Ashwini Channan, a soldier true,
Courageous heart, a leader’s hue.
In uniform, or professional’s grace,
A beacon bright in every place.
Selfless deeds, a gentle hand,
Compassion flowed across the land.
A listener keen, with time for all,
A helping voice to heed the call.
A solution seeker, wise and bright,
An orator’s gift, a guiding light.
Words of comfort, words of cheer,
He wove a tapestry of love so dear.
But now he’s gone, to worlds unseen,
Leaving a void, a chasm keen.
For Binu, his rock, his steadfast wife,
His memory etched upon her life.
And Cherry, Bhavuk, his children dear,
Will miss him loads, year after year.
Though sorrow stings, we hold the hope,
He rests in peace, beyond the scope.
Smiling from the skies above,
Guiding us with endless love.
A soldier’s rest, a gentle sleep,
In memory’s heart, his soul we keep.
Goodbye for now, till we meet again,
Our friend, our hero, free from pain.
From Girija Maira( w/o late Col Sushant Maira) _
Straight from the heart_
No words can do justice to the person Ashwini has been…..to speak of him in the Past Tense is heartbreaking! Ashwini’s meant so much in so many ways to each of us. He mattered deeply to Sushant and me, was always just a call away. Extremely perceptive, he’d check on us after ‘Niki’ (to him too!). He kept an eye out for Anirudh and Kartik as well.
Decades ago, someone had asked me in Wellington what I had in common with Binu…my reply was simply one word- “Ashwini”!
We feel truly privileged to have known him the way we did. Ashwini made the perfect package of being the friend, philosopher and guide for most who knew him. His measured way of conveying things aptly quoting the profound, effortlessly, adding a dash of humour…all of which will now be mere memories. Ashwini could weave magic with words – be it spoken or written and sometimes we’d have to scurry for the dictionary!
He’s been a shoulder to lean on, a great listener, he would drop everything and make himself available whenever needed, pushing aside his commitments, dishing out sage advice. He’s managed so much on his plate, much more than ordinarily possible! Ashwini’s eyes would sparkle at the mention of Cherrie and Bhavuk. Binu’s been the steadfast companion, her endearing warmth simply complimenting his. They’ve been his pride. They’re part of Ashwini we treasure. We’ll miss the boyish smile; the sound of his soft spoken-even toned voice; the stories he told; his tell all amused or wry laughter and most of all, Ashwini’s presence.
Never can we forget a person who gave us so much to remember.
With deepest respect, fondness and gratitude I’ll carry in my heart forever for Ashwini and Binu,
Girija