A Supplement
- Ashok Bhasin
- Sep 30, 2017
- 4 min read
The partition of India was a transformational experience for the Bhasin family. Papa ji was able to reestablish himself and his family in Delhi through his resourcefulness. Like thousands of other refugees, he and Pabi ji had to start from scratch and build a loving, safe and happy home.
While Papa ji was busy establishing an economic future for the family, Pabi ji nurtured a full household: a demanding husband, four children, grand mother-in-law and hordes of visitors from the extended family. With a limited formal education, she was amazing in her mentorship to children as well as a solid advisor to her husband and to the extended family members, who sought her advice. She believed in expanding family and friend’s circles, building and repairing bridges. She took pains to be available to one and all and would travel by crowded Delhi buses in rain or sweltering heat. The Bhasin household was always open to one and all, no matter what strata of financial or social standing one belonged. As a lady of the house Pabiji’s hospitality was well known and graciously received. She was a lady with a great depth of understanding, compassion, sacrifice, sensitivity and forgiveness. All attributes required to maintain a family unity and that of an inclusive leader.
For over ten years, Papa ji was able to grow his wholesale cloth business with his hard work, leadership and adaptability. To the children, he encouraged them to attain maximum formal education and pursue their interests in careers of their choosing. Above all, he always emphasized the need for continual self-improvement in their lives.
After graduating with her teaching degree, Usha married Dr. Abbott in 1962.
Ashok became an Advocate, but decided to explore the world and migrate to Canada in 1966 with the help of his maternal uncles. Adarsh (while in College) decided to join the Indian Air Force in 1964. Deepak joined Kanchan and Ashok in Canada in 1970 to complete his college education in marketing and business.
Papa ji’s career changes were still not completed. In the mid-1960’s, he wound up his business due to deteriorating economic conditions. With his vast experience and an excellent record with his suppliers, he was handpicked as a Sales Manager for ten years with the Thapar family (an industrial conglomerate) in selling wholesale clothing in Calcutta.
In 1982, Papa ji was 67 years old and built the house at D894 in New Friends Colony and moved to the first floor. This residence became the Bhasin ancestral home for next 35 years. Pabi ji was a devout worshipper of Lord Krishna and a strict vegetarian. Papa ji, on the other hand, did not belong to any strict sect of Hindu tradition. He believed in Lord Krishna with Radha ma while she worshipped only Lord Krishna. However, both of them had great respect for each other’s religious beliefs. The Children learned spirituality in the form of worship from Pabi ji, and learned the importance of Karma from Papa ji. Both of them acted as senior advisors to the extended family members. The family lost the guidance of Pabi ji when she died on December 27th, 2002 and her imparted wisdom lives on…
Papa ji was always a storyteller and had a photographic memory. He would quote chapters and verses from his studies of Shakespeare’s plays. He would recite couplets in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and some Persian. He loved old Bollywood films and imitated famous singers. He maintained a great sense of humor, in spite of his struggles. For visitors from abroad and within India, he would leave a lasting impression with his warmth and his poetic stories.
In December 27th 2014, the Abbott and Bhasin clans celebrated Papa ji’s Centennial birthday. The event was attended by 26 immediate family members of which 17 members joined in from Canada, the United States and Dubai. Besides his four children and their spouses, there were 9 grandchildren, three of which were accompanied by their husbands and 6 great grand-children. Originally, the celebration was planned for over 500 guests and comprised of family, friends and acquaintances who came in touch with him. Unfortunately, the venue had to be changed to home in New Friends Colony due to Papaji’s health and weakness. He, in spite of his sickness, entertained the whole family with his singing and memorable stories.
Papa ji died on November 20, 2016, in his sleep, just 25 days short of his 102nd birthday. On November 23rd, the Abbott and Bhasin families held a memorial service titled “The Celebration of Papa ji’s Life”. Family member gave Papa ji beautiful tributes, and a 10-minute video was shared of Papa ji’s entertaining his whole family at his Centennial birthday. Over 400 people attended Papaji’s memorial service which included relatives, his friends, and friends of children and grandchildren.
Papa ji will always be remembered for his passion for life and it has to offer. He had the most appropriate humorous couplet, anecdote or a joke for every occasion making every one laugh. He was our own George Burns or our own Raj Kapoor for love of life and the pursuit of happiness.
