The loss of a friend is like that of a limb; time may heal the anguish of the wound, but the loss cannot be repaired. – Robert Southey
Balli
– A Friend in Need and Deed
Capt Balvinder Singh (Balli), a dear
friend of mine succumbed to post Covid 19 complications yesterday evening at
the Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. The sad news of his passing came like a bolt
out of the blue and hit me deep in the gut. Having spoken to him a few days
back and knowing that he had recovered from Covid, I have been in a state of
denial and am yet to accept this reality.
Our association dates back to the
time when we joined the Reserve Bank of India in Jan 1990 and got to know each
other during our induction training at Chennai. Balli was a thorough gentleman and
the most affable person I have ever met. A polite and kind hearted man who used
to greet everyone with a smile. I do not recollect him ever losing his temper
on anyone. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Balli was great at hosting impromptu
parties at the drop of a hat and possessed the knack of livening up the proceedings
with his extrovert nature, his flair for music and singing. Such meetings at
either his residence, mine or at some other mutual friends’ place used to
happen very frequently and we never tired of it. Those moments spent together will
always be etched in my mind and are sure to brighten my mood on a gloomy day.
I am sure Balli must be regaling the angels in heaven with his amazing repertoire of songs and ditties.
Goodbye my friend, till we meet again down the road !
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Some memories with Balli :
