‘As the ray blends with the sun and water merges with water,

so, blends the human light with the Supreme Light

and becomes totally perfect’

(Shri Guru Arjan Dev ji: Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji: Page 846)

We met Dr Ashish Sharma as a young lad during 1989-90, when he was studying in Class 7/8 in Wellington in Southern India. His father AVM Rajiv Sharma and I were undergoing the prestigious Air Staff Course in the Defence Services Staff College. It was another acquaintance that bonded our families which bloomed into a life long relationship. Ashish’s Mama (his mother, Mrs Suman’s brother Rahul Kalia) was a college mate at the Regional Engineering College, Kurukshetra) and Mrs Suman Sharma became my dear elder sister. We used to meet regularly during that period and we have seen the children Ashish and Sonia grow. Our daughter was a three year toddler and was very fond of them.

Ashish was an intelligent and academically brilliant child. Busy in his academic pursuits even with the regular social gettogethers at his home. He was a soft spoken and very caring person and could put at ease our daughter in their room. The love & affection was very infectious and the two families with the children enjoyed the beautiful environment of Wellington. The Air Marshal and Mrs Suman were very proud of Ashish and we knew that he will surely do exceedingly well in academics and life.

We never met Ashish thereafter but followed his progress in life through his father and mother. It was pure joy and pride to see him graduate from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh and move to USA to pursue his post-graduation and later his PhD. Ashish’s marriage to Rachel and birth of his daughter, Rhea, was a milestone in life of Ashish which was celebrated by his parents and us to announce his moving in life so beautifully. His research in the field of Cancer was highlights of academic excellence in the Bio Medical Informatics and an indelible contribution to society and mankind.

It was a rude shock and unbelievable irony that he was diagnosed with brain cancer.

The Air Marshal and Mrs Suman put up a very courageous face to be with Ashish in USA during the entire period of surgery and therapy. We tried to be the moral support to the Air Marshal and Mrs Suman who held Ashish by the straw of love and affection.

During our telephonic conversation it was with awe that we heard about Ashish’s dedication to his research and passionately contributing his knowledge from his bed itself. Like a true soldier in the battlefield he fought till the end and with his strength of in-dominatable character remained committed to the cause. My salute to Dr Ashish Sharma, a fallen soldier in his fight with destiny.

The parents are shattered at the loss of their beloved son, no comforting words can lessen their grief. The LORD is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18). He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3). We pray to the Almighty to grant heavenly abode to dear Ashish and the strength to the parents, family, Wife & daughter to bear the irreplaceable loss.

Sukhchain Singh (Veteran Air Marshall) and Mrs Manjit Kaur