Lakshmi Sankar Chagantys Memorial

When I got engaged to my MIL, plus Tributes from my mother & friends (in Oxford): It was a long standing joke amongst my friends that my engagement happened with my MIL and not with Atreya. Because it was Atamma, Chinanna and Pinni who were present at the ‘engagement' in Mumbai, the groom to be was miles away in America! And thus began my relationship with Atamma as a bahu in the family. Actually my relationship with my MIL started on slightly shaky grounds, one on the basis of differences, differences of beliefs, differences of principles. So you can imagine my level of nervousness and fear when I was to meet the lady herself. Everyone around me had painted a picture of an evil matriarch who would never accept me in the family, that one of the most important relationships in my life was going to be ridden with discord and disharmony. I was petrified! However much to my relief and contrary to all the scary stories, what I found was the complete opposite - she was full of oodles of love and affection. She was fun, witty, loving, graceful and elegant. But above all - it was her ability to whole heartedly accept all of us for who we are, with all our different backgrounds and personalities, and encouraging us to flourish and grow without imposing - is what made her a special mother in law and universally loved. Am I glad I got engaged to Atamma all those years ago. Ever since she has, and will always be for me one of life's biggest blessings.... -- Tribute from my mother (Chandra Lekha): She was a very special person in my life. It is difficult to believe, that when I meet her next, she won't be around to hold my hand. She was my daughter's mother-in-law, but for me a dear friend. We didn't need words to understand each other. Life wasn't too kind to her, but she took everything in a stride. I always admired her for her immaculate way of tying a sari. So smart, so poised. And the ability to converse with everyone with ease. I refuse to write RIP. Because in my life, she will always remain with me. ____ Atamma has always been a people magnet and a big hit with my friends. I share some of their tributes too: It has been an absolute pleasure to know Atamma...such a lovely, well read, smiling, witty and elegant lady...we met her for a very short while, but she left such an indellible mark on our hearts and mind...she sparkled with witty remarks with a twinkle in her eyes...very caring and loving...she will be missed...may she shine and laugh and be at eternal peace.. - Rashmi I remember you said ‘ I won't remember your kindness' I remember you said' but I am glad we are spending time together' I remember you said' what a lovely place, great food and wonderful company' I remember you saying ‘ but I hope you are not upset I won't remember much and may forget to say thank you to you tomorrow. I bit my lips, held my tears and bravely told you' oh aunty you are lucky that everyday is another beautiful day for you. That was the only one time we got to be together alone but I can never forget that very memorable date we had at Millets Farm. Your eyes twinkled as you saw the swans and I just wished I had your wonderful sense of humour. My memory of my great friend Kanika's mother in law @aunty. - Kogila Aunty was a beautiful and kind soul who inspired us with her positivity. We have been lucky to meet her in person. Memories are still fresh in our mind when she visited us in Reading, England. She was fond of watching indian serials and asked to put the telly on to watch 'Behad'. We will always remember her with a smile on her face and her great sense of humour. May your soul rest in peace. You will stay in our hearts forever. - Brij and Alka