THE GREAT SOUL - KULDEEP WALI ---- BY ASHWAGOSHA GANJU <<<nagjee213>>>

[nagarjuna ganju]

Kuldeep Wali Wednesday, 10 June, 2009 9:02 AM From: This sender is DomainKeys verified "Ashwa" <ashwa...@gmail.com> View contact details To: "nagarjuna ganju" <nagj...@yahoo.co.in> Cc: "nagarjuna ganju" <Nagj...@gmail.com>   Dear Nagjee,   You may have heard about the sad demise of Sh Kuldeep Wali, a member of the 28th Antarctic Expedition at Maitri, Indian Antarctic Station. It is difficult to believe that such a thing could happen to a member in an environment, which is so pristine, fresh and refreshing.   I recall the first interaction with the gentleman when both of us were going for medical examination at AIIMS, New Delhi. While we were being examined and samples of our blood, sputum etc were being collected, I would interact with him briefly and know about his welfare etc. Since he too had migrated during the recent exodus from Kashmir, we would often recall the glorious days we had in the valley. I distinctly remember how he insisted me to join him for lunch at his residence, since that happened to be close by. His would speak softly and deliberately that I would often wonder how calm and composed his nature was. At that instance, none of the team members could have even fathomed that such a thing could happen. I am so shell shocked that I find it difficult to face the truth.    While he had flown with some other members to Maitri, Antarctica, I with other members went by ship to Maitri. On reaching Maitri, it was very pleasing and refreshing to see him there waiting and greeting all summer expedition members. Though we had met for two consecutive days at New Delhi and talked our heart all the time; I learnt at Maître how little I knew about the gentleman. His was a disciplined person and had set a routine for himself that was very impressive. He would get up early and after morning ritual, go for prayer for about an hour. And when he would come out from his prayer schedule, an extraordinary calmness would be on his face. The kind of look that one finds only highly elevated personality wearing. Second impressive schedule that he had set for himself was to talk to his family at a defined hour on every alternate day. He would often introduce his family members to expedition members through internet chat. And the most interesting facet of his personality that baffled all was his impressive voice. He would sing songs that left everyone spellbound.   During leisure time I would often talk to him and learn more about the type of job he was handling. He processed a profound knowledge of his subject and would often come up with sound analysis of weather situations prevalent in Antarctica. He would never miss an observation and kept his notes and data ready for on spot inference and briefing to the Team Leader. He told me how with great difficulty he managed to construct a house for himself at Najabgarh. On a couple of occasions, we two and Sh Ajay Dhar, the Voyage Leader, an another Kashmiri would share lighter moments together in our own language and dialect that I savoir the most.   I am sending you the latest photograph of Kuldeep ji. It was taken on the day I left Maitri in April ’09. This photograph tells us the whole story of the great soul.    Mr Kuldeep Wali had left an indelible mark on my mind and to know that he is no more with us is hard to believe. But as is rightly said that God also needs elevated souls as much as we do and He took him away from us for some more important assignment. I am sure Mr Wali would remain in the minds of his colleagues, relatives and friends especially his expedition members for a long time. By writing to you about my impressions about a kind personality that Mr Kuldeep Wali was, I feel relaxed now. Hope you understand the bond that I had developed with Mr Kuldeep Wali.   Ashwagosha Ganju Joint Director Research & Development Centre Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (DRDO) Plot No 1, HIMPARISAR Sector 37 A Chandigarh E-mail:ashwa...@gmail.com   (Sh. Ashwagosha Ganju is my Elder Brother – Nagarjuna Ganju)

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