Farewell to a School Mate: Cherishing Memories, Honoring Life, and Seeking Hope

It is with a heavy heart and tear-filled eyes that I write to you today about the untimely passing of our dear friend, Sri Prasanna, from the Royal College 1996 batch. It is difficult to put into words the shock and sorrow that enveloped me when I received the news. Had he lived, today, on October 1st, he would have celebrated his 46th birthday after fulfilling one of his dreams – hiking in the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro.

I am writing to you from Toronto, a staggering 16,250 km away from Melbourne, where Prasanna lived. Yet, distance means nothing when the heart is heavy with grief. My mind has been flooded with memories of Prasanna ever since I read Rishi's heartbreaking message on that fateful Monday, September 24th. 'Hey guys, I heard Sri Prasanna passed away in a climbing accident. Can someone verify?' The words hit me like a thunderbolt. How could Prasanna, the embodiment of life and positivity, be no more? The last time I saw him was at Royal College in 1996, and between 1994-1996, he was a vibrant presence, filling all our lives with his infectious spirit.

Royal College was not an easy place for me, and I often struggled. Prasanna, however, stood out as a beacon of positivity amidst the challenges. His carefree nature, his love for martial arts, and his constant demonstrations of strength and agility – these memories are etched in my mind. He taught me the importance of a fit body, a lesson I carry with me to this day. While my Royal College days were marked by hardship and disappointment, Prasanna's memory remains a pleasant one, a reminder that life, despite its hurdles, can be beautiful.

The loss of schoolmates is a harsh reality we face as we grow older. I recently mourned the passing of another friend, Xavior Vinoth, from St. Anthony's school, a brilliant sprinter whose life took a tragic turn due to circumstances beyond his control. Prasanna's passing, however, was an unexpected blow. Upon learning the heartbreaking news, I instinctively navigated to his Facebook profile and then scrolled through our Messenger conversation, tracing back to the last message I had sent him on June 11, 2011. My words back then were casual, a simple "Hi Prasanna, whatzup?" His reply, as always, echoed his characteristic cheerfulness, "Doing good buddy, wzup." Little did I fathom that these seemingly mundane words would stand as our final exchange, forever etched in the sands of time.

In the wake of this tragedy, I reached out to friends, desperate for more information. His sudden demise, while pursuing his passion for climbing, serves as a reminder that life is fragile. It reminded me of the importance of staying connected, even if it's just a call once a year. We must cherish the moments we have, for today it's Prasanna, and tomorrow it could be anyone.

Although after our school days, most of us haven't met each other for ages, we live in the belief that our friends are doing well wherever they are. The same feeling I had for him. Seeing his pictures on Facebook, I felt joy knowing he was living life to the fullest with a beautiful family. Sri Prasanna, a civil engineer from Moratuwa University, was working for Melbourne Water Company. His frequent travels hinted at a stable financial standing.

Prasanna's passing has left a void that cannot be filled, especially for his wife and two young children. Having lost my own father at a young age, I understand the pain they are going through. Yet, even in these dark times, I find solace in Prasanna's ever-smiling face, a testament to his unwavering positivity.

As we mourn the loss of our dear friend, let us remember him not for the tragedy of his passing, but for the vibrant life he lived. Let his spirit be a beacon of hope, reminding us to live each day to the fullest, just as he did. May Prasanna's enduring smile inspire us to embrace life's challenges with courage and to cherish the bonds of friendship that make life beautiful.

With deepest sympathies and a heart brimming with hope, Arun Arokianathan

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