Eleven years ago at the age of 70 he was diagnosed with Cancer. He was taken aback, as till that time he didn’t even suffer a headache. But, being a sportsman all his life and an active Table tennis player, he decided to fight this ailment. “Why should cancer come in my way now?” he said to himself and continued with his routine as if nothing had happened to him.
When as a Professor in Nagpur University, he used to start his day at 4.30 am. So, he decided to follow that lifestyle in a slightly different way, fter he came to know about this ailment. Since he had already shifted to Palava township off. Dombivali to spend his retired life, there were all facilities available for him to keep himself engaged. He once again started his day at 4.30 am and did all his work like washing and ironing clothes. Kept his mind occupied listening to music, astrology, spending time with his wife and above all playing the game of Table tennis fours a day, with veterans and training children in the club house. He also followed his regular doctor’s visits and took his medicines regularly.
For past few days he was not keeping well, but did show signs of recovery. However, 3 days ago his condition deteriorated during his stay in Pune and finally he bid adieu to this world, when he breathed his last at 5 pm today at the age of 81. With his passing away, the TT fraternity has lost a wonderful cheerful friend, who was so much interested in the promotion of this game. Only this year beginning he took the lead to organise this season’s 1st Maharashtra State Veterans’ ranking TT Tournament at Palava in a big way, followed by Thane District Open ranking Tournament.
After disclosing about his sad demise to magzmumbai, his close associate from Palava Club said, “It is the saddest day in Books of TTC Palava. He was considered as Wikipedia of TT. He had the highest fan following for his smile and gentle nature among TT players. He was the soul to live every moment and a great founder member to raise TT in Palava to this level. Cremation will happen in Pune as he has taken his last breath there. Palava Condolence day will be announced soon.”
Last year at his request, myself and Prakash kelkar had gone to Palava to play an exhibition match at Xerbia mall and he was simply thrilled to welcome us there. This year beginning , he had made me Ambassador for the 1st State ranking Veterans TT Tournament and he was very happy once again to welcome me there. I don’t know how Abhishek and others in TTC Palava are going to bear this big loss, but I am myself deeply pained and words are of no help in expressing the sorrow, at this moment. On behalf of my TT friends I offer my sincere condolences.