Friends:

Someone close to Iqbal Saab scrapped me on Orkut to say that we have lost Iqbal
Saab this morning. I have tried to verify it back with that person and he
confirms back this shocking news. I have also tried calling his residence number
but it is being reported as switched off. It is said he died of a massive heart
attack this morning. He was still in his 50s, and had lost his partner a few
years back. A loss that he mentioned to me once that he used to find hard to
bear at this period of his life. He was a public figure from Kochi, been its
councilor and Mayor.

I am shell shocked and don't have words to express my grief. He scrapped me
today morning at 5.15AM ( a routine that he has been following daily since he
came to know of my sister's illness and the surgery) and I have yet to reply to
that scrap :(

Some one who, by his own admission, been exposed to internet only for an year
or so; he has been a quick learner. He revived the music groups on Talat and
Naushad and have also been writing regularly on SKS, SJ and Lata Groups. Lately
he had been very active on Orkut communities contributing everywhere. He also
runs a most lovely blog where he had just yesterday uploaded a few Rajkumari
songs and wanted me get back to him with feedback.

Praying fervently to that god almighty to give his soul the eternal peace and
also give strength to his son and others in his family to bear this loss with
fortitude.

In grief...

Naresh Khattar


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