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Our Self-Written Obituaries – Ratna Golaknath, Vasant Kunj

Our Self-Written Obituaries – Ratna Golaknath, Vasant Kunj

The 91st death.

[Text by Ratna Golaknath; photograph by Meghna Jaswal, or probably her sister Mikta Jaswal]

Ratna Golaknath finally stopped thinking and more importantly feeling. The mechanics of her body and brain finally switched off and she passed away peacefully this morning. We know she was not sorry about seeing the end. Years ago, she had written her obituary and her husband has unburied it for us:

“Dear ones,
I guess I am dead. Treat this as my farewell message. I wrote this when I was 35, for a rather interesting project I stumbled upon via Facebook.

Once I go, I want only one legacy to survive about me-that I spread some kindness in your world. I try and will continue to try to build relationships that protect, that nurture and that transform us into better people. It’s so important to care. Care deeply about all that matters to you.

There is not going to be any last rite for you to attend, hopefully my organs will come to some medical use. However, I’m hoping my family invites you over for a nice ‘open house’ and that you guys raise a toast to memories about me. Memories of ‘Welham’, of my childhood , of a challenging transition to adulthood, of drunken follies and deeply mature introspection. Stories that help my kid know me better. Cry, laugh, even be angry. At the end make sure you leave with a full tummy and an unburdened heart.

P.S.: Ananya (my darling husband) use the Good Earth plates , serve a good vodka based cocktail dedicated to me and try and invite that Mayank guy who did the obituary project.”

Ratna Golaknath will be missed by her family and friends and if you are one of the people whose life she touched, then do join us for the ‘open house’.

Our Self-Written Obituaries invites people to write their obituary in 200 words. The idea is to share with the world how you will like to be remembered after you are gone. (May you live a long life, of course!) Please mail me your self-obit at mayankaustensoofi@gmail.com.

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