An angel has ascended to heaven..
Remembering Mom: A Journey of Love and Loss
Smt. Pramila Misra, 25th March, 1939 - 30th May, 2024
Some people leave a footprint, others leave a legacy. My mother, was definitely the latter. Through her "Strength", "Powerful", "Fearless", "Resilient" and most importantly "Kind" personality, she shaped who I am today. This blog is a way to keep her memory alive and share the lessons she taught me with the world.
Lineage
Mom was born as the eldest daughter of Late Dr Radha Nath Misra, (a renowned surgeon of the Eastern Province of India, Odisha, only the second FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, Scotland) from the State and the Founder Principal of one of the top medical schools in the State, and Late Smt. Laxmipriya Debi.
From the tales told to me by her about her early childhood, she was doted upon by her Dad and Mum but as was the tradition in those days, being the eldest daughter, there was tremendous pressure to get her married off - and she did get married at the tender age of 14 years to my Dad, (Late Dr. Justice Braja Nath Misra) amidst a lot of pomp in a wedding ceremony that lasted seven days.
Her marriage inducted her into another large traditional joint family. My paternal grandfather was (Late) Dr. Kasi Nath Misra, another renowned surgeon of Odisha (Rai Bahadur, Civil Surgeon to the British and one of the earliest Principals of the top Medical College in the State ).
Blossoming Through Life's Relationships
The wife
My father and mother's wedded life was legendary, through 65 solid years. My Dad, being an extremely progressive man with a liberal egalitarian outlook, literally taught my mother how to navigate life's rough and smooth waters.
At a tender age of 18, knowing but a smattering of the English language, she travelled her first flight out of India to London, to be with my dearest Dad, along with my 3 elder sisters. Young, beautiful and carefree, Mom recollected her days in England as the best period of their lives. Her fourth daughter was born in London. She was embraced, included and loved by the community - her neighbors would jostle to take turns to look after the 3 daughters, so that she could pursue her dreams. She blossomed - enrolled into Morley College - came out with flying colors. All the time, doing more than the brief, at home - stitching all the curtains for their beautiful home, knitting woolies for the family, learning the local cuisine with panache, and sending Indian treats to the school by way of cultural assimilation for the school children (we still have the handwritten thank you notes from the children!).
Upon her return to Odisha, India, she would be called upon by the then Governor Khosla to start the first DAV school, Bhubaneswar, as Founder Principal. This was a matter of great pride for my father and the family.
She would then straddle through Dad's professional life, being by his side all the time, performing her duties with dignity, beauty and grace, always.
The mother
My mother was a constant process of blossoming alongside her 5 daughters, nurturing their growth, celebrating their achievements, and offering support through their challenges. She exemplified selflessness, empathy, and the profound joy of unconditional love - all the time setting new standards in beauty, being a true fashionista (indulged by my Dad :-) - very often, she would be mistaken to be the 6th daughter in our family!
Dad and her would be blessed with 5 daughters, with me being the youngest one. As is true (still prevalent in most parts of India), having a son is preferred over having a daughter (and her sister -in - law would go on to have six sons!!) - but never once, in our lives were we ever made to feel that we were any less than any man - and could do pretty much anything that a man could do - be it in academics or otherwise. And what better example than to set the tone and doing it themselves.
The grandmother and great grandmother
By far the most beloved and doted grandmother and great grandmother ever, our Mother cared for and shared the wisdom gained throughout life and witnessed the joy of new generations. This role allowed her to relive special moments through her grandchildren's eyes, creating lasting memories and fostering a cherished bond that was divine and beyond comprehension.
Mom, your absence leaves a void, but your memory fills our hearts with warmth. Salute to the incredible woman you were and the profound impact you had on all of us. You will forever be cherished, missed, and deeply loved.
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