Tributes, Condolences and Other Messages

Set 1 -- Messages Received Directly or Via Email
or From The Press or Web Postings

My darling brother, my Jishnu,

Keep your word and come back to me. Come back to me even if not tomorrow or next month, even if not next year, just come back to me. You promised that you would always be there. You promised. But as usual, you were in such a hurry to run off.

Take care, my brother, take care wherever you may be. May you still find joy around you, even if not through life anymore. I can't say goodbye to you. How do you say bye to yourself? You are a part of me and so you shall be as long as I am alive. And beyond. Ours is not a bond to be broken at death, is it?

I can't believe it, Jishnu. Find a way to comfort our Achan and Amma ... find a way to reach out to us. Tell us that you are OK. I will come looking for you. Please come when I call, Jishnu. Please, please, please come! Even if just once, please come and I'll be content with that...

I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you. Hope you like the photos, chocolates, bag, perfume and clothes we brought for you. Remember that I will remember you with all the love I have in my heart. And so will all of our family. Haven't we all come for you? Even if Rishi and Sudheesh can't be here today, I promise you that they are thinking, praying and remembering you.

Go peacefully, my brother. Go easily and spread your sunshine wherever you are. You have left us all in darkness now but I know that when my time comes, you will be there waiting for me. And how I shall wait for that day with gladness from this day onwards.

All my love always, my brother. For always.

Love, your beloved, loving Chechi.

-- Meera Vijayan (Jishnu's first cousin), Malaysia
[Meera: "I wrote this note to Jishnu just before the plane landed in Kerala on our way to his last rites
... we sent this note with him in the end."], 4th November 2007

My dear brother Jishnu,

I love you so much. And I miss you like crazy. I wanted to grow old with you. I was so looking forward to meeting you this December. I still can't believe it. Why? Why must this happen? I always enjoy the talks we have. I don't have a brother to talk to anymore. There were so many things I wanted to share with you. I wanted to hear all your stories. I want you to know that I love you so much. I hope you knew that. I'm an idiot who doesn't know how to show that...but I do love you, so very much. Life will never be the same without you. Although we never kept in contact often, you were always in my mind. I feel so helpless...I wish I could bring you back. I will never forget all the times we had together. Those memories are very close to my heart. I was looking through the pictures of when you came for my graduation on the 31st [October 2007] and the next day you're gone. Rest in Peace, my brother. I will visit Kudle one day in my life to pay my respects to your soul. Although the time we actually spent together was so short, those were the times in my life that brought me happiness and are worth remembering. From the time we used to buy stuff from the roti man to the long talks we'd have at night while lying in bed. All these memories will never be forgotten. The last time we chilled together in the pool in San Diego to the last time we talked on the phone this summer when you were in Malaysia. A part of me will be left behind reminiscing these times. This has taught me to value my loved ones more. Rest in Peace, Jishnu.

Love,
Rishi

-- Rishi Govalakrishnan (Jishnu's first cousin), U.S.A.
Message posted online, 6th November 2007, 4:23 pm

Condolence Message from Qatar Petroleum, 'Gulf Times' (Qatar Newspaper); 5th November 2007

Dear Vatsala,

I am very sorry to hear that your son has passed away. I wish you and your family my deepest sympathy for your loss.

Best Regards.

-- Zeina Ali Ahmed Al-Attas, HRI, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar
Communication via email, 4th November 2007

My dear Vatsala,

I was greatly shocked to hear about the tragedy. It is very difficult to digest the reality of the news. I am deeply grieved and share with you and your family this sorrow. I sincerely express my heartfelt condolences. And pray that God's peace that passeth all understanding may console you and your family in this time of pain.

With love,
Alice

-- Alice Vinod, HR, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar
Communication via email, 4th November 2007

Dear Vatsala,

I was totally shocked to hear of the sudden demise of your son on Thursday, 1 November and I couldn't believe it. I am told that he got drowned while away with his college mates on a trip. It is sad that the boy who fought and recovered from the road accident in Doha a few years ago and continued his education had to again meet with another tragedy and leave this world. This is a big loss to you, your husband and the whole family and I do not know how to express my sadness.

My family and I pray to God to give you and your family enough strength at this critical time and that His Soul rest in peace.

Ramu

-- Ramu Thiagarajan, FNA, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar
Communication via email, 4th November 2007

Dear Vatsala,

On behalf of everyone from my section, please accept our deep sympathy on the passing of your beloved son. Our thoughts are with you at this time of great sorrow. Wishing you comfort and great sympathy during your time of mourning.

Best Regards,

A/Aziz H. Shokri Al-Muhsin
Head of Non-Technical Records
General Services Department

-- Abdulaziz Hussain Shukri Hussain Al-Muhsin, GS, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar
Communication via email, 5th November 2007

Dear Vatsala,

It is with great sadness that I heard of the tragic loss of your son Jishnu. I would like to extend my condolences to you in this difficult time and hope that my few words will bring some comfort to you in this moment of grief.

Regards.

Jimmy Chung

-- Nian Kiam Chung-Chun-Lam, IA, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar
Communication via email, 5th November 2007

Dear Vatsala,

It's with great sadness I contact you after all of these years. I am Johaina (American Muslim convert married to Qatari). We studied Arabic together at the Language Institute in the early 1990s. I read about the tragic demise of your son in the newspaper, and a colleague of mine, Akshaya Shetty, gave me your email. I offer you my condolences on your loss. I cannot imagine the pain you must be going through. May God grant you patience. You and your family are in my prayers.

If I can be of any assistance, please contact me.

Regards,

Johaina

-- Jennifer Ahen, Manager, Internal Communications, Group Communications, Qtel, Doha, Qatar
Communication via email, 5th November 2007

Dear Vatsala,

Please accept our deepest sympathy to your entire family for the death of your son. May God be with you and give you comfort through this time of sadness and grief.

Our prayers are with you.

Adel Abdulrahman Al-Anbari, Manager, Operations Engineering (Dukhan)

-- Adel Abdulrahman Aburahim Anbar Al-Anbari, OED, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar
Communication via email, 6th November 2007

Dear Sasi,

Hope you had a safe journey back to Qatar. I know, it must be the most painful journey you ever had undertaken in your life.

I visited Malukkuttyedathi and family yesterday and spent some time with them. They told me in detail all about the tragic event. Sasi, we were in tears even though it has been almost a month since this unfortunate incident took place. We are all shattered. The reality is yet to sink in in all of us! I do not know how to pacify and console both of you but hope the Almighty -- with the passage of time -- will give you the strength and courage to see off this darkest period in your life. I have no words to express my grief. Sasi, Jishnu is now in the safest hands of God as he is the most loved child for Him. For such a nice child, God would have thought it is better for him to have him by His side. May his soul rest in peace!

Early last week, I had called Thavanoor a couple of times but was told that you had been to Manipal. Kairali & Mangalam told us how Jishnu's peers, seniors and lecturers missed this boy. Wonderful kid. I can imagine how you all would have felt it when listening to them. Sasi, bear in mind, you are the proud parent of a boy who touched the hearts of everyone he had been acquainted with but left a void in their life by his untimely journey to the eternal world.

Sasi, I know you will be turning 52 tomorrow. Life has to go on. Myself, Sheela, Rakesh, Sandeep & Sindhu pray God that He gives you good health and a heart to forgive and forget the worst in life.

Take care, Sasi. I will be there always for you, as a brother and as a friend, to lean on. I may not be expressive in my emotions but deep in my heart Jishnu will remain another son of mine until my last breath.

Sheela sends her regards to both of you. Tell Valsala, we all love her and will pray for her to see through this difficult period.

Your loving brother,

Rajettan

-- Rajan Menon, Malaysia
Communication via email, 27th November 2007

Dear Sasiettan and Vatsalachechi,

I am sorry, I could not bring myself to speak to both of you the past couple of weeks. I am not going to attempt to convey any words of consolation because what has happened is beyond all that.

I have been shuddering in my chair going through the blog site of the tourist narrating the incident.

I pray that we have the strength to bear this pain. Jishnu is a most wonderful boy and has secured a special place in our hearts during the short and sweet moments that we have shared with him. Vatsalachechi and Sasiettan, our kids are yours as well. Please try to live on as bravely as possible.

Affectionately,

Vineetha

-- Vineetha Kalavally, Malaysia
Communication via email, 27th November 2007

Hello,

Hope you all have got back to your workplaces.

May Almighty Allah give you strength and confidence to sail.

Our special regards to Jishnu's mother.

Do keep in touch.

Ciraj & Saleena

-- Ciraj A.M.
Communication via email, 26th November 2007

Dear Sasikumar,

At this point, I just want to assure that we are there with you
and pray God to give you the strength to overcome the sadness.

Keep in touch.

Ullas

-- Dr. Ullas Kamath
Communication via email, 28th November 2007

Dear Sasiettan,

Got the mails u had sent. Thank u for sending those lovely photographs of Jishnu.
Hope u have resumed ur work. Hope Chechi is also well.

My regards and prayers are always with you. Kindly call, Sasietta, whenever u feel like.

Yours,

Vinod

-- Vinod Pallath
    Lecturer, Dept. of Microbiology, Melaka Manipal Medical College, International Centre for
    Health Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal-576104, Karnataka, India
    Communication via email, 28th November 2007

Hello Mr. Sasikumar,

I believe you have reached safely back in Doha. Words fail to express my sentiments. How do I address a grieving parent, I know not. It was very painful to see your crestfallen countenance. I'm terribly sorry about your loss. In a way, I feel I failed in my responsibility as a Teacher Guardian, I'm sorry, please forgive me.

Here too, nothing ever feels the same when we (the teachers) go to teach the II yr BPT students. There is a deep void that is difficult to express.

Please convey my love to Mrs. Sasikumar and all your relatives. Do take care of yourselves and be strong. I'm sure Jishnu would not like to see you all in this condition. He will always be remembered as a sweet and loving child with a coy smile. Be assured of my best wishes always.

Warm regards,

Daphne

-- Daphne Pereira
Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Karnataka, India
Communication via email, 28th November 2007

Dear Murali,

Please pass our deepest condolences to your family especially your sister’s family on their very sad loss.

My mother and siblings convey the same.

We pray for his Atma Shanti!

Regards,

Jaya Kumar

-- Jaya Kumar Narayanan, Singapore
Communication via email, 7th November 2007

Dearest Sasieatten,

"It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing."

That indeed is one of your greatest strengths, and something that Jishnu inherited from you both and passed it on to almost everyone he met and interacted with. I used to observe that even in the difficult times that you were in, you never compromised on the above fact.

Jishnu's karma was to spread the message of love, which he did with dedication, and he was the pivot around which the whole family revolved, and in the short span that I could get to know him, he was instrumental in bringing the family close together.

Sasieatta, these are some of my stray thoughts and observations which when looked back upon are worth cherishing. I often used to envy on the care and concern that you showed to Jishnu, and was often deeply touched by your emotions and wished that I could interact in a similar fashion with Nikita and Kunju. It is something that is inbuilt in you and will live with you for the rest of your life, and we are all heavily banking on it.

This is not a note of consolation, but feelings coming right from the bottom of my heart, and maybe this is my way of letting go...

Reminding you once again that we will always be there for both of you, come what may, at all times.

Love and fond regards,

Manoj

-- Manoj Ullattil, Pallavur, Kerala, India
Communication via email, 29th November 2007

Dearest Vatsala,

I have been composing and recomposing this message in my mind for sometime now. It is not at all easy and I know that anything that is said is going to sound meaningless. Nevertheless, certain things just have to be done.

Jishnu had visited our office in August, accompanied by Edathiamma. He is a boy that one will get fond of immediately; friendly and jovial. He enjoyed some chaat items in the restaurant below my office and told me that he will come again, with you, to try some other items there. He never did. I just cannot get over that ! ! ! !

We can only console ourselves by saying that God knows best. I am just telling myself that Jishnu has been a good and loving boy over the last 20 years and his karmic cycles are over. Now God has taken him to eternity. When someone dies, do you remember saying to yourself, "Why him? He is too nice a person to lose." It is because God loves him too.

Strengthen yourself. Thank God for the good twenty years and try your level best to look ahead. Anytime you feel like penning a few lines to us, please do so. Let us be there for one another.

We have yet to meet Sashi. Please do convey the contents of this email to him too.

With our heartfelt condolences,
Rathi, Kannan, Siddharth and Ashwath

P.S. Vatsala, the above email was prepared more than 2 weeks ago. I tried sending it a couple of times but I got the delivery failure message. Hope it goes thru this time.

-- Rathi Ramnath, Malaysia
Communication via email, 4th December 2007

Re: Ormmakal marikkumo....

Dear Sasiyetten and Yettathiyamma,

We know there is no limit or consolation for the grief that you are going through. Memories of our Jishnu make him more lovable and innermost to all our hearts. He might be short lived, but even today he is best loved by everybody, whom he had come across even at a glance. Though he cannot be physically with us I am sure in all our hearts he will continue to grow though the years he left behind.

I pray Almighty to give him peace and also to give both of you strength to overcome this angst through prayers and mutual support. May I quote the words of Ettathiyamma in a semi-conscious state on that tragic day, “Jishnu was too good to be called back by God so early”. Let’s try to find consolation in that sentence. This might be the ‘Mantra’ that God gave the helpless mother to overcome those heartbreaking moments. I find this sentence very powerful, because I could some extent live through the pain of my mother’s departure by chanting, “Amma was too good to be called back by God so early.”

To you, the exceptional father, who was a friend, father, teacher, guide and everything else to Jishnu, we have no words to placate you. We are left with prayers to God to give you strength to overcome this misery in the best possible way. As you always say, you are our ‘Karnaver’, who we find always responsible and responding. Hence, you are so special to us. Please never hesitate to ask us for any support, because it will be our pleasure to be with you anytime.

May I stop now with the saying, “More words make less thoughts.”

Love U,

Manoj & Sruthi

-- Dr Manoj Vallikkat Thachaparambil
Communication via email, 10th December 2007

Re: My thoughts are with you, Vatsala

Dearest Vatsala and Sasi;

I understand from Randy that you are back from Malaysia and back working. I waited until now to write to you because I am sure you received so many acts of kindness and gestures of sympathy, but now that you are once again in Doha, life forces you to continue your path of existence in some sort of robotic way while trying to make sense of your incredible loss. It is now at such a difficult time that I am writing.

Vatsala, to say I am sorry about Jishnu's accident feels so inadequate. I was so devastated when Randy told me of your loss.

I remember our conversation at the coffee shop just before I left. You talked with such pride about Jishnu and his ambitions in life. No one knows why we are tested in such a painful way but I do believe our children are gifts from God and that if God takes them from us there is a very important reason. You and Sasi have somehow found the courage during this difficult time to keep Jishnu's memory and life current and therefore found the reason you were given your precious son for such a short time. I respect both of you so much for your strength and devotion.

Please know that I am praying for you and Sasi to give you strength to fulfill your purpose on this earth and to bear the loss of Jishnu. I think of you often and I hope my thoughts can reach you so you could realise how much you are in my heart always.

If my arms were long enough, I would give you a very warm and loving hug of care and support.

Take care of one another.

Love,
Mary-Lou

-- Mary-Lou Gardner
Communication via email, 2nd January 2008

Table of Contents
About His Life -- Milestones in Jishnu's Life	About His Passing -- How We Lost Jishnu
Poems and Prayers, Wishes and Musings	Press, Website and Blog Reports
Photo Gallery -- Pics of Jishnu et al	Memories / Stories about Jishnu
Video Clips of Jishnu et al	Tributes and Condolences
Jishnu's Favourite Things	Appreciation and Gratitude