Aparna – As she has stepped in on the next leg of her travel…

Aparna in ancient Indian tradition is Parvati, and the name was on account of her severe tapas to attain her goal – fasting to the extent of even avoiding leaf (parna ) for her food. Aparna B Anilkumar I B Com Taxation and Finance division, was endearingly called as Parukutty (Parvati) by her family.  She was admitted to Sacred Heart College, on her merit as a sports person.  She excelled in throw ball, soft ball and base ball.  Represented the state in soft ball at national level. She was poised to be a great promise, apparently all determined and confident. People who knew her found her bold and daring.

However, what humans propose is not always accomplished. Last week she was with us, today she is not around. This is human life, this is human mystery – which humans have been trying to grapple with from time immemorial.  Sri Buddha defined it as suffering, the reality of life – dukha satya.

Now dukha  is a satyam for her beloved family – her mother Binu, her father Anilkumar (employed in the middle-east), her two sisters – Anjali, the elder, and Arunima, the younger.  We witnessed the terrible anguish the family is suffering from. May God of all consolation being them solace is my prayer today.  Let that be the prayer of all of us. Let us do our best to console the family and hold them close to our hearts in solidarity of prayer.

It is also a time for us to reflect on how we deal with the reality of dukha or suffering in our life. Suffering in silence is one mode, but a healthier mode is to be willing to share our sufferings with someone. Sometimes, we find ourselves at a loss to have someone with whom we can share our pain.  Dear students and staff, let us make it a point that we will determinedly do that. That we will train ourselves to share our pain.  And each of us will be willing to listen to the sufferings of our fellow learner

And I would like the students to take this to your heart that even when you find the members of the staff or the Principal, dealing with you strictly, being severe in our treatment regarding assignments, attendance, campus discipline etc. please, please feel free to approach the staff, HoD, your principal, or the Counsellor when you feel troubled.  We are there for you, in spite of our severe demeanour.

In Hindi we say, Khuda ko pyara ho gaya! It is a believer’s statement regarding fellow human’s departure – become beloved to God!  Let us rest assured in that hope that she has become dearly beloved to God.

Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind;

And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

Let us all remember this and hold her close to our heart and pray that she rests in peace.

And as the poem by Fr. Sajan goes:

ഒരു മഴയും തോരാതിരുന്നിട്ടില്ല 

ഒരു കാറ്റും അടങ്ങാതിരുന്നിട്ടില്ല 

ഒരു രാവും പുലരാതിരുന്നിട്ടില്ല 

ഒരു കോളും കുറയാതിരുന്നിട്ടില്ല 

... അമരത്ത് എന്നരികെ അവനുള്ളതാം 

I hope in the Lord that Aparna’s family will find the end of the rain of this suffering, and see the light of dawn, and so too will Aparna find rest beside the source of eternal rest!

Fr. Prasant CMI