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Sunday, 6 August 2023

Embracing Monujesh’s Enduring Legacy

A Journey of Laughter, Love, and Lasting Memories!

Step into a world where laughter echoes, love embraces, and memories last forever. Join us on an unforgettable journey as we celebrate the life and legacy of Monujesh Borooah. His story is one of warmth, brilliance, and the lasting imprint of a truly remarkable soul. Through shared tales and cherished moments, we invite you to discover the magic that Monujesh brought into our lives.

In the quiet corner of our lives, a sudden departure has left an irreplaceable void - that of Monujesh Borooah. To those who were privileged enough to share his company, the shock of his absence is a heavy burden. 

Monujesh was an extraordinary soul, his mastery of the English language resembling a living lexicon. His brilliance evoked memories
Remembering Monujesh  

of my late father's linguistic finesse, etching an enduring mark on my heart. I recall how my father and Monujesh would engage in conversations that seemed to stretch into eternity, much to the amusement of their spouses and my mother. 

His presence was like a sunbeam, brightening the lives of those around him. Now, in his absence, a void lingers that words struggle to convey. A heartfelt tribute penned by his cousins, Anurekha Barkakoti and Pallavi Handique, published in The Assam Tribune on 30-07-2023, stands as a poignant salute to the legacy of Monujesh. (Please refer to the below obituary press cutting.)

Monujesh came from a family with a rich history, born to late Parameshwar Borooah, former secretary of ABITA and Karabi Borooah. His grandfather, the late Lakheswar Borooah of Dibrugarh, was a freedom fighter and the first Speaker of the erstwhile Legislative Assembly of undivided Assam. This legacy shaped Monujesh and made him the compassionate and intelligent person he was.
A voracious reader on varied subjects, Monujesh possessed an
Joyful Companions
uncanny ability in presenting ideas. His prowess shone through in the compelling papers he delivered at esteemed engineering, medical, and industrial forums, both across India and abroad. One July day in 2009, I vividly remember reading a paper he presented with remarkable skill at the Indian Tea Association (ITA), Kolkata.

Taking a trip down memory lane to the mid-1990s, when I was immersed in the world of journalism, it was marked by moments of creative struggle. Often, I found myself in a headline conundrum for the lead story. Monujesh, my guiding star in such moments, was just a landline call away (a time before mobile phones and the internet). His knack for crafting attention-grabbing headlines transformed my stories into compelling narratives.
Amidst Loved Ones

A teen prodigy, Monujesh began editing a monthly journal for a tea industry club at the tender age of sixteen. I recall Mrs. Karabi Borooah, his mother, who once taught psychology at Loreto Convent, Darjeeling, proudly showing me back issues of the tea magazine he edited. The remarkable layout, content, and meticulous proofreading were a testament to his exceptional abilities, leaving an indelible mark. 

Radiant Smiles
However, Monujesh's charm extended beyond his intellectual prowess. He was a man of style, much like his beloved spouse Sangeeta. Whether he graced formal events or embodied effortless charm during casual moments, his elegance was undeniable. Besides, he was renowned among his friends and admirers for his clever and quick-witted sense of humour, often delivering memorable one-liners that left everyone chuckling.
 
Monujesh had a playful knack for giving endearing titles to his family members. He affectionately dubbed his spouse Sangeeta as "Walker," his elder son Neel as the "Genius," and his youngest son Jeet as the "Joker," while for himself as the "Chaos".  It seems he had a talent for crafting his own family lexicon of charming nicknames, tailored to reflect the unique traits of each individual.

Family Bond
Monujesh's dedication extended to his role as a loving husband and a caring father to his two sons - Neel and Jeet. Let me tell you a touching incident from September 2010. Jeet, who was in tenth grade at the time, came home one evening after hanging out with friends, looking uneasy. He hesitantly admitted to having had alcohol, worried about what his parents would say. Monujesh's response was a remarkable display of understanding and compassion, protecting his son from his family's judgmental eyes. A gesture that underscored his exceptional parenting.
Jeet's Joyful Union


As for his youngest son Jeet, he got married on February 11, 2023, and elder son Neel's wedding was scheduled for December 2023. However, the somber period following Monujesh's passing might cast uncertainty over the schedule. 

"Smiling Buddha!"
Monujesh had a unique handwriting with clear and tiny letters. Another special thing about him was that he could quickly sketch a portrait of anyone using a ballpoint pen, and he was also skilled in clay 
sculpting. Whether at work or during his travels, Monujesh exhibited remarkable organisational skills. It was truly delightful to witness how he effortlesly arranged his papers pens, pencils and other essentials in his sleek laptop bag, and meticulously packed his clothes in a suitcase before embarking on journeys to various airports for work. Always sporting a smile, many of his admirers lovingly referred to him as the "Living Smiling Buddha"!

Monujesh really enjoyed going on long drives. He traversed the roads from Northeast India to South India on multiple occasions. His driving expertise knew no bounds - whether navigating through treacherous mountainous terrains or cruising on the serene plains, he exhibited extraordinary skill. Spontaneously, he and his spouse would embark on long drives, seizing the chance to explore new horizons at a moment's notice.

During one of our conversations, Monujesh fondly recalled his school days at St. Paul's School, Darjeeling. Back then, he and a group of his
Innocent School Days

boarding school friends pooled their resources to purchase a second-hand open-hood Willy's jeep. Their weekends were filled with exhilaration as they joyfully rode the jeep, relishing the freedom of the open road. However, their adventures came to an abrupt halt when they were caught red-handed by none other than the school principal. The mischievous escapade became a cherished memory they laughed about for years to come.

Monujesh also had a refined taste. He enjoyed fine dining and could make a variety of sandwiches perfectly. Sometimes, he took over the kitchen, making delicious Western dishes for dinner. 

As we bid goodbye to planet earth, we leave behind all physical luxuries and possessions, but what endures is our character. Monujesh has left indelible memories in our minds, and in honouring his memory, we strive to emulate the kindness and brilliance he brought into our lives.

In our hearts, Monujesh will always be there, a part of our lives forever. Rest in peace, dear Monu-da, your legacy lives on.

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Press Clipping of The Assam Tribune

YouTube Link:Celebrating Monujesh's Legacy

 
 
Click here: Monujesh:A Journey of Love, Laughter and Legacy to read more. 

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