads from one pavilion to other, the big illuminated red other, the big illuminated red HERCULES cycle over a HERCULES cycle over a pavilion and the huge pavilion and the huge Russian pavilion made of Russian pavilion made of inflated circular tent inflated circular tent displaying Sputnik models. displaying Sputnik models.

125


Then and on Anil-mesho Then and on Anil-mesho has appeared to be an has appeared to be an relaxed person talking relaxed person talking slowly, giving pause in slowly, giving pause in between, even after 13 between, even after 13 years or so when she next years or so when she next saw him at Ava –mashe’s saw him at Ava –mashe’s place in Park place in Park Circus,Calcutta!Circus,Calcutta!

126


Sudha had been through the Sudha had been through the toughest period during WW II, toughest period during WW II, expecting the fourth child, expecting the fourth child, with early widowed grand with early widowed grand ma's, at Pashchimpara home, ma's, at Pashchimpara home, C R’s whereabouts not C R’s whereabouts not known, may be whether C R known, may be whether C R at Afganistan was alive she at Afganistan was alive she did not know then. did not know then.

127


Any mother would guess Any mother would guess what Sudha had been what Sudha had been through that situation with through that situation with an early widowed grandma an early widowed grandma and what Sudha might be and what Sudha might be praying, leaving apart the praying, leaving apart the other war created problems other war created problems and shortfalls of running a and shortfalls of running a household with children. household with children.

128


Then Sudha had been Then Sudha had been through the rumors of through the rumors of bombing scarce over bombing scarce over Bengal. Bengal.

Then Sudha must have Then Sudha must have heard rumors about the heard rumors about the twin nuclear explosions.twin nuclear explosions.

129


The war ended, with The war ended, with nearly no bombing in nearly no bombing in Bengal, Sudha had her Bengal, Sudha had her fourth child in Vikrampur fourth child in Vikrampur where there were no where there were no roads but water ways roads but water ways through canals and through canals and country boats as vehicles country boats as vehicles for movement!for movement!

130


Meera as a ten year girl Meera as a ten year girl remembers Kutti P-She remembers Kutti P-She herself rowing with grand-herself rowing with grand-ma at mid night to fetch ma at mid night to fetch the person concerned the person concerned needed then through the needed then through the private canal of private canal of Pashchimpara household! Pashchimpara household!

131


C R was back, and C R was back, and Sudha might have Sudha might have regained her faith, regained her faith, which ever idol which ever idol grandma worshipped grandma worshipped among the lot, at among the lot, at Pashchimpara home. Pashchimpara home.

132


During the period, 1945 to During the period, 1945 to 1947 at last Sudha safely 1947 at last Sudha safely and securely lived with C and securely lived with C R in Royal Indian Air force R in Royal Indian Air force Camp Allahabad, Royal Camp Allahabad, Royal Indian Air force Camps Indian Air force Camps Ambala/ Lahore in Punjab, Ambala/ Lahore in Punjab, then in British India!then in British India!

133


Sudha had her children Sudha had her children admitted to Anglo Schools, admitted to Anglo Schools, let them dress in uniforms let them dress in uniforms following the custom there, following the custom there, wearing long coats in wearing long coats in winter, those she had seen winter, those she had seen Didi's wearing somewhere Didi's wearing somewhere she can't remember.she can't remember.

134


Though definitely not out of Though definitely not out of riches, but Sudha had to use riches, but Sudha had to use Ghee Ghee (butter oil) to lit the (butter oil) to lit the sacred lamp for worshipping sacred lamp for worshipping her god, because of nher god, because of not ot getting mustard oil, as was getting mustard oil, as was sometimes mentioned by sometimes mentioned by Sudha.Sudha.

135


Sudha took to making roti Sudha took to making roti and bharta with brinjal and bharta with brinjal instead of frying it with instead of frying it with macher jhol and bhat. macher jhol and bhat.

This is mentioned just to This is mentioned just to indicate that Sudha indicate that Sudha adopted the situation and adopted the situation and changed.changed.

136


For Ava-mashe's and others For Ava-mashe's and others at Dadu's place the situation at Dadu's place the situation was different. During 1945 was different. During 1945 to 1947 they were going to 1947 they were going through different sort of through different sort of things, preparing mentally things, preparing mentally for change & expecting for change & expecting violence any moment!violence any moment!

137


Though Sudha was from a Though Sudha was from a remote village seconded remote village seconded with language barrier, but with language barrier, but silently took part in Baby silently took part in Baby shows, learnt tailoring, shows, learnt tailoring, sewing and lace works in sewing and lace works in the ladies club from senior the ladies club from senior ladies, joining children’s ladies, joining children’s parties and participating in parties and participating in musical chairs and winning musical chairs and winning prizes too!prizes too!

138


No doubt Sudha’s No doubt Sudha’s previous attitude previous attitude towards the British had towards the British had changed by the reunion changed by the reunion of the entire half of the entire half submerged family of submerged family of grand-ma with father!grand-ma with father!

139


The RIAF Camps gave The RIAF Camps gave the security and Sudha the security and Sudha might have realized might have realized something not known till something not known till then in just two years then in just two years expecting her fifth child expecting her fifth child in August 1947 at an in August 1947 at an age around 30 then.age around 30 then.

140


For the rest of Sudha's For the rest of Sudha's family members, it had family members, it had been a deadly tough time been a deadly tough time of celebrating of celebrating independence, giving independence, giving birth to a new nation, birth to a new nation, born out of hatred, not born out of hatred, not faith.faith.

141


SudhSudha under the safe a under the safe and strict vigilance of a and strict vigilance of a British Medical officer British Medical officer was asked not to move, was asked not to move, possibly not so aware of possibly not so aware of rumors of what was rumors of what was going on in the going on in the surroundings. surroundings.

142


Then crossing the Then crossing the just created border just created border was with the was with the escorted retreating escorted retreating British Soldiers British Soldiers convoy….convoy….

143


With 18/19 Indian Air With 18/19 Indian Air force family, at the force family, at the end of August, to end of August, to King's way circle at King's way circle at Bombay, as the troop Bombay, as the troop took the sea voyage.took the sea voyage.

144


Personally for Sudha, Personally for Sudha, as compared to the as compared to the WW II, the event, WW II, the event, partition merely partition merely meant division of the meant division of the Royal Indian Air force Royal Indian Air force ….….

145


To Indian Air force To Indian Air force and Pakistan Air and Pakistan Air force, visibly force, visibly bringing no other bringing no other changes..changes..

146


Sudha’s life style Sudha’s life style and attitude and attitude changed after the changed after the WW II, and remained WW II, and remained unaffected by the unaffected by the partition!partition!

147


Once Ava-mashe told, Once Ava-mashe told, sometimes after that, sometimes after that, about two months later, about two months later, they could contact they could contact Sudha, when Dadu had Sudha, when Dadu had come to Calcutta with come to Calcutta with all of them!all of them!

148


The Mukhotee family The Mukhotee family union took place at union took place at Tollygunge where Tollygunge where grand-ma lived with grand-ma lived with Kaka-manu serving Kaka-manu serving the excise department the excise department as S I as S I

149


As told by Tultuli As told by Tultuli P-She in year P-She in year 2003 present 2003 present then and there then and there years back! years back!

150


And with the And with the Chatterjee family Chatterjee family at Beliaghata at Beliaghata where Dadu where Dadu settled settled temporarily.temporarily.

151


Close to the place Close to the place where Shova, Sudha’s where Shova, Sudha’s immediate younger sis immediate younger sis with her family lived as with her family lived as told by Shova mashe in told by Shova mashe in year 2003 present then year 2003 present then & there years back!& there years back!

152


Years back…… Years back…… That was the winter That was the winter

of the year 1947!of the year 1947!

153


In evidently what In evidently what Sudha heard from her Sudha heard from her sisters made her sisters made her speechless and she speechless and she chose to keep mum chose to keep mum about division of India.about division of India.

154


Ava-mashe, Ava-mashe, Sandhya-mashe & Sandhya-mashe & Choto-mashe always Choto-mashe always remained very close remained very close to Sudha’s eldest to Sudha’s eldest daughter Mira.. daughter Mira..

155


She has not seen She has not seen much of Shova-mashe, much of Shova-mashe, though the first cousin though the first cousin sis Bela from Shova-sis Bela from Shova-mashe had been a pen mashe had been a pen friend of her for quite a friend of her for quite a long time. long time.

156


AAfter Sudha passed fter Sudha passed away, it was Ava-away, it was Ava-mashe who silently mashe who silently listened to C R of his listened to C R of his grievances, of his grievances, of his loneliness, lessening loneliness, lessening his burden and let his burden and let opening his heart. opening his heart.

157


It was at Ava-mashe's It was at Ava-mashe's place in park circus, place in park circus, she with her elder & she with her elder & younger sis & salty younger sis & salty tears had observed the tears had observed the fourth day of Sudha's fourth day of Sudha's passing away.passing away.

158


The cousin sis Manu, The cousin sis Manu, Jhunu, Ratna with Jhunu, Ratna with their friend Aloka their friend Aloka helping them and a helping them and a calm Ava-mashe calm Ava-mashe presiding over the presiding over the event.event.

159

My ma

C R lost Sudha in C R lost Sudha in 1976, at Command 1976, at Command Military Hospital, Military Hospital, Alipore, Calcutta. She Alipore, Calcutta. She had joined C R, crying had joined C R, crying visibly for Sudha. visibly for Sudha.

160

My ma

C R confessed the C R confessed the best time they had best time they had together was at together was at Canning in South Canning in South Bengal..Bengal..

161

My ma

They spend long hours They spend long hours near some river bank, near some river bank, at that very moment at that very moment possibly thinking of possibly thinking of Sudha turning to ashes Sudha turning to ashes at the bank of river at the bank of river Ganges, at Calcutta.Ganges, at Calcutta.

162

My ma(Chapter XIV: page 87)

DaduDadu (JaduNath Chatterjee) (JaduNath Chatterjee) Didima Didima (Shishoobala (Shishoobala

Mukhotee) Mukhotee)

Ma Ma Sudha Chatterjee Sudha Chatterjee Pa Pa Chitta Ranjan Mukhotee Chitta Ranjan Mukhotee

163

Original web page:

http://www.arnab.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

Revised text 10 July 2004

164

My ma

The EndThe End

Documents

Snapped Dacca Town1930 My ma. 2 Introduction Sudha my mother covers almost all the Chapters written as my maiden family biography – ‘Dispersion’ in two