Chander
Shekhar Mohlajee-Papajee for all-9th Death Anniversary
OBITUARY-
A REMEMBERANCE OF OUR PAPAJEE-By M.Lall
Chandra Shekhar Papajee in whose pious memory we
are meeting today was oldest amongst our cousins. Affectionately called Papajee,
to signify his rightful place in the family hierarchy - a brother who also
doubled up as a father figure. My oldest memory of childhood-mostly spent in
the maternal homes of Sutar mandi and Mall Road in Lahore are those relating to
Papajee. I vividly remember him taking me on his shoulders to a photographic studio
for what I believe was my first photograph, -attached- which is still
preserved, wearing a flowery frock. Later I also recall him taking me to a
doctor for attending to some injury sustained while playing in the stairs
I have vivid recollection of photograph of
RSS founder on the ground floor hall of the Sutar mandi House. These mystic photographs
had aroused a great deal of childhood curiosity as I was told that these were
of Papajee’s Gurus. We knew he was actively pursuing some social-cum-political
activity. We did not understand true import of his deeds until the dreadful
partition. We had a sampling of his courage and skills, when during
pre-partition communal riots he drove us in a jeep from Amritsar to supposedly
a safer home in Lahore. His great selfless leadership qualities were in full
display during the post partition period which he was whole heartedly involved
in rescue cum rehabilitation mission for the unfortunate refugees. Upon
completion of his assigned role, he returned to Delhi to join the family and
start an eventful banking career. I saw him fully immersed in his new role of a
banker and trade unionist.
His marriage to our most gracious Sheela
Bhabhi was an event of the century as it was largest post partition get
together of the great Mohlajee clan and other close and not so close Panjabi relatives.
Days of merry making, innocent banter, trivia plus religious ceremonies were
made unforgettable by desi ghee loaded sweets, chanas and bhaturas offerings
throughout the day till late nights.
The crushing wounds of partition loosened
the family and clan fabric necessitating pan-world movement of the young
generation in search of much needed economic opportunities. Half a century
later, one can look back with great sense of pride that the Mohlajee’s
in their chosen field and location have excelled. The most remarkable of their
achievement is the fact that success has been earned without any dilution or
compromise on the great and noble values of selfless love, regard for seniors,
warm hospitality and unique sense of family vision. Papajee had all these and
much more. He had developed keen interest in Astrology, Numerology, and
Palmistry in addition to trying his hand in various commercial ventures. But
for partition of India, Papajee’s talents would have undoubtedly been used at
national level. I am very proud that I had a cousin as great as Papajee as well
as I am proud to have been born to be related to great Mohlajee parivar.
Papajee epitomised the best human values and we are going to miss him. For lack
of better words I would like to conclude by saying Papajee we love you from
deepest depth of our heart and we are going to miss you. We miss you Papajee.
