Farewell to a dear friend - Purshotam Mehta

Two days ago, one of my best friends from college days - an accomplished and well-acclaimed Sitarist - an all-India Radio and TV artist Purshotam Mehta - left this mortal world.

Not only a great artist - he was very gentle and kind, so simple and humble, down-to-earth, and pure at heart - an excellent human being as well.

So many fond memories of our friendship - which started in 1970 in Patiala - are flashing in my mind right now. Learning - Playing Sitar together - him visiting me in Patiala, Chandigarh, and Jammu - and my visits to his home and college in Malerkotla where he taught. Then later, to his in-law's home at Jammu. And as well as spending fun time along with Gurdial Singh ji in Jalandhar - one of the best Sitar makers of North India.

There are so many fabulous memories of a pleasant friendship that continued for more than 50 years.

Once, I called him from a new phone number. 

After the formal hello - I asked - do you recognize me? 

He laughed and said - 

Are yaar - Ham Sur ka hee to kaam kartay hain.

Naad (Sound) is in our ears, hearts, and minds. Sound is our profession. 

Why do you think then that I would not recognize the sound/voice of our own? 

People come into our lives and leave - even friends come and go. 

But there are only a few rare friendships that last a lifetime.

And at the same time, it reminds me of the temporary and transitory nature of this world and its inhabitants.
One day, we are laughing and enjoying life together, and suddenly, another day brings us sadness and a feeling of separation forever.
It makes us feel weak - small and helpless.
It makes us realize that there are no warranties - that no one knows how long the togetherness will last.
It makes us wish that we had spent more time together when it was possible.

It makes us regret the missed possibilities and opportunities we could have availed.

But then it's too late - then it is nothing more than just regret. 

However, although death can take away our loved ones from us, it can not take their love and fond memories from our hearts. 

It can not remove their image from our hearts and minds.

Although we will not be able to see or talk to him anymore, dear Purshotam will always live in our hearts - in the hearts of his family, friends, and loved ones.

                                     ' Rajan Sachdeva '

 

At our home in Chandigarh - 1982

Jammu - 1981

His music on Youtube 

https://youtu.be/1BJg2NIzemE