There were so many major events / milestones in my life like my marriage, kids, USA, father's death etc. One of the events that is outside my family but still had greater impact that any of those events is my friend Vinay's death on April 24th, 1984. Till then I was thinking friendship as ever-lasting and death as never-happening scenario. Both of them showed up uninvited at 12:15PM at Vizag's Ramakrishna Beach on a high tide, sunny summer afternoon.
Vinay Kumar Gupta (Vinu Mama) used to be an young, energetic, engineering college student. He was from Sultan Bazaar, Badi Chowdi lane and used to call his family as National Integration Family. Mom was Marathi, Dad was Telugu Vysya settled in Tamilnadu, Brother married a Kannadiga. So they had almost all languages being spoken at home. Vinay used to be fluent in Marathi, Hindi and spoke mostly Hindi with friends.
I met Vinay on my first day at Engineering College. We sat next to each other and our would be best friend (Sunder) walked in with a white Kurtha on the first day. Sunder is a heavy set, almost 6ft kind of a guy. With Kurtha and Hindi mannerisms, I made up my mind that he is definitely a Marwadi. After couple of days of getting to know each other, over few samosas & 1/2 teas at the Hilton (famous Irani hotel within 100 yds of campus), I was so sure about Sunder being Marwadi that I started confirming his Marwadi Origins. He said that he is a Tamil Iyer. I was so shocked that I kept on repeating my Marwadi Assumption. He got tired and finally replied that he will check again with his family.
Vinay was a fun loving kind of guy. I, Sunder and Vinay used to hang out a lot. Vinay was also very close to Shashank - Shanks. He always treated Shanks with respect saying he is better guy to hang around with. They also used to converse in Marathi whenever we were not around. Vinay used to build special bridges of his own, he used to be close with Poorna too.
Vinay's house in Badi Chowdi was centrally located (as realtors generally say location, location, location ..). Family always welcomed friends of Vinay. We used to get our own room, throw our books, listen to music and go to movies (Venkatramana, Prabhat, Maheswari sisters, Basant theatre were at walk able distances) after a sumptuous lunch prepared by Vinay's Mom. Sometimes Vinay played Bul Bul Thara and drums for his friends. He was a talented musician. We also started meeting his childhood friends Milind, Sharad, Anand Kulkarni, Peter (Prem's brother). They were all his Vivek Vardhini school / college mates. We also used to venture out to famous MojamJahi Market theatres Navrang, .. theatres playing Jitender, Sridevi telugu remakes like Toffa, etc.
Vinay did well in Engineering. From 3rd year onwards, we almost moved into Engineering Hostel-ECH II with Shanks/Sambesh/Pankaj/Poorna etc. We used to have fun schedules. We go to college in the morning and after our classes we used to go home. After dinner, we used to go back to hostel for studies/2nd shows/etc.. Among friends Vinay was only friend on wheels. After dinner he would pick me and Sunder (from Shankar Matt) for combined studies at Engg. Hostel .. Riding Thikkie.
Some of my memories of Vinay ..
With Vinay, we watched several movies like (Shammi Kapoor movies, Arth, ArdhSathya, Rajesh Khanna movies etc.). One of the movies we saw umpteen # of times was Namak Halaal. Vinay used to imitate Parveen Babi's dance in our college parties, the famous number .. Javan Jaane Man .. Haseen DhilRuba … One night Shashank, Sunder wanted to watch a movie in Prabhat. We went to Vinay's house in the night. He was'nt there and Shashank lied to his parents that we came to pick a book from Vinay. Shashank and Sunder started saying that we have an exam next day and how this book was essential. They searched anxiously for the book and found it in his study room. We all thanked obediently and presented a "relieved" look by holding the precious book. Then we slowly we sneeked into Prabhat to watch the Shammi Kapoor starrer. During the interval, Shashank and Sunder stood up to stretch under bright lights. Vinay's parents were sitting in the row behind us. We didn't have nerve to greet them and they were smiling.
In 1983, we all planned for a trip to Goa. Sunder couldn't make it as he had rowing competition somewhere in West Bengal. He was arguing that rowing certificate was important after college, I need to check with him about the certificate again when I see him this summer. Shashank, Vinay, Pankaj, Poorna and myself finally went to Goa (my uncle was living there in Goa and we stayed in his house). I don't remember all the details but I and Vinay had a big fight (almost a physical fight) at Goa. We were so close, that we never hesitated to fight each other. Twenties is something that will bring out your full personality. Nowadays I don't feel that fighting closeness (not even verbal) with any of my friends.
Our College Trip to Araku Valley .. April 1984 ..
During our final year, we had some funds for a educational trip. In order to raise some more funds, we planned a fund-raiser by arranging special show of Rishi Kapoor starrer "Khel Khel Mein". The planning went well and of all the titles, we picked "Khel Khel Mein" after several iterations (strengths - suspense, songs - Hamko Thumne Dekha, Thumko Hamne Dekha .. Kaise .., college setting, etc..). The ticket was Rs 5.00 and we picked Chemical Engg Auditorium. It was a huge sellout and Pankaj/Hanuman played key role in organizing event.
Vinay was reluctant to go on the educational trip. I don't remember the reasons but we kind of pestered him to come. Finally he packed his clothes and joined the class on a separate dedicated bogey to Araku. Train journey was fun with late night chais at train stations, songs, picking on Girish Karnad look alike Vidhya Shankar. Girls also participated (first time in 4 yrs & it was final yr of Engg.) in the fun with songs, getting to know our names, .. That's different class altogether.. for namesake it was co-ed. Finally we reached Araku .. and it was beautiful ..We liked silent valleys, tribes, greenery, etc.. Vinay was always with us doing his things .. One thing I remember was a dance he did imitating JayaPrada when no one was around ..He was wearing a wheatish colored T shirt with Caption "Let Me Be Me" and we all wonder the weird coincidence about his death and the caption.
We came back from Araku and our train to Hyderabad was around 3:15PM. I think it was lunch time, when I observed Vinu mama slowly sipping away Thumps-Up sitting next to me. We were with girls in a Vizag restaurant. He apparently promised one of the girls that he would treat her at the restaurant. He and I always used to have financial transactions .. He asked me to lend him Rs 10/-. I was cursing him on how he should have checked his balances before promising treats and I never realised that it would be my last transaction with Vinay.
After 5 minutes, one batch finished lunch and was heading towards beach as we had around 3 hours for our train to Hyd. Since Hyderabadies are always beach-hungry, we never wanted to waste even a minute. The group that finished lunch got into auto and there was one vacancy in the auto. They asked Vinay and he readily got into the auto.
I wish I remember his final good-bye but I don't. We took the next auto and reached Beach within 15 minutes. It was sunny and supposed to be full moon day. It was a high tide afternoon and none of the Vizag locals were swimming including fishermen. There was no warning and guidance for tourists like us. No one was supposed to get into the beach that afternoon due to high tides.
One group of our friends including Vinay did venture into the beach and our group was taking pictures about 1/2 mile apart. Now and then I glanced at the swimming group and it looked like all of them were staring at the ocean. Something was different about Pankaj's look and stare into the ocean. Then someone came running saying that Vinay is missing. Apparently Pramod, Poorna and Vinay went swimming into the ocean. Due to the high tide, all of them had to turn back after going some distance. At one point, all 3 were visible fighting waves in order to make it to the shore. Pramod and Poorna made it eventually and Vinay couldn't.
The following week, month, year, years were very tough on all our classmates.
The incident happened 22 yrs ago on April 24th, 1984 at 12:15PM. We still miss our dearest friend Vinay and prey for His Peaceful Soul.
Some days like April 24th never vanishes from our hearts and memories. I tend to recollect fun memories about Vinu Mama, who was full with life till his last moments..
The year after his death, we commemorated a plaque at the Elect. Engg. Dept and at Badi Chowdi, Vinay's friends (Sharad, Anand) conducted Tennicot competitions for youth.
I know we are all busy with our daily battles about work, family, kids education, Hyd real estate investments, career promotions, etc.. We need to take a moment and remember Vinu Mama and try to live our lives richer, as who knows a empty spot in an auto might lead to no-return one way road for good ..
I know it is sad and long, but still worthwhile reading about Vinay and our memories of him.
Best Regards,
Venkat Aekka
Vinay Kumar Gupta (Vinu Mama) used to be an young, energetic, engineering college student. He was from Sultan Bazaar, Badi Chowdi lane and used to call his family as National Integration Family. Mom was Marathi, Dad was Telugu Vysya settled in Tamilnadu, Brother married a Kannadiga. So they had almost all languages being spoken at home. Vinay used to be fluent in Marathi, Hindi and spoke mostly Hindi with friends.
I met Vinay on my first day at Engineering College. We sat next to each other and our would be best friend (Sunder) walked in with a white Kurtha on the first day. Sunder is a heavy set, almost 6ft kind of a guy. With Kurtha and Hindi mannerisms, I made up my mind that he is definitely a Marwadi. After couple of days of getting to know each other, over few samosas & 1/2 teas at the Hilton (famous Irani hotel within 100 yds of campus), I was so sure about Sunder being Marwadi that I started confirming his Marwadi Origins. He said that he is a Tamil Iyer. I was so shocked that I kept on repeating my Marwadi Assumption. He got tired and finally replied that he will check again with his family.
Vinay was a fun loving kind of guy. I, Sunder and Vinay used to hang out a lot. Vinay was also very close to Shashank - Shanks. He always treated Shanks with respect saying he is better guy to hang around with. They also used to converse in Marathi whenever we were not around. Vinay used to build special bridges of his own, he used to be close with Poorna too.
Vinay's house in Badi Chowdi was centrally located (as realtors generally say location, location, location ..). Family always welcomed friends of Vinay. We used to get our own room, throw our books, listen to music and go to movies (Venkatramana, Prabhat, Maheswari sisters, Basant theatre were at walk able distances) after a sumptuous lunch prepared by Vinay's Mom. Sometimes Vinay played Bul Bul Thara and drums for his friends. He was a talented musician. We also started meeting his childhood friends Milind, Sharad, Anand Kulkarni, Peter (Prem's brother). They were all his Vivek Vardhini school / college mates. We also used to venture out to famous MojamJahi Market theatres Navrang, .. theatres playing Jitender, Sridevi telugu remakes like Toffa, etc.
Vinay did well in Engineering. From 3rd year onwards, we almost moved into Engineering Hostel-ECH II with Shanks/Sambesh/Pankaj/Poorna etc. We used to have fun schedules. We go to college in the morning and after our classes we used to go home. After dinner, we used to go back to hostel for studies/2nd shows/etc.. Among friends Vinay was only friend on wheels. After dinner he would pick me and Sunder (from Shankar Matt) for combined studies at Engg. Hostel .. Riding Thikkie.
Some of my memories of Vinay ..
- He used a good Tennicot Ring player. I don't know whether it is played nowadays.. But it is a very tricky and needed lot of stamina. The court is a smaller than a badminton court and players need to throw Tennicot Ring (almost tire like round, made of rubber, handy ring). The rules are that one should catch and release ring in seconds and ring should not vobble too much when thrown. Good players are excellent in placing ring, offensive shots sometimes are very powerful
- He was a good swimmer. We used to go to Hanuman VyayamShala and Osmania pools in summer. He also joined NCC
- Just like everyone, he liked movies and company with friends. He had a unique and loud laugh and enjoyed jokes.
- He was the only smoker among our close friends. Not an heavy smoker but at least one a day. Speaking about smoking, one of our friends at college was a "chain" smoker. We were teasing him to be "belt" smoker as "chain" has atleast some gaps in between.
- Vinay was very emotional. His mood would hop from a big laugh to tears in seconds. Once he messed up an exam and it took several hours for us to bring him to normalcy. He had tears, talked about suicide and finally we had to drag him to a movie.
With Vinay, we watched several movies like (Shammi Kapoor movies, Arth, ArdhSathya, Rajesh Khanna movies etc.). One of the movies we saw umpteen # of times was Namak Halaal. Vinay used to imitate Parveen Babi's dance in our college parties, the famous number .. Javan Jaane Man .. Haseen DhilRuba … One night Shashank, Sunder wanted to watch a movie in Prabhat. We went to Vinay's house in the night. He was'nt there and Shashank lied to his parents that we came to pick a book from Vinay. Shashank and Sunder started saying that we have an exam next day and how this book was essential. They searched anxiously for the book and found it in his study room. We all thanked obediently and presented a "relieved" look by holding the precious book. Then we slowly we sneeked into Prabhat to watch the Shammi Kapoor starrer. During the interval, Shashank and Sunder stood up to stretch under bright lights. Vinay's parents were sitting in the row behind us. We didn't have nerve to greet them and they were smiling.
In 1983, we all planned for a trip to Goa. Sunder couldn't make it as he had rowing competition somewhere in West Bengal. He was arguing that rowing certificate was important after college, I need to check with him about the certificate again when I see him this summer. Shashank, Vinay, Pankaj, Poorna and myself finally went to Goa (my uncle was living there in Goa and we stayed in his house). I don't remember all the details but I and Vinay had a big fight (almost a physical fight) at Goa. We were so close, that we never hesitated to fight each other. Twenties is something that will bring out your full personality. Nowadays I don't feel that fighting closeness (not even verbal) with any of my friends.
Our College Trip to Araku Valley .. April 1984 ..
During our final year, we had some funds for a educational trip. In order to raise some more funds, we planned a fund-raiser by arranging special show of Rishi Kapoor starrer "Khel Khel Mein". The planning went well and of all the titles, we picked "Khel Khel Mein" after several iterations (strengths - suspense, songs - Hamko Thumne Dekha, Thumko Hamne Dekha .. Kaise .., college setting, etc..). The ticket was Rs 5.00 and we picked Chemical Engg Auditorium. It was a huge sellout and Pankaj/Hanuman played key role in organizing event.
Vinay was reluctant to go on the educational trip. I don't remember the reasons but we kind of pestered him to come. Finally he packed his clothes and joined the class on a separate dedicated bogey to Araku. Train journey was fun with late night chais at train stations, songs, picking on Girish Karnad look alike Vidhya Shankar. Girls also participated (first time in 4 yrs & it was final yr of Engg.) in the fun with songs, getting to know our names, .. That's different class altogether.. for namesake it was co-ed. Finally we reached Araku .. and it was beautiful ..We liked silent valleys, tribes, greenery, etc.. Vinay was always with us doing his things .. One thing I remember was a dance he did imitating JayaPrada when no one was around ..He was wearing a wheatish colored T shirt with Caption "Let Me Be Me" and we all wonder the weird coincidence about his death and the caption.
We came back from Araku and our train to Hyderabad was around 3:15PM. I think it was lunch time, when I observed Vinu mama slowly sipping away Thumps-Up sitting next to me. We were with girls in a Vizag restaurant. He apparently promised one of the girls that he would treat her at the restaurant. He and I always used to have financial transactions .. He asked me to lend him Rs 10/-. I was cursing him on how he should have checked his balances before promising treats and I never realised that it would be my last transaction with Vinay.
After 5 minutes, one batch finished lunch and was heading towards beach as we had around 3 hours for our train to Hyd. Since Hyderabadies are always beach-hungry, we never wanted to waste even a minute. The group that finished lunch got into auto and there was one vacancy in the auto. They asked Vinay and he readily got into the auto.
I wish I remember his final good-bye but I don't. We took the next auto and reached Beach within 15 minutes. It was sunny and supposed to be full moon day. It was a high tide afternoon and none of the Vizag locals were swimming including fishermen. There was no warning and guidance for tourists like us. No one was supposed to get into the beach that afternoon due to high tides.
One group of our friends including Vinay did venture into the beach and our group was taking pictures about 1/2 mile apart. Now and then I glanced at the swimming group and it looked like all of them were staring at the ocean. Something was different about Pankaj's look and stare into the ocean. Then someone came running saying that Vinay is missing. Apparently Pramod, Poorna and Vinay went swimming into the ocean. Due to the high tide, all of them had to turn back after going some distance. At one point, all 3 were visible fighting waves in order to make it to the shore. Pramod and Poorna made it eventually and Vinay couldn't.
The following week, month, year, years were very tough on all our classmates.
The incident happened 22 yrs ago on April 24th, 1984 at 12:15PM. We still miss our dearest friend Vinay and prey for His Peaceful Soul.
Some days like April 24th never vanishes from our hearts and memories. I tend to recollect fun memories about Vinu Mama, who was full with life till his last moments..
The year after his death, we commemorated a plaque at the Elect. Engg. Dept and at Badi Chowdi, Vinay's friends (Sharad, Anand) conducted Tennicot competitions for youth.
I know we are all busy with our daily battles about work, family, kids education, Hyd real estate investments, career promotions, etc.. We need to take a moment and remember Vinu Mama and try to live our lives richer, as who knows a empty spot in an auto might lead to no-return one way road for good ..
I know it is sad and long, but still worthwhile reading about Vinay and our memories of him.
Best Regards,
Venkat Aekka
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