Mr. Ven Parameswaran, a former Indian diplomat with the United Nations and a regular contributor to The Indian Panorama lost his younger sister Bhagyalakshmi on January 16, 2022. She was 90. The staff at The Indian Panorama are grieved at the loss of Mr. Parameswaran. They pray for eternal peace to the dear departed soul. Mr. Parameswaran in the tribute to his sister said:” Bhagyalakshmi was born immediately after me and we grew up and played together.  I have many everlasting memories of Bhagyalakshmi.

”Bhagyalakshmi was very loving and affectionate always to relatives and friends.  She was a creative cook and enjoyed entertaining them.  She took immense pleasure in preparing varieties of food liked by her guests, relatives and friends.  Even when she was physically unable to cook, she would sacrifice her health and entertain her guests any time of the day or night.  Whenever Bhagyalakshmi visited us, she would bring all our favorite food.

“ Immediately after marriage, Bhagyalakshmi lived with her husband and family in Payyannur, Kerala for a year or so.  When I visited her, I found she was not happy in that environment.  At my suggestion, she moved to Calcutta with her husband, Krishnan.  She lived in Calcutta till 1978, when she immigrated to the USA.  She has two children, Balu ( mentally handicapped) and Raju.  Raju had a successful career at the U.N. and retired as Dy.Director.  Unfortunately, stroke hit Raju six years ago and living in his house with his wife Jayanthi.    Although my sister’s name represents good luck and prosperity, her life has been full of misfortune.

“My brother-in-law expired in 1998.  Who would have expected Raju would not become normal 6 years after the stroke hit him?   Poor Bhagyalakshmi was attacked by liver cancer and her suffering especially during the last six months was pathetic.  My dear sister, Bhagyalakshmi suffered physically and psychologically for too long.   Under these circumstances, I am glad God decided to take my sister Bhagyalakshmi away so that she does not have to suffer more pain.

“Bhagyalaskhmi lived in the US for 43 years.   Compared to her life in Payyannur and Calcutta, living in the USA was a heaven.  We used to visit Bhagyalakshmi very frequently and enjoyed her affection and love.  We were also in daily contact by phone irrespective of my location.  I had the closest relationship with my dear sister, Bhagyalakshmi, who always gave me courage when I was in distress.

“Life is real, life is earnest; and the grave is not its goal.  I pray for Bhagyalakshmi’s soul.  As long as I live, for me she is not dead because her values and spirits stay alive always. “

In Mourning

Ven Parameswaran (Brother)

Priscilla Sister-in-law)

Prem (nephew) Bhumika (niece -in-law) Trinity, Kayla and Hudson (Grandchildren to Ven and Priscila) join me in saluting my sister Bhagyalakshmi