Burman aunty as we all called her lovingly was a remarkable woman who has left a permanent imprint in my heart and in the hearts of hundreds of people who were connected with her in some way or the other. My association with Kusum aunty started with “Samvada “ . She would regularly give me important information and news regarding so many things happening in the colony and I decided to include her in our group of colony editors. She was always so full of life. Witty and jovial, philanthropist, nature lover, a great hostess, a loving mother and grandmother. Her zest to live life and to work for the society can put any youngster to shame. Her love for SDA was exemplary. She knew everyone there and was forever ready to help the needy in whichever way she could. She was instrumental in starting Apeksha ladies club and senior citizen forum in SDA and would always come out with some new programme . A lover of art, music and asthetics , a multi talented lady , Kusum Burman was like a mother figure to me , her loss is irreparable. I salute this remarkable woman who had touched my life in more ways than one and has showered me with loads of love. My friend philosopher and guide is now on her way to the final journey in heaven but she is very much present in spirit with all of us. Team Samvada pays its heartfelt tributes to the great lady and condolences to the entire Burman family.
Loving Shraddhanjali By A Son To His Mother
( Sachin Burnan)
Mrs Kusum Burman was born at Nainital on 29 Dec 1935. She completed her education at MSc Zoology from Crosswaithe College Allahabad University . She married Sh Harbans Lal Burman in 1961, following which she did her B Ed and M Ed. She went on to become Principal of Sitaram Vidya Mandir for over 10 years. She was a firm believer in the equality of genders. She was a selfless worker who contributed to society in multiple ways. The maintenance of the area, parks, and the creation of the senior citizens association are minor examples of what sheer determination and guts can achieve. She ensured she developed and nurtured close bonds with the SDA RWA family. She took on the authorities and ensured the colony got a Mother Dairy and SAFAL despite stiff opposition from many quarters. Her family including both sons, their wives and her five grandchildren meant everything to her and she would walk on thorns for their well being. She was like a force of nature – determined and relentless once her mind was made up on anything. When her husband was posted to Kenya, she, energized the local Indian community and took the best of India abroad. Her passion and empathy are best exemplified in the manner where she was a regular blood donor at AIIMS every six months for many decades. Similarly, she was relentless in her work with both Mrs Kiran Walia as well as Sh Somnath Bharati in her desire to give the colony and all of us the best environment possible. She chased professors from IIT for designing and MCD for building the first Rainwater harvesting pits in Delhi when these were just ideas for most people. She lived a full and joyful life despite all the challenges she faced. It was only in the last year that her body tired and began to show her age. She was keen to donate her organs and signed up with the NOTTO. Today her eyes are blessing two strangers with vision. God bless them.
