DESPITE the mushrooming digital and social media, newspaper continues to hold onto its own. It is said that a newspaper is the first draft of history. So earning a place in the form of news here is a matter of great pride for any achiever. It immortalises his deed by mentioning it in black and white. There is however a space in the newspaper that signifies the mortal reality of human existence.

 

While rambling through the pages, poring over its contents, one can’t simply escape the mood being marred by a glance at it.... “The obituary column”. Although the column stands like a monument to deliver bad news of undesirable departures, it is no doubt an indispensable way of apprising us of those fellowmen who have ceased to exist, at least in person. Being at the cusp of middle age one can’t help but look at this column with anguish, hoping hard not to find a known face there.

 

Of late, there have been a series of such unexpected departures from our close circles who left us in quick succession due to causes totally unimagined for their exit, shattering theories of fitness, safe travels and advances in medical science; all of which were exposed for their limitations and lacunae. It was evident that death still eludes conquest. It may have given a long rope to, but that’s only a furlough not an acquittal. Nobody is still off its hook. Seeing a familiar name pictured in the obituary engenders grieving sorrow. Our social spectrum seems to be getting hollowed out as one by one they depart. It amounts to losing a portion of well earned emotional wealth. The vacuum of loss seems overpoweringly gripping. Awakens us to the transience of all upswings and joys in life as the final destination that none can escape, is the abyss of anonymity and nowhereness.

 

The realisation is more stark as we approach the autumn of life when we tend to loose sheen with each passing year. Our need amongst dear ones wanes; relevance in the society and reasons for existence begin to fade as the body and mind wither. If at this juncture our departure is relevant enough to be noticed and even remotely important to be announced through this column, then that is the biggest privilege any fortunate departing soul can be endowed with. Otherwise this column requires no tour de force, no recommendations. No questions asked , no formalities sought. Anyone and everyone who departs may find a place. Even the newspaper sees no pecuniary gains in sparing space for it. It is entirely a practice of its belief in humanity. As the saying goes “They are slaves who dare not be in right with two or three.”

 

Implying thereby that during our transit on this planet, it is pertinent that we earn at least two colleagues who’d care to see us off in respect and dignity. Likewise the only credentials essential to deserve being posited here are that the departed earn at least one companion in his lifetime who is concerned and caring enough to report his death to the column and thus mourn the loss avowedly. On the positive side, if one were to analyse it, the column has egalitarian ethos. All names irrespective of caste, cadre or religion are presented with equal regard. A true embodiment of “Om tat sat” i.e. all are one.

 

This is a place where the news has no hues, no colours attributed to it. It is plain simple news uncharted by any prejudices or recommendations. No ill-founded, self-serving or maligning interests exist. It is impermeable to fake news and sincerely honest in purpose while befittingly managing to preserve its sublime integrity. It sermonises that this is one last time we take note of the people depicted, as they would no longer be there to reiterate themselves ever again as if to bid the last good bye on their behalf, which fate didn’t grant them the opportunity to execute. Such noble service, offered unrequitedly. Long live the Obituary column. May your size continue to dwindle but your obituary never be written!