A man of devotion..

It has been almost one year, who knew that our dear and near Nagabhushana Babu is not among us. It was last year during Thanksgiving break, when we unexpectedly received the news of Nagabhusan Babu from Dr.Mangaraj.  It was a complete shock to us and our whole community.  I personally couldn’t believe that this could happen because we were happily talking to each other about “OSA Kumar Purnima Festival” three weeks ago. He was the man of great intelligence, care, and passion that inspired all of us. 

I met him few years back when we are trying to establish Lord Jagannath at the Columbus Hindu Temple. He was a very quiet person and one of the great devotees for Lord Jagannath. He would always say the truth and loved to participate in everything. During our first Kumara Purnima festival, I would see him in the front row actively participating with the plays, but I would also later see him help cleaning floors after the Jagannatha puja. I have always seen him at the Hindu temple participating in Jagannatha Puja and at our many community events. He was one of the main sponsors for Lord Jagannatha installation process. In the year of 2011 he served as “Puri king” at the time of Ratha Yatra for Columbus Hindu Temple to culminate the consecration rituals for the temple.

Nagabushana Babu was an egoless and intelligent person that influenced others who came in contact. I would constantly ask him to give my son tips on how to do well in college and pursue a passion. He would always laugh as he explained that we should push the boy to concentrate more and make him do better than Nagabhusanbabu.  He was a man that happily tried to help other people around him, but always emphasized to people to do their best and achieve their own dreams. 

Even though he was very social, he was a very calm and had a quiet personality.  At many community events, I would see him walking around observing people and enjoying many conversations with the kids and other parents. Lately, Nagabhusan Babu was more inclined towards spiritual and religious activities. He usually joined us where there were activities related to Lord Jagannatha or Kriya Yoga. Last Year during the month of August, we were both at Dr. Mangaraj’s house for Kriya Yoga practice session.  He actively participated in the session and asked many wonderful questions to the Baba. He had lunch with the Baba and enjoyed every moment with him. 

I had called him to attain our annual “OSA Kumar Purnima festival.” He normally is very approachable as soon as he gets time and he returns the call but this time it was little late, but he called me and left voice mail for me. When I called him next day morning I realized that his voice was little thick and he was getting cough also. I asked him that if he needed any help but he refused.  He said in case he needed he was going to call me. But he told that he has medical tests scheduled on that day and would join the Kumara Purnima festival the next year.

It was very saddening to see a strong and passionate person leave our lives, but he left something that encourages us to perceive and chase our passions. He may be physically apart from us, but he is emotionally and mentally with us all the time. 

Arata T Rout, Columbus
 

Arata Rout is an engineer and lives in Columbus, Ohio.  He is active in organizing social festivals on behalf of the immigrant families coming from Odisha, India.