I came to Bielefeld from India for my postdoctoral studies in the university in August 2023. I was introduced to him by my senior in the university about a month later I came to Bielefeld. Since then, whenever I used to feel lonely, depressed and felt the need to talk to someone, I used to visit Tapan in his restaurant in Schildesche. He was like my grandfather, we used to call him "Dadu" in our native language Bengali.
What I remember the most about him, is his smile, him hugging me tightly, when I used to come and leave the restaurant. The love, affection and the guardianship which I received from him in Bielefeld is far beyond words to express. I always received the much-needed motivation, energy to carry on and the priceless homely, Indian vibes from him. He also gave me a badminton racquet so that I can play badminton in the university.
His death is an irreparable loss for me. The badminton racquet, the bahn to Schildesche remind me of him, his face. I myself have no words to console his relatives, his family, as sometimes I feel that I need consolation the most.
May his family remain in peace, may God give strength to them for overcoming this grief for the loss.
Tapan Dadu, I will miss you very much.
Tumi jekhanei theko, bhalo theko.
