ಜಗನ್ನಾಥ ಶಂಕಂ ಇನ್ನಿಲ್ಲ

🪔 ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಲಿಯ ಹಣತೆಯೊಂದು ಆರಿ ಹೋಯ್ತು 🙏

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*** ವಿಶ್ವೇಶ್ವರ ದೀಕ್ಷಿತ

ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಲಿ ಹುಟ್ಟಿದಂದಿನಿಂದ, ಕನ್ನಡ ಮಕ್ಕಳ ಮೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಆದರ್ಶ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರಾಗಿ, ೨೧ ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಕಾಲ ಸತತವಾಗಿ ಕನ್ನಡ ಪಾಠ ಹೇಳಿದರು. ಕೊನೆಯವರಗೂ ಕ್ರಿಯಾಶೀಲರಾಗಿದ್ದ ಜಗನ್ನಾಥ ಶಂಕಂ ಮಂಗಳವಾರ  ನವಂಬರ ೩೦, ೨೦೨೧ ರಂದು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೃದಯಾಘಾತದಿಂದ ನಿಧನರಾದರು. "ತಾಯಿ‌, ತಾಯ್ ನೆಲ, ತಾಯ್‌ ನುಡಿಗಳು ಸ್ವರ್ಗಕ್ಕು‌ ಮಿಗಿಲು" ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿದಿದ್ದ ಜಗನ್ನಾಥ, ಕನ್ನಡ ನಾಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ, ಬಂಧು ಬಳಗ ಸಮಸ್ತ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರ ಮಧ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ, ಕನ್ನಡ ನುಡಿಯುತ್ತ ಕೊನೆಯ ಉಸಿರೆಳೆದರು.

ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಲಿಯ ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾಗಿ ಮತ್ತು ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಾಗಿ,  ಮತ್ತು ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಲಿ ಅರ್ವೈನ್‌ ಶಾಲೆಯ ಪ್ರಾಂಶುಪಾಲರಾಗಿ ದುಡಿದರು. ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಲಿಯುವ ಮಕ್ಕಳೊಡನೆ ತಾವೂ ಹೆಮ್ಮರವಾಗಿ ಬೆಳೆದರು. ಕನ್ನಡದ ಕಂಪನ್ನು ಹರಡುವಲ್ಲಿ ಸಫಲರಾದರು. ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ನಗುಮುಖದ ಸ್ನೇಹಿತರಾಗಿ ಬಾಳಿದರು.

ಸಿವಿಲ್‌ ಇಂಜಿನಿಯರಿಂಗಲ್ಲಿ PhD ಪದವೀಧರರಾದ ಡಾ. ಜಗನ್ನಾಥ ಶಂಕಂ ಉತ್ತಮ ಇಂಜಿನಿಯರ ಆಗಿದ್ದರು. ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಕ್ಯಲಿಫೋರ್ನಿಯದ ಫ್ರೀವೇ, ಅನೇಕ ಸೇತುವೆ ವಿನ್ಯಾಸ ಮತ್ತು ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ, ಪರಿಸರ ನೈರ್ಮಲ್ಯ ಯೋಜನೆಗಳು ಇವರ ಕೊಡುಗೆ. ಕಾರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರೊಡನೆ ಹೋಗುವಾಗ, “ನೋಡು, ಆ ಬ್ರಿಡ್ಜ್‌ ನಾನು ವಿನ್ಯಾಸ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದು, ಈ ಫ್ರೀವೇ ವಿಭಾಗವನ್ನು ನಾನೇ ಕಟ್ಟಿಸಿದ್ದು” ಎಂದು ಹೆಮ್ಮೆಯಿಂದ ಅವುಗಳ ಹಿಂದಿನ ಕತೆಗಳನ್ನು ವಿಸ್ತಾರವಾಗಿ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. ಈಗ ಈ ತೆಂಕಣ ನಾಡಿನ ಯಾವ ಸೇತುವೆ ಕೆಳಗೆ ಹೋದರೂ, ಅವರ ಕತೆಗಳು ಕೇಳಿಸುತ್ತವೆ; ಕಾರು ತಾನೇ ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಚಲಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.

ಜಗನ್ನಾಥ ಸಮಾಜದಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವಾಗಲೂ ತಮ್ಮನ್ನು ತಾವು ತೊಡಗಿಸಿಕೊಂಡವರು. ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಕ್ಯಲಿಫೋರ್ನಿಯದ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಸಂಘದ ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾಗಿ, ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿಯಾಗಿ, ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಾಗಿ, ಅನೇಕ ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಕಾಲ ಸೇವೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದರು. ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಲಿ ಸ್ಥಾಪನೆಗೆ ಅನುಮೋದನೆ ನೀಡಿ, ಅದರ ಬೆನ್ನೆಲುಬಾಗಿ ನಿಂತು, ಅಂದಿನಿಂದಲೆ ಅರ್ವೈನ್‌ ನಗರದಲ್ಲಿ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರಾಗಿ ಕೆಲಸ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭಿಸಿದರು.  ವರ್ಷ ವರ್ಷವೂ ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಲಿ ದಿನಾಚರಣೆಯನ್ನು ವಿಜೃಂಭಣೆಯಿಂದ ಆಚರಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು.

ವರ್ಷ 2000ದಲ್ಲಿ ಮೊದಲ ಅಕ್ಕ ಸಮ್ಮೇಳನದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರದರ್ಶಿಸಿದ “ಅರ್ಜುನನ ದುಗುಡ” ನೃತ್ಯ ರೂಪಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಇವರದು ಸಂಜಯನ ಪಾತ್ರ. ಸಂಜಯನ ಮನದಾಳವನ್ನು ಬಗೆದು ತೋರಿಸುವಂತೆ ಅಭಿನಯಿಸಿದ  ಜಗನ್ನಾಥ ಅವರಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಟಕದ ಅಭಿರುಚಿಯ ಅಗ್ನಿ ಪ್ರಜ್ವಲಿಸಿತ್ತು. ನಂತರ ನಾನು ಬರೆದ “ಚಕ್ರವ್ಯೂಹ” ನಾಟಕದಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಯಕನ ಪಾತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ದ್ವಂದ್ವ ಭಾವ ತುಮುಲಗಳನ್ನು ನವಿರಾಗಿ ತೆರೆದಿಟ್ಟರು. . ನಾಟಕ ಮಾಡುವಲ್ಲಿ, ಮಾಡಿಸುವಲ್ಲಿ ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗಿಂತ ಮುಂದುವರೆದರು. ಸಂಘದ “ಅತ್ಯುತ್ತಮ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ” ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ಇವರಿಗೆ ಸಂದಿತು.

ವಿಶೇಷವಾಗಿ, ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಲಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರ ಪಾಠಗಳೂ ನಾಟಕಮಯವಾದವು. ಸಂಘದಲ್ಲಿ, ಪ್ರತಿ ವರ್ಷವೂ ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಲಿ ಮಕ್ಕಳ ಒಂದು ನಾಟಕ ಇವರಿಂದ ಗ್ಯಾರಂಟಿ! ಇವರ ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಲಿಸುವುದು ಕೇವಲ ಒಂದು ಪುಸ್ತಕಕ್ಕೆ ಸೀಮಿತವಾಗಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ನಾಟಕಗಳು, ಕವನ ಸಂಕಲನಗಳು, ಕಥಾ ಗುಚ್ಛಗಳು, ಪ್ರಬಂಧಗಳು, ಕಾಮಿಕ್‌ಗಳು, ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಆಕರಗಳು. ಭೂ ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರ, ಭೌತ ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರ, ರಸಾಯನ ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರ, ವಾಸ್ತು ಶಿಲ್ಪ, ಹೀಗೆ ಎಲ್ಲವನ್ನೂ ಹೊಸೆದು. ಕಲಿಸಲು ಹೊಸ ಹೊಸ ವಿಧಾನಗಳನ್ನು ಸದಾ ಅಳವಡಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. ಅಂತೆ, ಅವರು ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳ ಮೆಚ್ಚಿಗೆಗೆ ಪಾತ್ರರಾದರು. ಅವರ ಜೀವನ ಅನುಭವಗಳೆ ಮಾದರಿ. ನುಡಿ ಮೀರಿದ ಕನ್ನಡತನದ ಧಾರೆ, ವರ್ಗದ ಒಳಗೆ, ವರ್ಗದ ಹೊರಗೆ, ನಿರಂತರ.

ಮೂರು ದಶಕಗಳ ಹಿಂದೆ ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಕ್ಯಲಿಫೋರ್ನಿಯಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದ ತಕ್ಷಣ ಆಗ ತಾನೆ ಮೊಗ್ಗು ಬಿಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದ “ಅರಳು ಮಲ್ಲಿಗೆ” ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಗುಂಪಿಗೆ ಸೇರಿಕೊಂಡರು.  ಅರಳು ಮಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಕುಟುಂಬದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದಾದರು. ಮಕ್ಕಳಿಗೆ ಭಾರತ ಮತ್ತು ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯ ಪರಿಚಯ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಟ್ಟರು. ಅರಳು ಮಲ್ಲಿಗೆಯಲ್ಲೆ ಹುಟ್ಟಿದ ಬೀಜ ʼಕನ್ನಡ ಕಲಿʼ ಆಗಿ 2000ದಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊರ ಬಂದಿತು.‌

ಕಳೆದ ಎರಡು ವರ್ಷಗಳಲ್ಲಿ, ಕೆಲವರು ಇವರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಅನ್ಯಾಯದಿಂದ ಹೀನಾಯವಾಗಿ ನಡೆದುಕೊಂಡು, ಯಾವಾಗಲೂ ಸಮುದಾಯದ ಒಳಿತಿಗಾಗಿ ದುಡಿಯುತ್ತ, ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ಹಿತವನ್ನೆ ಬಯಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಈ ನಿಸ್ವಾರ್ಥ ಜೀವಿಯ ಮನ ನೋಯಿಸಿದ್ದರು. ಈ ವಿಷಾದದ ಸಂಗತಿಯಿಂದ ಜಗನ್ನಾಥ ಬಳಲಿದ್ದು ನಿಜ.

ತಮ್ಮ ಪತ್ನಿ ವಸಂತಾ, ಮತ್ತು ಮಕ್ಕಳು ಶಿಲ್ಪಾ ಸುಹಾಸರನ್ನು ಚಿರವಾಗಿ ಅಗಲಿ ಹೋಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇವರೆಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ, ಈ ದುರ್ಭರ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ,  ಶಾಂತಿ, ಸ್ಥೈರ್ಯ, ಮತ್ತು ತಾಳಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಶಕ್ತಿ ದೊರಕಲಿ.

ಈಗ, ಜಗನ್ನಾಥರನ್ನು ನೆನೆಯುತ್ತ, ಅವರ ಗುಣಗಳನ್ನು ಮೈಗೂಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು, ಅವರಿಂದ ಕಲಿತಿದ್ದನ್ನು ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸುತ್ತ, ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರೀತಿ ಉತ್ಸಾಹಗಳಿಂದ ಮುನ್ನಡೆಯುವುದು ಮುಂದಿರುವ ದಾರಿ.

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ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಲಿ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ಕಂಡಂತೆ

ಆಕಾಶ ದೀಕ್ಷಿತ:
ಜಗನ್ನಾಥ್ ಅಂಕಲ್‌ಗೆ ಅಡ್ಡ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ ಕೇಳಿ ತೊಡಕಿಗೆ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿಸಬಹುದು ಎಂದು ಭಾವಿಸಿದ್ದೆವು.

“ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ cross-walkಗೆ ಏನು ಅನ್ನುತ್ತಾರೆ?"
“ಝೀಬ್ರಾ ಪಟ್ಟಿ” ಎಂದು ಥಟ್ಟನೆ ಉತ್ತರಿಸಿದರು.

"ಸರಿ, basket ball ಅಂದ್ರೆ?". 
"ಹ್ಞಂ! ಬುಟ್ಟಿ ಚಂಡು!" ಬಂದಿತು. 

"ಒಳ್ಳೆಯದು, ಸಾಕ್ಸ್ ಅಂದರೆ ಏನು ಗೊತ್ತಾ?" ಕೇಳಿದರು "ಕಾಲ್ ಚೀಲ" ಎಂದು ತಾವೇ ಮುಂದುವರೆಸಿದರು. 

ಬರಿ ಉತ್ತರ ಅಲ್ಲ. ಉತ್ತರದ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಒಂದು ಕತೆ, ಒಂದು ಜೋಕ್‌  ಕೂಡ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. ಅವರ ನಗೆ ಮತ್ತು ಉತ್ಸಾಹ ಎಲ್ಲರಲ್ಲೂ ಹರಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ಜಗನ್ನಾಥ್ ಅಂಕಲ್ ಉತ್ತಮ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕ, ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶಕ ಮತ್ತು ಸ್ನೇಹಿತರಾಗಿದ್ದರು. ಅವರು ಕಣ್ಮರೆಯಾದರೂ, ಅವರ ಕುತೂಹಲ ಮತ್ತು ಉತ್ಸಾಹ, ಅವರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸಮಯ ಕಳೆಯುವ ಭಾಗ್ಯ ಹೊಂದಿದ, ನಮ್ಮೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸದಾ ಇರುತ್ತವೆ.
ಆಕಾಶ ದೀಕ್ಷಿತ 

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ರಾಶಿ ಸುಬ್ರಮಣ್ಯ:

To me, Jagannath Uncle has always been a mentor and a guide. He was always so joyful and kind, inspiring me both in Kannada Kali and outside. While other people were always interested in how I was doing with my studies, he would always ask me how I was doing as a person, showcasing his kind and nurturing personality. He has always been such a big part of why I am connected to my culture today. When I am in Bangalore and I see the newspaper, the only reason I am able to understand even a word is because of Jagannath Uncle. When my relatives and I converse with each other in ease, I am constantly reminded of how much I truly learned from Jagannath Uncle. It seemed as though even in the dimmest points of life, Jagannath Uncle was always a beacon, teaching me about how to stay positive everyday and any day. I remember during the drama practices that he was a part of with my dad, even when there were times where everyone was scrambling to get everything together and there was stress, Jaganath Uncle would always be calm and positive, ensuring everyone that they would get through it. This is what truly inspires me about Jagannath Uncle. He is a huge part of the reason why I am connected to my culture today and someone who inspired me just because of the way he was. In class, if I was ever unable to understand any concept, Jagannath Uncle never lost his patience, and always explained everything to me in a kind and calm manner. I can never thank him enough for the impact he had on my life. I will always remember how much he taught me about my culture and about the attitude that I should always aspire to have in my life.

You are in my thoughts and prayers,
Raashi Subramanya

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ಪ್ರಿಯಾ ಜಗದೀಶ:

When I think about Jagannath Uncle, the first thing that comes to mind is how impactful he was on my Kannada reading and writing ability. He was always so enthusiastic every other Sunday at 1 p.m. whether the kids were ready to learn or not. In many ways, it is because of him that I am able to understand and carry on my knowledge of Kannada. I’ll always remember his ability to lighten up the conversation and make Kannada a fun thing to learn. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the community Jagannath Uncle, your warm presence will be missed and I will always think of you when I read in Kannada.

With Love,
Priya Jagadish

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ಮಧುಲಿಕಾ ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರಿ:

Jagannath Uncle was a very joyful and supportive role model to me. Growing up, I would look forward to the Sunday Kannada Kali class, where Uncle would patiently take time out of his day to teach us kids practically everything we now know about our native language. Uncle played one of the most significant parts in inspiring me to become more connected with my culture and heritage, and is the reason why I know how to speak, read, and write Kannada today. He always had an infectious smile and a pleasant demeanor, and always tolerated whatever jokes or side anecdotes we shared. He created a family within Kannada Kali, and contributed tirelessly towards making KCA effective and impactful for all the kids. He was a man of many talents, and some of my fondest memories in my childhood stem from events like the KCA skits he would direct. I was always happy to see him at any KCA event, and would not hesitate to go for him for help during times like hosting Youth Committee events. I will always think about the impact Jagannath Uncle had in my life and cultural education, and will miss him very much.

Love,
Madhulika Shastry

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ಚಿರಾಗ ದೀಕ್ಷಿತ:

Jagannath Uncle was many in one. He was a passionate educator in fields as diverse as Kannada and calculus. He was a dedicated civil engineer, proud of his work. And he was just as equally a diehard Lakers fan.

He was a selfless man with contagious energy who bettered his community, empowered his students, and inspired everyone around him. Above all though, Jagannath Uncle was my friend.

His Kannada class was as much a forum for talking sports and getting help with math homework as it was learning words like "ಝೀಬ್ರ ಪಟ್ಟಿ". I will miss his humor and cherish our many memories together.

Thank you Jagannath Uncle.

Chirag Dixit

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ರೀತು ಮತ್ತು ರಿಯಾ ಸಿದ್ಗಲ್:

When we were attending KCA events growing up, we remember Jagannath Uncle being such a warm and friendly person. He had a radiant energy, constantly smiling at all the events and that really stuck out to me. He will be dearly missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone.

Love,
Ritu & Riya Sidgal

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ಮಾಯಾ ಪ್ರಸಾದ:

Jagannath uncle was always an incredibly kind and positive person. He was such a joyful person to be around at KCA events and he had made an impact on all of us. We will all miss him very much. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

With love,
Maya Prasad

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ಅಶ್ವಿನ್ ಜಗದೀಶ:

Jagannath uncle was such a generous person who always had a bright smile and filled the room with positive energy. I remember him teaching us Kannada when I was younger and always being ready to help us at any given moment. He will always be remembered and I am truly appreciative of the impact he had on me and everyone else around me.

With Love,
Ashwin Jagadish

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ಸಮರ್ಥ್ ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ:

Jagannath uncle has been a constant all my life. Through starting Kannada Kali at an early age, he was a passionate and experienced teacher, who taught with energy and had countless stories about India. Through numerous events and functions, from directing plays at Kannada Sangha events to acting in them, I always saw Jagannath Uncle as a pillar of the community that represented the perfect mix of bringing the memories and experiences of India here to share with everyone, especially the younger community. Jagannath Uncle was my Kannada teacher for over 6 years, and he is an integral part of how I grew up and what values I grew to stand by, especially the cultural spaces that I cherish and find support in. Thank you so much uncle for how much you’ve taught and helped with giving us a strong sense of cultural identity and community.

With Love and Gratitude
Samarth Srinivas

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ಶಾಲಿನಿ ರಾವ್:

To know Jagannath Uncle was to love him. He gave you the joy and support of a best friend, the wisdom of a great teacher, and the unmatchable energy of the life of the party. Having known him all my life, he was a person I had come to cherish spending time with and seeing so often. He was truly one of the kindest and caring people I have ever known and there was not a time I would see Suhas and Shilpa and not ask when I would see him again. He deserved everything in the world and more and I can only hope we spend the rest of our lives devoting our energy fostering the next generation as he did for us.

Best,
Shalini

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ರಕ್ಷಾ ಕೊಪ್ಪರಮ್:

Of all of the incredible qualities Jagannath Uncle possessed, what stood out the most was his dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive community. As a Kannada teacher, he was patient, resourceful, and creative in teaching us how to connect to our culture through language. He brought so much joy and laughter to our community, from jokes during Kannada Kali and AM to the annual stage performances with KCA. He never failed to put a smile on your face. We will miss his infinite knowledge, love of community, and vibrant energy. Thank you Jagannath Uncle.

Love,
Raksha Kopparam

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‌ಪ್ರೇರಣಾ ನಾಡಿಗ್:

When I think about teachers in my life, Jagannath Uncle is the first one who comes to mind. He was my Kannada Kali teacher for over 7 years and he embodied all the characteristics of an incredible mentor. He taught with kindness, patience, and positive energy despite us causing a constant ruckus every class. Jagannath Uncle is a core part of my childhood and instilled a great appreciation and love for Kannada culture. I am so grateful to have called him teacher and friend.

Prerana Nadig

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ರೋಹಿಣಿ ಕೊಪ್ಪರಮ್

Jagannath Uncle holds a special place in my heart. He has had such a formative role in my life, through teaching Kannada Kali, organizing Aralu Mallige, and above all as a support system in our community growing up. He was always excited to see my generation of kids and was genuinely interested in our lives and wellbeing. Moreover, it was such a joy to witness his passion for cultural education, drama, and fostering deep and meaningful relationships with everyone he encountered. As generations of children came and graduated from KCA, his motivation never wavered. Jagannath Uncle will always be an inspiration to me and I will miss him dearly. My prayers and thoughts are with Shilpa, Suhas, and Vasantha Aunty.

With love,
Rohini

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