Ashish Sharma, so many images flash through as I think of him. I knew of him as he was my nephew but he lived in USA and me in India. I was aware of his brilliance but had never met him personally. One day I came to know the disaster that had befallen him and my sister, and her husband. Unbelievable. My heart missed a beat. It can’t be. That’s what he was researching and working on. My whole being reached out to my sister and through her to Ashish.

That’s when real connection started to happen through my sister. I sent poems of courage and healing to him. One day he connected directly with me and we shared. He was recovering what was touching was his optimism for life, still very pleasant and affable. No bitterness in him or regrets. We started exchanging notes. He was stuck on his bed, nothing could take away his spirit from him. He started coloring photographs using Prisma, lying down. He developed it as an art. I was so thrilled to see him turning his struggle into a creative art.

So started sending him photographs from my travels. He never failed to mention the names of people who helped him along. Still so thoughtful and full of gratitude, I admired his passion, optimism, and sensitivity. Each time he would check my reaction and create better version of the photograph. He was simply amazing how he developed this hobby to keep his mind working.

He loved his wife and daughter so deeply. His love for his mom and sister paved the way for who he was. A caring, sensitive human being apart from a brilliant scientist.

He left such a void. I had never met him but felt his soul and our connection. I am still waiting for him to send me his new email id. I celebrate his life.

Sushma Sharma