28th August, 2013 was the day of Janamashtami by Hindu calendar that year when our father Shree Krishna Deo Tiwary, Advocate left for His heavenly abode. Though we observe His departure by Hindu calendar on the day of Janamashtami, the date of 28th August by the english calendar is equally painful and sad for us. It was around 1.20 PM when the life support system in the ICU of Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur went blank, the cardiogram started showing flat and the blood pressure became zero. We were all in tears and our own hearts were sinking.

My younger brother started doing the hospital formalities and it was decided that the funeral must be done as soon as possible, as this is the Hindu system of last rites. When the soul leaves the body, the body must be put on the funeral pyre as soon as possible. I along with my youngest brother brought our mother and other family members home while my second brother along with some of his friends remained at the hospital for discharge papers. Some of his friends informed on phone others and soon Jamshedpur came to know that Tiger was no more.

Soon many people started converging on our home. By the time Mukesh, my younger brother reached home with Baba, people had made all preparations for the last journey of Baba. After the rituals at home we left for the crematorium. People kept arriving at the crematorium while the religious rituals were being performed. Finally the funeral pyre was lit, Baba was leaving and all his friends and well wishers were in shock and tears. They knew that Baba was in hospital for few days but all of us had expected him to recover finally. This did not happen.

Today we want to thank all those who turned up that day and helped a heart broken and shattered family to bid final good bye to Baba. We shall ever be indebted to all these friends and well wishers and the staff at the crematorium who helped us perform the last rites of Baba in the most dignified manner.

As a child Baba was very energetic and throughout his life he was physically and mentally very strong. One of the lessons that we learnt from him was to stay strong during adverse times. When for the last time he was being shifted to the ICU, his eldest grandson Savyasachi was beside him and he started crying when doctors told that Baba had to be shifted to ICU as his condition was deteriorating. On this Baba chided Savyasachi and asked him why he was crying ? He firmly in a strict tone told Savyasachi not to cry and be strong while He was himself on way to the ICU. In 1967, when my grandmother expired in hospital, Baba was arguing a case in the Court. One of his friends came to him and whispered in the ears that my grandmother ( Baba’s mother ) had expired. Baba did not flinch at all. Only after completing the arguments he took leave of the Court and then proceeded to complete the last rites.

A great human being, a great fighter who made his way in life overcoming innumerable challenges, Baba was the epitome of virtues. A great friend, he always stood by his friends. He always stood by the unprivileged classes and practiced humane principles in life. His thoughts on society were ideal, progressive, impressive and inspiring. He imparted great learning, honesty and morality to his children and we are carrying it forward.

We always remember You and miss You Dad ! But we also realize and feel your presence around us all the time and you have always protected us when required.