Dhundev Bauhadoor - My Mauritius "Papa"

                                                

It was 12th December 1998.  The very first time I stepped into the world of paradise, Mauritius. A land where I found my divine father, Dhundev Bahadoor. He was a small size man with beautiful smiles and unique laughter's. Short-tempered but indeed a very soft hearted person. Besides that, he was a man with a a variety of character based on the respective situations; emotional, witty, genuine, fine looking, well dressed and a very straightforward man. And I must say he enjoys his meals, anything hot and spicy. The joy was always seen on his facial expression and he would express his satisfaction with a big smile by saying, "Hey Bhaperey Baab". Further more, music, bhajan's and kirthan's were his life. I witnessed his dedication and love towards the community through his service, which is practiced, by his family and friends till to-date. He was a wonderful father, who never stopped showering love. It was a blessing knowing him and I will never regret being his "Bethi".

While he was known as "Dhundev Ji" to the world, he was my "Papa". He gave me wisdom in many ways. After listening to his astonishing voice, I realized the importance of being a singer myself. I begun to appreciate and love the Hindi language, which became my 2nd mother tongue. Walking through the same path as "Papa" to the Human Service Trust, I learned the meaning of community service in depth and realized I had much more to contribute as an individual. Moreover, I discovered the North Indian Culture and came to an understanding that we were all the same.

As I think of him, I always hear his voice and these were his last words with me, "Our lives are filled with color from the start. Red represents the love that comes from our hearts, Blue is the sadness that drips from our eyes but Black is the evil that makes us tell lies. Green is the shade of jealousy and temper, Grey is the hair that comes with old age, and Purple is the mood which most misunderstood but White is the color that makes us feel good. Bethi, life is full of meaningful colors and these colors represent our home, Mauritius. So hold on tight to it as these colors will be the torch to your pathway someday".

Today, I am here writing this note and this is also with his blessings. Although I understand the fact that Life and Death are part of the journey, yet my heart still feels the pain of loosing my "Papa". I keep asking myself, "Is there a meaning behind this journey called LIFE?" I believe the answer is "LOVE". We are all very different from one another and yet we are very much the same- especially when seen through blind eyes. It is more than blood and flesh we share. "Papa" has left us behind this message, "WE all must not forget to love and cherish each other and than God for what we have. Never forget to tell someone you love him or her 'cause tomorrow may never exist.

God Bless You, Papa.

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