I called home after a week. My mom told me that Banshi Massab has passed away. He was my Hindi teacher in 9th ad 10th. I remember getting a hard slap from him when so called toppers (i was one of them) were not able to answer a question which he expected us to. Apart from that he was a warm, gentle person. I used to visit his house frequently. He taught so many generations of the students across the place. He was one of the leading people to study in Almora Higher Secondary School when it was initially opened and used to fondly share his experiences of student and work life. Also, he taught us the Sanskrit during my school days… sah pathatah..
Also, he was one of the father figure in local Ramlila. A great orator with such a loud but effective voice that it used to pervade inside the each house of closure vicinity to Ramlila ground. With ghanti (a small bellused during prayer/aarti’s in temples) and mike in hand, his was a great and impacting narration to hear. He used to act in Ramlila as well. But I didn’t get a chance to see him playing any role.
My condolences and may his soul rest in peace. My shradhanjali. Why it happens that we rely on mother tungue to express our deep feelings!
One day I will go back to Sanskrit again.
