Namaste
This is not a professional post. Read on nonetheless, if you believe that life is larger than work & profession, and that ‘grief’ , ‘growth’ & ‘grace’ are existential co-pilgrims.
Yesterday was 7 years since my son Utkarsh transcended. We chose to sow & grow strength in the garden of our sorrow, and water it with our tears of love.
We visited Utkarsh’s university (NU) and hugged the Neem tree that he had planted 11 years ago soon after joining B.Tech. It was both a sombre moment as well as a strength-full experience. We planted four trees, and recreated our family of four.
And then we visited the UTKARSH Reading Alcove, that thanks to University leadership’s support, we have instituted in Utkarsh’s loving remembrance at NU library. 240 non-academic books on wide-ranging themes of literature, nature, poetry, metaphysics, contemporary affairs, psychology added, and more on the way.
We also contributed at a tree plantation movement in Delhi, and sent library-in-class kits to Chhattisgarh for socio-economically disadvantaged tribal children.
When in loss, remember to continue showering love.
When in grief, remember to seek the path of growth & grace.
And as my wise (way ahead of his 22 years) son, Utkarsh would aver —
“Share with all your love & do what you can”
How are you sowing strength in the garden of sorrow, and doing what you can! Share your stories & views.
With love, light & grace
Neena Verma with Yogesh Verma & Pratyush Verma