“Smile and be courteous” has always been Kitty’s motto

Special greeting to Kitty on her 80th birthday from Vishu, her friend for over fifty years

Vishu Guha, Kitty’s close friend over half a century, couldn’t make it to her 80th birthday but sent this letter (which was read out to the 80th birthday gathering in her absence.) Five years later,  Vishu read it again in person to Kitty on her 85th birthday.  She also sent a personal greeting for Kitty’s 85th birthday blog.

Read more more about their relationship in Vishu’s own words…

Dear friends,

Much as I would have loved to be here today, I am unable to come due to circumstances beyond my control.

My friendship with Kitty dates back to the late fifties – nearly five decades of love and friendship I have received from her. “Smile and be courteous” has been Kitty’s motto, ever since I have known her. All her friends here will bear testimony to this fact. She is a person who lives for others. She is warn, caring, considerate, understanding and considerate, magnanimous of heart. I have never seen her frown or lose her temper. Equanimity has been her virtue.

Kitty never forgets a birthday or wedding anniversary.For nearly 50 years, me and my husband have received greetings from her without fail and hers will always be the first to arrive – (not email but hand-written!) Nothing like seeing the written word of a loved one. And then she will be there in person, come what may, to greet us with
a beautiful gift.

Kitty with Vishu, her friend of over fifty years

For years she has been cheering the sick and aged and never worrying about her own health. My mother, who died at the age of 91 with cancer was cheered and comforted by Kitty innumerable times. Her smile and concern has always been like rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad and nature’s best antidote for trouble.

“Our life is like an echo. We get back what we give to others.” So goes the saying and how true! Life is like a boomerang. My friend Kitty has given so much to people around her in Bangalore and wherever she has been – that like an echo she has acquired so many friends and well-wishers.

I would also like to say a few words about her wonderful family. Her husband John was tall, dark and handsome. He was a man of few words, but stoic, dependable and a pillar of strength. I was impressed by his towering personality. How I wish John was with us today!

Her three children have inherited the good qualities of their parents. I have received so much of warmth and affection from them too. Trixie was a little girl in school in the early 60’s – a bright and loving child and she was one of my star pupils. Years later in 2000, when my husband met with a serious accident in the US, Trixie was there for me – comforting, visiting me often and bringing me books to read. It’s the love and prayers of this family that put my husband back on his feet.

I know Jeyanthi as a talented artist and a brilliant sportswoman. Whenever I needed her, she was there for me.
I remember going for walks with little Pradeep in the woods of 39th Gurkhas* in Dehra Dun way back in the ’70s – lively, cheerful and friendly. He is quite a magnate in the corporate world now. My love and blessings to the three and may their mother continue to guide and inspire them for many many years.

My warm good wishes to dear Kitty on this joyous occasion. May God grant her many more years of good health and happiness with her chioldren, grand-children and great-grandchildren.

Lots of love,

Vishu

*39th Gukhas – Refers to 39 Gurkha Training Centre – the Army training base of the 3rd and 9th regiments of the Gurkha cadre of the Indian army.

About their friendship

Vishu was a teacher who taught Kitty’s daughter Trixie in the fourth standard at Cambrian Hall school and was a close friend of Rita Hensman, the music teacher in that very same school. Kitty met Vishu at Rita’s many gatherings at her home, and also at the Dakshina Bharat Sangh, an association of South Indians up in Dehra Dun of Uttar Pradesh, which is as North Indian a venue as you could ever get. At the Dakshina Bharat Sangh’s many cultural activities, Kitty too had a chance to display her talent in playing the Hawaiian Guitar. Vishu’s acting talent came to the fore at Trixie’s wedding in Dehra Dun, and at Kitty and Ebbie’s Golden wedding anniversary at Bangalore. Kitty became a frequent visitor and confidante at Vishu’s home both in Dehra Dun and later in Bangalore where both their husbands retired from government service. Kitty and Vishu are both versatile, talented, energetic women whose love and concern for others springs from their hearts. They have seen each other through thick and thin.