Naveen Kumar’s mother Sujatha is inconsolable. After Naveen died tragically during a trekking expedition in Sakaleshpur last week, she says she has no reason to live. Both mother and son worked hard so that Naveen could get his engineering degree. “I worked on extra shift in a garment factory so that Naveen could finish engineering. Ever since I lost my husband eight years ago, I started working and had decided to make Naveen an engineer. Now that I have lost my son too, I feel so helpless and the future looks so grim,” says the grieving mother at her home in Boodigere Cross on Old Madras Road.
Just a day before he left on the trekking expedition with his friends, Naveen and his mother had managed to pool in money and get Naveen enrolled in the sixth semester at the College of Engineering. Relatives recall how Naveen worked hard to arrange money for his studies and his adventure activities. “He distributed paper and milk besides working in a factory during his holidays. He gave money to his mother so that the fee is paid on time. It’s hard to believe that a joyful Naveen is not around,” said H. R. Murali, Naveen’s uncle.
Sujatha Kumar feels that the incident should be a lesson to all parents and students who seek adventure. “Why do you have to risk your life to enjoy it? I have lost my son, but there are many boys and girls out there who might meet a similar end. They must inform parents about what they are doing and where they are going,” Sujatha said. “Naveen used to go for trekking and water sports but we never knew where exactly he used to venture. He was aware of the risks involved,” said Naveen’s older brother C.S. Karthik.
On Tuesday, relatives and friends of Naveen called on the family. A large numbers of villagers turned out at Naveen funeral at Bandappa funeral site in Boodigere. Naveen’s friends from his engineering and PU colleges (St Joseph’s) participated in his last rights. Some of these who were with him on the trek were also present for a brief while. A special prayer session was held at BMS College of Engineering in the memory of Naveen. The principal and school staff members visited Naveen’s home on Tuesday.
