Though married to a family of historians, I had tried to keep my distance from History, with a typical Technocrat’s arrogance, which held that History dealt only with past.
It was Papiya, who successfully changed that over the years as she discussed her riveting research work with me, especially her work on Partition. Her passionate involvement and commitment to academics made me very proud of her. Her last book will tell the story of millions of displaced lives, but will not tell the story of the dedicated person who was always game to negotiate the uncharted course, unescorted!
Cruel hands of destiny have taken away my favourite sister in the prime of her life through an unspeakably terrifying ordeal. I have lost a caring friend and one who made me feel good just by being around.
Friends, Papiya’s mission will not remain unfulfilled and I am confident that Papiya will remain in our hearts forever!
MANAS – (BROTHER-IN-LAW)
CAIRO