Tribute
Manjdadria In a tribute to the late Lekh Raj Manjdadria (PJ, 13 August,
p212), NARINDER SINGH CHANA writes:
Never in my wildest dreams did I
ever think I would be writing this piece, but when I learnt of the sad
news of my friend’s passing I felt compelled to share some memories.
I first met Lekh in June 1995 at an open day to introduce the King’s College
London postgraduate diploma/MSc in community pharmacy. I caught up with him afterwards
in the Kings Road, where I remember trying hard to persuade him to enrol on the
course. I was heartened to meet him later that year on enrolment day, my persuasive
techniques having worked.
From that day we started a friendship with others which even at that time we
all knew was something special — the warmth, humour, laughter and conversation.
One thing about Lekh was that he could have talked for Britain if he had been
given a chance.
Wednesdays after college was our evening. Over drinks Lekh would hold court.
We would often take turns playing devil’s advocate, not just on the small
matter of the future of our profession, but on issues that extended beyond our
immediate concerns that brought us together to study. These were real life issues – nothing
you could learn in a text book. They touched at the heart of problems we sadly
see in society today.
What Lekh brought to the conversation was the one thing that reigns supreme over
any single attribute — knowledge. It is said that knowledge is power, and
in this respect, Lekh was unsurpassable.
Soon after our time at King’s, I progressed into primary care consultancy.
While I would update Lekh on my exploits, he would fascinate me further with
his continued studies in faiths and religious philosophy, in Britain and in India.
More recently I was fortunate enough to spend two years as a pharmaceutical adviser
across East London. Those were special times because we were able to meet regularly
and reminisce. We would always talk shop. Lekh was enthused about his role with
Newham Primary Care Trust and taking forward the community pharmacy agenda.
Apart from being a dedicated, caring pharmacist, he was a true gentleman, a man
of faith, peace, fortitude and presence. He was a leader in his community and
he will be missed by all.
My fondest memories will be of those days at King’s College. It seems like
yesterday when we first met but, 10 years on, I — like many others — can
proudly say that Lekh was my friend and I am a better person for knowing him.
Although we met at university as students, then, and strangely even now, it was
Lekh who was the teacher.
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