In 2015, a simple email introduction blossomed into a profound friendship with Madhav uncle, an Army Ordnance Corps officer and a guiding light. His unwavering support, heartfelt feedback, and kindness transformed him from an admired elder into a cherished friend. Rashmi Oberoi reflects on his passing and the memories of his wisdom and affection.
Our friendship began in the autumn of 2015. It all started with wonderful people sharing my published articles. Madhav uncle shared his appreciation for my work and we were introduced via email. My aunts and uncles have been my greatest cheerleaders, sharing my work with numerous accolades (well-deserve
Madhav uncle, in his early 80’s then, became my friend more than an uncle. He would respond to every email of mine and give a detailed feedback to all my published pieces. He was also my protector against brickbats and trolls.
Over the course of time, our emails were long and lengthy discussing our families/life/incidents/ideas at large. There was also the Sunday morning calls he made to check on me. He also called me ‘Rash’ as all my close friends do.
It is imperative I mention now that Madhav uncle, from the 1st course JSW, No 7 Division, “C” Squadron served as an upright Army Ordnance Corps officer till his retirement. The army component of 1st JSW course joined IMA Dehradun in January 1951.
This course has the distinction of producing three Chiefs of the tri-services among other great honors and achievements. Of course, uncle was already in touch with my father Lt. Gen Vijay Oberoi (a legend himself) and they corresponded over emails often.
When my collection of short stories with ‘Slices of life’ was published in 2019, he wrote me the most beautiful review: “Rash Dear, you know what strikes me most and have liked too about you (also from your writings) – it’s your absolute frank, forthright and an uninhibited expression of your experiences even from your personal life and beliefs without fear or fervor and not caring about what people might think. I applaud you for being a woman of substance – right thoughts and beliefs.”
This humble uncle of mine was kind and straightforward at all times. Even though he came from a family of repute, he had no airs and was a gentleman who believed in simplicity.
I had the pleasure of getting to know most of his family albeit long-distance. We always spoke of meeting up in the near future whenever the right time would present itself.
I finally made it to Secunderabad in March this year… Alas, it was too late. Uncle passed away on the 31 January 2024, a few months after turning into a nonagenarian. I did go to the house and pay my condolences to Vani, his daughter who is now my dear friend. I posed next to uncle’s picture – he must have looked down at us girls in delight.
His voice keeps ringing in my ears: “Rash, you are so dear to me and even though we have never met, you have become my family. But I know I’ll die before meeting you…” That ache will never leave me… I regret not making it in time to see him.
Au Revoir Brig VHM Prasad… My Uncle Madhav… Thank you for your love and affection and those beautiful emails that I will always treasure and keep re-reading… A constant source of joy and encouragement for me.