Rajendra Mondol

With love and hugs to Marianne, Aunt Merlyn and all family members. I remember Raji as a kind, fun-loving, happy, handsome, caring, cousin with a "sense of cool" that was unmatchable. I have wonderful memories of long family road trips with Raji at the wheel--in the zone--and all of us singing, joking, rough housing in the back and way-back of the station wagon, or the trailer (oops!). I loved hearing him sing solo, or with Rajkumari and Jitu....California Dreamin' when they lived on Bay Road, or Proud Mary, or.... His dance moves were inspiring and a joy to behold. I remember meeting Raji, Rajkumari, Jitu and Aunt Merlyn at Aunt Rose and Uncle Nirmal's house in Kettering when they came from India. It was a wonderful meeting full of love, and life experiences yet to unfold. I have childhood memories of Raji, and Jitu and Mark climbing out the upstairs window at Burr Oak Street in Albion to reach the pear tree, fruits of which were no where comparable to the mangos they had grown up with. Living across from them at Spartan Village in East Lansing, and again, the trio setting up traps (boxes propped up with a stick and a string attached) as they "hid" by the building until an unsuspecting gopher came along so they could pull the string and catch it--not sure that ever really worked! And then Raji would come and babysit us when we moved over to Montego Dr. He helped us build the play structure in the backyard, and he tried to show us how to fly the wonderful Indian kites called patangs. We brought some back with us when we visited India in 1971, along with the manja, string with cut glass in it so you could cut the strings of the other kids flying kites around you. I understand he was quite the patang master, or as Dadu called him patang pagel, in his neighborhood in Hyderabad. He is now flying with the angels, soaring with the patangs, visiting all those who have already gone before. I will look forward to the chance to be greeted and "helped across" by wonderful strong Raji in the after life, when the time comes. Love you, linda toots

As a freshman at Saginaw Valley College (as it was named in 1970), Raji would be around campus, usually with a soccer ball, helping out the fledging team. He was very friendly and warm. He had an infectious laugh. His parents used to take walks around campus after dinner, his mother wearing beautiful saris...His sister was beautiful inside and out...a wonderful family. I am so sorry for your loss....

My brother Raji was such a humble and wonderful man!!! I am so sad for his early departure, yet so proud to have had him for a brother. My heart is filled with gratitude for knowing him and having him in my life, for having him as my brother and friend!!! Rest In Peace my Brother! Though Raji and I lived far from each other, he in Michigan and I in California, and didn't see each other often. I will miss him dearly! I will miss speaking with him, seeing his charismatic smile, and mostly seeing his wonderful grin when with his grandchildren, who he loved and adored so so much! He did some pretty awesome things in his life which I have recollected for his children and grandchildren to read. I hope you enjoy these stories. I also hope that we can all see each other often. Just as if he is still here with us. Please come and see us when you are near or in California, or better yet, plan a trip to see us. The first recollection I had of Raji is of him being named our ship's hero. Go figure ;-) THE SHIP HERO Raji, my sister (Raj) and I, were born in India and immigrated to America in 1965. We came here with my mom (Merlyn Mondol) and grandmother (Thakuma) Carolyn Mondol) in 1965 on a wonderful sea journey that started in Bombay ending in New York. Our first stop was in Karachi, Pakistan, the 2nd at the Port of Aden, one of the largest trade centers in the world. We traveled aboard the SS Caledonia, a touring Scottish Ship that held just a few hundred passengers where it was easy for people to get to know each other. She took us on the most wonderful journey through the Arabian Sea, to the Gulf of Aden, and then through the Red Sea, the Suez Canal, into the Mediterranean and Tyrrhnian Sea, where we stopped in many countries on the way. Her month long journey ended at the United Kingdom where we stayed for a few days. We then boarded the Queen Mary II , which is now docked in Long Beach California, to end our journey at the Statue of Liberty. (You may want to visit it some time.) Our journey started through rough seas after leaving Karachi until we reached the Port of Aden. Raji and I weren't bothered much by the rocky seas. We hung out at the pool and bobbed around while most of the passengers on the ship stayed in their cabins feeling sick. We loved to swim and hung out at the pool as often as allowed. The day before we landed in Aden, a young boy wandered form his parents cabin to the pool and, as the ship rocked from a large wave, fell in and sank to the bottom of the pool. Raji and I had just emerged to the pool deck from picking up coins on the pool floor, when Raji saw the boy in the water. He didn't waste any time in diving back into the pool to pull the boy out. He had just turned the boy to his side to get the water out of his lungs when the staff from the ship arrived to assist in giving the boy CPR. Within minutes the parents of the boy also arrived crying hopelessly as the crew worked on him, pumping water out of his lungs. Everyone there pretty much knew how lucky that boy was that Raji saved his life, and eventually so did all the passengers on the ship. The parents of the boy, wealthy business owners from Karachi, offered to do anything for Raji, offering him gifts, money, to pay for his education, etc., and Raji as usual asked for nothing. The parents eventually talked to my mom asking her to please have her son accept a gift. Raji loved taking pictures, so, he eventually decided he would accept a camera. The boy and his parents trip ended in Aden, where we stayed for a night. They left the boat to return the the next day with a really expensive camera for Raji. He was so proud of that camera! He received lots of compliments from people who say it, and eventually took lots of pictures with it. When we landed in England, he was embraced by many of the passengers and crew who called him "The Ships Hero". And a hero he was! I have often wondered what happened to the photos he took from that camera. It will be great if you can find some and post them. I would love to see them! I remember him taking some slow shutter speed photos of the night lights when we were in Manhattan. I have a few more fun Raji stories to write. He had a few encounters with monkeys that were scary at the time, but, so, funny looking back. I will write about them soon. Meanwhile, my prayers and thoughts are with all of you, Raji's dear wife, Marianne, their children and grandchildren, my mom Dr. Merlyn Mondol, and sister, Raj & Rick, who have been there supporting him through his illness. I love you all dearly!!!

My brother Raji was such a humble and wonderful man!!! I am so sad for his early departure, yet so proud to have had him for a brother. My heart is filled with gratitude for knowing him and having him in my life, for having him as my brother and friend!!! Rest In Peace my Brother! Though Raji and I lived far from each other, he in Michigan and I in California, and didn't see each other often. I will miss him dearly! I will miss speaking with him, seeing his charismatic smile, and mostly seeing his wonderful grin when with his grandchildren, who he loved and adored so so much! He did some pretty awesome things in his life which I have recollected for his children and grandchildren to read. I hope you enjoy these stories. I also hope that we can all see each other often. Just as if he is still here with us. Please come and see us when you are near or in California, or better yet, plan a trip to see us. The first recollection I had of Raji is of him being named our ship's hero. Go figure ;-) THE SHIP HERO Raji, my sister (Raj) and I, were born in India and immigrated to America in 1965. We came here with my mom (Merlyn Mondol) and grandmother (Thakuma) Carolyn Mondol) in 1965 on a wonderful sea journey that started in Bombay ending in New York. Our first stop was in Karachi, Pakistan, the 2nd at the Port of Aden, one of the largest trade centers in the world. We traveled aboard the SS Caledonia, a touring Scottish Ship that held just a few hundred passengers where it was easy for people to get to know each other. She took us on the most wonderful journey through the Arabian Sea, to the Gulf of Aden, and then through the Red Sea, the Suez Canal, into the Mediterranean and Tyrrhnian Sea, where we stopped in many countries on the way. Her month long journey ended at the United Kingdom where we stayed for a few days. We then boarded the Queen Mary II , which is now docked in Long Beach California, to end our journey at the Statue of Liberty. (You may want to visit it some time.) Our journey started through rough seas after leaving Karachi until we reached the Port of Aden. Raji and I weren't bothered much by the rocky seas. We hung out at the pool and bobbed around while most of the passengers on the ship stayed in their cabins feeling sick. We loved to swim and hung out at the pool as often as allowed. The day before we landed in Aden, a young boy wandered form his parents cabin to the pool and, as the ship rocked from a large wave, fell in and sank to the bottom of the pool. Raji and I had just emerged to the pool deck from picking up coins on the pool floor, when Raji saw the boy in the water. He didn't waste any time in diving back into the pool to pull the boy out. He had just turned the boy to his side to get the water out of his lungs when the staff from the ship arrived to assist in giving the boy CPR. Within minutes the parents of the boy also arrived crying hopelessly as the crew worked on him, pumping water out of his lungs. Everyone there pretty much knew how lucky that boy was that Raji saved his life, and eventually so did all the passengers on the ship. The parents of the boy, wealthy business owners from Karachi, offered to do anything for Raji, offering him gifts, money, to pay for his education, etc., and Raji as usual asked for nothing. The parents eventually talked to my mom asking her to please have her son accept a gift. Raji loved taking pictures, so, he eventually decided he would accept a camera. The boy and his parents trip ended in Aden, where we stayed for a night. They left the boat to return the the next day with a really expensive camera for Raji. He was so proud of that camera! He received lots of compliments from people who say it, and eventually took lots of pictures with it. When we landed in England, he was embraced by many of the passengers and crew who called him "The Ships Hero". And a hero he was! I have often wondered what happened to the photos he took from that camera

Two more fun Raji stories, MONKEY BUSINESS (in Yadgiri, India) Monkeys are quite common in India. They are often in cities and villages wandering the streets, in trees and on the ground, mostly minding their own business. Their "Monkey Business" that is. Raji, Raj, and I spent our younger years growing up in India in the 1950's and 60's, before the deforestation programs knocked out many forests and jungles. Wild life was abundant then, where wild deer, peacocks, large varieties of other bird, snakes, and big cats were encountered easily, and of course, monkeys ;-) Raji, Raj and I had some memorable experiences with monkeys while there, involving Raji. Go figure! My Aunt Irene and Uncle Zal had a cottage in Yadgiri. It was in the jungle near Hyderabad, the city where we lived. Our visits there were always fun, as we saw lots of wildlife. On one of our visits, as we arrived, we were greeted by a band of langur monkeys sitting on the roof of the cottage and in the front yard, all wearing lipstick and makeup that they found inside. Apparently a grounds keeper had left a window open to air the cottage out the day before and forgot to close it. The monkeys didn't seem to be bothered by our presence and put on quite a show. All the adults were speaking loudly to each other, trying to figure out how to make them leave, and no matter what they tried, the monkeys just hung around. When a grounds keeper and our driver beating sticks on the wall didn't work, my brave brother and his cousin Deepak took matters in their own hands and started shooting the monkeys with their slingshots. Oh oh!!! The monkeys cascaded from the roof and chased only the two boys into some nearby ant hills that housed large killer ants, and stayed just long enough to see that the boys were well bitten. They were bitten up pretty bad! The band then left while waving their arms at the boys and at us, slowly strolling into the jungle. Raji and Deepak were fortunate to have Irene Aunty, a fabulous doctor, there to help them with their wounds. They got over the bites within a few days and were able to enjoy the rest of their stay in Yadgiri. The boys were laughed at often, and also praised for being hero's. It is fun looking back on these memories and also sad, because Raji isn't here. I was always in awe of my brother! He was a quiet leader, always willing to help others, and never asked for much. Except a time where he was delirious from high temperature and malaria, when he asked for kites over and over again, which is why my grandfather, Dadu, called him a "Patang Pagel" and another time where he was being stubborn on a train ride in the jungle, which is another Raji monkey business story.

THE PATANG PAGEL In India, PATANG means kite, and PAGAL means insane or crazy. MALARIA is a disease that was prevalent during the time when Raji and our family lived in India. It is usually contracted through mosquito bite and can be very dangerous if not treated. It causes high temperatures and often delirium. We all had malaria at one time or another. It was pretty hard to resist, much like chicken pox, once it starts spreading. PATANG SEASON - Almost every city in India has a patang season that lasts for a few weeks, when the sky is filled every day with bright colored kites of different sizes. It is during a time when mild thermal currents make it easy to raise kites into the air. Almost anyone can learn to fly a kite during this time, because the kites are light and take flight easily, often without the flyer having to run to raise them. Though the kites are all square shaped, they come with many different patterns on them, so flyers can refer to them by name during kite fights. Kite fighting is huge during patang season. And whether a child, grandparent, preacher, teacher, doctor, business person, or street person, everyone gets involved. Kite string called manja is lined with small pieces of crushed glass is sold in different bright colors and thickness, giving kite fighters many different choices to use for while trying to cut other kites string. Kite fighters try to cut and then capture other kites while they are still in the air, so, much care is given to choosing the right kite and manja. Raji was a pretty mild person in most areas of life, but, not when it involved physical activity and competition such as sports and kite fighting. He excelled in track, boxing and soccer, his main sport where he was good enough to make the Michigan State University Soccer Team. He took kite fighting in the same spirit and was out there every day when he returned from school to see how many kites he could engage. He and our neighbor, Kariman, pretty much ruled our neighborhood with kites. One year, Raji caught malaria and was bed ridden for a few days just as the kite season was about to start. The kite shops were setting up with all the beautiful kites and spools of manja. Raji had already scouted out the shops and was ready to make his first purchase, but, never made it to the store because of his illness. I remember him being so upset that he was going to miss the opening day, the day when there are so many kites in the air that it is difficult so see the sky. He wanted to fly so so bad!!! He wanted to go out, but, was too weak to do so. Delirium started to set in on the 2nd day of his illness and Raji started to act crazy. He was sleep talking in bed loudly, thinking he was fighting kites, yelling, and asking for people to stay out of his way. His arms were moving back and forth simulating him pulling string as fast as possible, so, he could cut the strings of the imaginary kites he was fighting. This went on for hours, and, pretty much everyone in the house had a chance to hear and see his craziness. Though it was scary to see him crazed that way, we all had moments where we couldn't stop laughing. My grandfather, Dado, (he was the Methodist Bishop of India at the time) was visiting and there the whole time this was going on, as, he was in the room trying to comfort his grandson. The next day as Raji's temperature dropped, he asked if there was anything he could do for him, and Raji asked if he could have a particular kite that he saw at the store. So Dadu, his chauffeur, Mark, Raj and I went to the store to see if we could find it that day. While the patang vala (kite vendor) and the group of us laughed, explaining the scene back home with Raji. Dadu decided to call Raji Patang Pagel for the day, and because he witnessed the great love Raji had for kites, bought him a hundred kites and as much special manja one could afford for kite fighting. Our Patang Pagel