Good Bye and Best Wishes

By: Poornima Menon

Iwas the lady wife of a serving Army officer for 20 years. Being married to a man in uniform while is glamorous comes with its own set of responsibilities and decorum to follow. The role of the lady wife though not be as important as that of the officer’s , is still quite an important one,especially when she is the commanding officer’s wife, first lady of the unit.

My understanding is that the role of the wife of a foreign diplomat is no different. Foreign postings are seen as glamorous and coveted. Being posted to a foreign land as the representative of your country is no mean task. While the diplomat has his set of roles and responsibilities, the lady wife can play an important role in keeping the diaspora connected. Nimeesha Gupta, did that and more. She ensured that she attended as many community events as she possibly could and build a connection with the Indian diaspora in Sydney. Be it discussion forums, literary and cultural events, she graced the occasion and also shared her love for poetry with all. With her warmth she established a sense of belonging with all she came in contact with. As the Consul General finishes his tenure in Sydney and moves to a new post and a new destination, Nimeesha Gupta will be sorely missed by the Indian diaspora.

The Women in Business Chapter of the Australia India Business Council planned a small intimate farewell for the lady who touched many with her amicability and grace. The lunch at Jaggi’s Regal Gardens in Annangrove was special in more ways than one. Jodi McKay, National Chair, AIBC and Sheba Nandkeolyar, Chair, Women in Business Chapter and many present shared their cherished memories with Nimeesha. Rekha Rajvanshi read the poem she had penned about Nimeesha and Pallavi Jain read her poem on women’s empowerment.

On the day, Nimeesha also released her first book of poems, “Choti si Mutti”, an anthology of her experiences, her emotions and her musings during her time in Sydney. This we are sure is the first of the many books Nimeesha will pen.

The Sydney siders wish Manish Gupta, Nimeesha Gupta and their son Manas the very best in all their future endeavours.