Of a life well lived
The silence is broken in light of a greater, more deafening silence. Rajeev Motwani passed away today. He was a Stanford University professor of Computer Science with an astute understanding of technology, but more than that - he was an endless giver of knowledge, an emblem of dignity, and a kind-hearted soul. He has been a tremendous positive influence to no small number of students, professionals - all those who have sought his guidance.
I try to fathom the shock and sadness that his young family must feel today, and I cannot. I extend my condolences to them with deep sincerity, praying that gratitude for him will overshadow sadness for his loss, knowing also that there is no greater test. But test or not, it is deeply humbling to be reminded that we as a community, as a people, have no power to hold on, try as we may. Not even to those precious few who work incessantly towards pushing the frontiers of knowledge for mankind as a whole. And while Rajeev may no longer be with us, his contributions are immense and timeless, and he will be held in deep regard for years to come.
When a great soul passes, sadness overwhelms us. And yet, somewhere we realize that life has its lessons to teach us that it will. Our part is in mere acceptance and meditation upon how best we may learn from these lessons. I pray today that as we honor a life that touched so many others, brought light to so many paths, we are justly able to receive from it the inspiration to give - to people, to society as best we can, sans pride of self, of knowledge, fame, or money.
My own remembrances of Rajeev are vivid and fond. I still recall my first meeting with him on the 22nd of January, 2003. He had teased me for not carrying a paper and pen to the meeting, saying it was the first requirement of a researcher (it was my first day in the official capacity of a 'researcher'). I have since done so every time. As it is wont to, the mind relives each of these encounters in an effort to dedicate all the purity it can muster to a life it knew little, but with admiration and with reverence.
As a researcher and technologist, he was brilliant - words could do little justice to his wide circle of influence. As a teacher, he was awe-inspiring - carrying with him an equanimity and cheerfulness that remained undisturbed through every lecture. As a student advisor, he was kind and supportive - never condescending (though he may have had every reason to be so). As a supervisor (when I TAed for him twice), he was trusting and understanding. Most of all, however, his immense stature never came in the way of his friendly, smiling disposition - the same smile that comes to mind with the memory of every encounter with Rajeev. As his contributions are timeless, may his smile be so, ever reminding us of a life well lived.
I try to fathom the shock and sadness that his young family must feel today, and I cannot. I extend my condolences to them with deep sincerity, praying that gratitude for him will overshadow sadness for his loss, knowing also that there is no greater test. But test or not, it is deeply humbling to be reminded that we as a community, as a people, have no power to hold on, try as we may. Not even to those precious few who work incessantly towards pushing the frontiers of knowledge for mankind as a whole. And while Rajeev may no longer be with us, his contributions are immense and timeless, and he will be held in deep regard for years to come.
When a great soul passes, sadness overwhelms us. And yet, somewhere we realize that life has its lessons to teach us that it will. Our part is in mere acceptance and meditation upon how best we may learn from these lessons. I pray today that as we honor a life that touched so many others, brought light to so many paths, we are justly able to receive from it the inspiration to give - to people, to society as best we can, sans pride of self, of knowledge, fame, or money.
My own remembrances of Rajeev are vivid and fond. I still recall my first meeting with him on the 22nd of January, 2003. He had teased me for not carrying a paper and pen to the meeting, saying it was the first requirement of a researcher (it was my first day in the official capacity of a 'researcher'). I have since done so every time. As it is wont to, the mind relives each of these encounters in an effort to dedicate all the purity it can muster to a life it knew little, but with admiration and with reverence.
As a researcher and technologist, he was brilliant - words could do little justice to his wide circle of influence. As a teacher, he was awe-inspiring - carrying with him an equanimity and cheerfulness that remained undisturbed through every lecture. As a student advisor, he was kind and supportive - never condescending (though he may have had every reason to be so). As a supervisor (when I TAed for him twice), he was trusting and understanding. Most of all, however, his immense stature never came in the way of his friendly, smiling disposition - the same smile that comes to mind with the memory of every encounter with Rajeev. As his contributions are timeless, may his smile be so, ever reminding us of a life well lived.
How well he fell asleep!
Like some proud river, widening toward the sea;
Calmly and grandly, silently and deep,
Life joined eternity.
- Samuel T. Coleridge
2 comments:
:(
deep :(
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