A tribute to Sanjib Goswami

Over the past nearly 28 years, Sanjib Goswami, Joo da for us, my husband Ujjal's first cousin became a favourite big brother. The younger son of Hareshwar Goswami, former Speaker and Satyabati Goswami, former MLA, Assam Assembly, he did his mechanical engineering from Assam Engineering College, a state ranker in engineering. A successful entrepreneur, his engineering firm- Steel Engineers Private Ltd, was involved with major construction projects in the state mainly in the oil, gas sector and building road and bridges. A perfectionist, his professionalism showedWhat can I get you? I have a special wine for you, try some of my orange chicken..." This hospitality would continue, sitting down in his favourite space. With the idiot box invariably playing some cricket match as a backdrop, the most animated discussion would follow, on a wide range of topics- cricket, cars, scotch, food, travel, politics. A man with varied interests, passionate about eachin the work he undertook. There was no compromise with quality. Some of the best highways within Assam were his. Honest, forthright, he called a spade, one.

In his double breasted pocket shirt, a pair of jeans most often, suspenders in place, hair backbrushed, he cut a dashing figure. He was the Elvis Presley of the family, loved to sing and shake a leg to Jail House Rock and more. Generous, big hearted, he lived life kingsize with a hearty laughter, so hard to miss. A personal touch to everything, particular about old world niceties like writing letters, making sure that he had something to say about everyone. Extremely social, relationships for him, were sacrosanct. As an active citizen he would take up issues and concerns for the community.

He lived life and left on his own terms. A fighter through and through, fought his disease fiercely even during his final days. He passed away before time at 68 years of age, survived by his wife, a daughter, a son, their spouses and two grandchildren besides a huge extended family.

A total family man, an equally loyal friend whose companions wept inconsolably during his final journey. Enough it is to say that it is impossible to sum him up with a word limit.

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. The River Side Nao Goxai family has lost one of its brightest members.

Bhaswati Khaund Goswami