35 years on, memories linger on

Mehak Kaur Narwal

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Patiala, September 28

It has been 35 years of bereavement for the families of the 22 students, including nine girls, who had met a tragic end in a boat mishap on September 29, 1982. The families are still under acute grief as the memories of their beloved young souls are still fresh in their minds.

It was one of the darkest days in the history of Patiala when over 100 students of Class VI of Our Lady of Fatima School went to pay obeisance at Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib. On their way back to Nangal Dam, a few children insisted for coming back by boat, but tragically, the boat capsized and 22 of the 65 children drowned.

Marking the 35th anniversary of this tragic event, the Children Memorial Trust, Patiala, organised a prayer meeting on the premises of Children Memorial Senior Secondary School. The gloominess in the eyes of the family members of the children was heart wrenching as most of them are yet to get out of the shock that turned their world upside down. 

Mridula Puri, elder sister of Anu Passey who was among the victims, said, “Loss of a sibling is the greatest loss, that too at a tender age. My heart still trembles whenever I think about the incident as I was also a part of the trip but I was fortunate enough to survive whereas the destiny had other plans for my sister.” 

“We are still trying to come to terms with our daughter’s death. Had she been alive, she would have been 45 years old and leading a prosperous life like my other children. Girls are always more loving and caring. Though I have two daughters, the void created by her demise can’t be filled,” said Sudarshan Kaur Varmani, mother of Tarunjeet Kaur Virmani. 

Sudarshan suffers from a tumor and has undergone multiple surgeries but continues to live her life in full spirit. She visits the school often and is an avid reader. She enjoys watching old movies and spending time with her grandchildren.

While remembering her son Vivek Goel, Kanta Goel says he still lives in her dreams. I was the first one to receive the news of the mishap that took place 35 years ago. Though the pain is unbearable, it gives me immense pride that even at that tender age, my son died saving the lives of four of his classmates,” said the inconsolable mother. Kanta, who lost her husband a few years ago, has been working for the welfare of children for many years.

Shimla Singla, mother of Anju Singla, said her daughter, being a versatile personality, had always made her proud. “On the day of the incident, she was the first person to warn her fellow classmates to be cautious of the water currents. God has always been unkind to me after her death. I have also lost my son and husband in an accident,” she added.