My kaka (Dad’s younger brother) died on the 24th of October 2024.
The late Santosh Kumar Rai was known in our immediate family as Kancha Kaka; my father the Late Chandra Das (CD) Rai, used only Kancha to refer to him. So did my mother who was very fond of him. The two brothers shared a bond which was never lost, and my kaka used to say that he had to live till my father passed away. Whatever the reason. And he did. My father died on 8th August 2020.
After my father went to School in Darjeeling the road to progress and education opened for many in Mikhola, Namchi, including my Kaka. He went on to complete his schooling and then onto becoming a Ranger in the Forest Department, Government of Sikkim. During his training stint in Dehra Doon, he came over to see me in Mussoorie. I was in the junior school of Wynberg Allen, and I remember him giving me some chocolates and a couple of rupees. What a pleasant surprise that was. This must have been 1960 or so. I was all of 6 years old and having gone on a Government of Sikkim scholarship to study there.
The only time he dabbled with politics was when Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari, leading the Sikkim Janata Parishad, fielded him from Chakung in 1979 by election against C. B. Rai of the Sikkim Congress (R) – Ram Chandra Poudyal led. He unfortunately lost. He never again engaged in Electoral Politics even though he was politically astute.
He was also known as the grand old man of Namchi, and he is remembered by so many from the society there as someone who was approachable and friendly. He had a rooftop ‘den’ where he would entertain many a visitor. It was a sunny and much-loved place. Many persons spoke to me about him in glowing terms expressing their love for him and the humour he shared. He had a tongue in cheek style which was always overpowering.
He was a late bloomer in terms of his Nepali Literary Work. His three books have already been in circulation. He was on his fourth which was aptly titled ‘Rahal Pahal’. But that is how it is with all authors, I guess. I have read his first book, ‘Dui Thopa Aansu – Bhitra Jhilimili Jhilimili Deosure’ which is a collection of short stories and poems. One story, which is full of humour and wit and narrated his joys (and pain) of travelling to Nepal with the mercurial but irrepressible Late Rabong Saila. They had to return fully broke.
Last year I went to Namchi to invite him for my son’s wedding. He was visibly overjoyed and attend he did. The advice given to me was laconic but substantial. He said that I should ensure that the food is of the best quality and must be delicious. People remember only that. I laughed but noted his advice and took it seriously. Later he admitted that the food was good and of ‘high standard’ when I checked back with him after the reception.
He maintained good health and that is a great takeaway from his life. How to lead a good healthy life till the end. He, and my father, did not lapse into dementia even though both attained a ripe old age up to the mid 90’s. Falling ill but very rarely.
Now that the last of our father’s generation has transitioned there is a feeling of emptiness and willy nilly a page has turned. We will take it from here.
Kaka, we all will miss you dearly, but you have left behind a life lived to the full and a very good one to emulate, by all of us.
Rest in peace Kaka.