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Requiem
“On life's journey faith is nourishment,
virtuous deeds are a shelter,
wisdom is the light by day and
right mindfulness is the protection by
night. If a man lives a pure life,
nothing can destroy him.”
SESHAN MAHADEVAN
1943 – 2015
KAUSHIK MITRA
1968 – 2015
Here in the gardens,
where one’s home is
situated far away,
nostalgia does set in, more so during festivals.
However, the Tea family’s bonding is such that
homesickness is swept off, with celebrations of most
major festivals at the clubs, where all members whole
heartedly join in, regardless of caste, creed or religion!
Maya Angelou rightly says, “I long, as does every
human being, to be at home wherever I find myself ”
and we are lucky to have found our ‘home away from
home’ here!
Each occasion involves intricate planning, with minute
details being looked into, so that the event goes off
without a hitch. Event Managers in cities would
definitely get a run for their money, were they to
compete with us in this field! The club sports a
different look during each festival, as per the traditions
involved. So, while a Deepawali celebration transforms
it into a beautifully lit place, complete with ‘rangolis’,
marigolds and warm colours, Bihu would see a totally
different look by way of traditional Assamese
decorations adorning it and Christmas, yet another,
with the décor pertaining to it, and so on. The ladies’
culinary skills are showcased each time, as they churn
out dishes from all over India, befitting the occasion.
And of course, each member takes immense pain to
dress up for the occasion, with mommas tailoring
special outfits for their little ones as well! Rituals too
are followed as each festival is celebrated in its own
unique way.The spirit of goodwill and harmony is the
foundation behind all the celebrations.
At a time when there is discord among communities
in various regions of the world, our little Tea
community could well teach everybody a thing or two
about Unity inDiversity.Weare akin to a choir, where
in different notes, we’re singing the same song “…One
World, One Heart; Let’s get together and feel
alright…” (Bob Marley)
THE WMTIMES TEAM
Editor : Sarita Dasgupta
Assistant Editor : Rupa Saikia
Coordinator : Sunny Uthup
Camaraderie
62 January 2016 January 2016 63
~ Gautama Buddha