Reflections on the Short Life of Srijoni Mitra (Chini) By Dr. Hirak Sen - Date: February 9, 2025

 [Note 1 - regarding the delay in publication: I wrote this piece during the three weeks ending March 5, 2024, shortly after Srijoni passed away on February 9, 2024. However, Srijoni’s mother, Nayan, asked me to postpone its publication until she has time to process the event's impact. Accordingly, I withheld the publication. Today, February 9, 2025, on Chini’s first death anniversary, Nayan asked to publish it. So, here it is].  

 [Note 2: This piece contains hyper/video links. It reads better on a laptop].

Overarching attributes:

I will remember Srijoni Mitra -- or Chini, to me and her other family members, friends, and classmates -- as a young person with multiple attributes. She possessed an unbounded curiosity, innate empathy, inherent socializing skills, self-effacing leadership qualities, and courage to be resolutely herself. I will remember her ingrained abilities to sing, dance, and write poems. Simultaneously, she excelled in karate. She studied behavioral psychology, abnormal psychology, philosophical reasoning, religious theory, and their interface with individual psychology. She had no fear nor greed and not an iota of jealousy. She never sought attention or bragged. She gave love and received love in abundant measures. In short, she was a multifaceted, exceptional human being. 

Childhood and schooling:

Chini was born in Kolkata on July 9, 2004, to Dr. Nayan Mitra (Jiju) and Arup Mitra. Her parents and elder sister, her only sibling, Barnini (Mithi), comprised her immediate family. My niece, Roma Dasgupta (Mamoni), is Jiju's mother and Chini’s grandmother. Thus, Chini is my Great-Grand-Niece—sometimes, in half-jest, I call her my GGN. 

Figure 1: Srijoni Mitra (Chini) - a high school student

Chini grew up in Kolkata and graduated in Humanistic Studies from the Modern High School for Girls. While at Modern High School, aside from studies, she engaged in diverse extra-curricular activities. She ideated and founded a Peer Support Group called MHS PSG. What started as a one-woman project later provided emotional, academic, and social support to many peers within the school community. As a founder member, Chini's bust photo icon continues to adorn the MHS PSG poster on its website. MHS PSG is now a role model replicated by several other schools. So Chini was a pathbreaker in this respect. 

Figure 2: From left: Arup, Mithi, Chini, and Jiju - the immediate Family

While in school, Chini also worked voluntarily in different capacities for several organizations to hone some of her multiple skills. She was Vice President of Dear Asian Youth for three years. Their LinkedIn profile says, and I quote: "This youth-led, global organization promotes intersectional activism, solidarity with other marginalized communities, and equality and equity." She also worked as a web content writer at Sustainable Advancement for four years and as an Ambassador at Aspire for Her, where she taught underprivileged students for two months.

Chini was also physically agile. She practiced karate for eight years and earned the first Dan Black Belt of India JKF Goju-Kai/Takuji Kenbukan Association. She also learned ballet at Rhythmosaic and creative dance form at Sapphire.

 Simultaneously, she completed three online non-credit courses at Coursera on 'Philosophy, Science and Religion' from the University of Edinburgh, 'Work Smarter Not Harder' from UC Irvine, and 'Creativity, Innovation, Transformation' from Penn State University. So, you can see, my GGN was a busy bee. But she did not stop there.

 She has been published in various forums, including 'Letter 22.2.22' in the Monograph Magazine, 'Anxiety' in the Los Angeles Press, and 'Beej (in Bengali)' in the Monograph Magazine. The list does not end here. Chini won honors, awards, and participation certificates in more than a dozen activities, from music to poetry, recitation, photography, and talent shows—she meticulously listed these in her LinkedIn profile. 

Chini was adept at writing poems in both English and Bengali. She wrote a poem in spoken words entitled 'Icarus: Part 1'. She recited the poem and published it on YouTube. Her free-flowing words and dynamic rendition of Icarus are soul-stirring. [Note: Icarus is a session-based, multiplayer survival video game released in 2021 for Windows on the Steam platform.] 

To comprehend Chini's multifaceted persona, read her publications mentioned above, 'Letter 22.2.22' in the Monograph Magazine and  'Anxiety' in the Los Angeles Press (scroll down the pages of the two magazines to get to Srijoni's pieces). Also, listen to her recitation of her poem Icarus: Part 1 to get an insight into her precocious, hyperactive mind. 

College education – partially complete:

In 2022, Chini moved to the US and joined Penn State University, Abington, for a four-year graduate degree course with a psychology major. Here, she studied behavioral psychology, abnormal psychology, philosophical reasoning, religious theory, and their interface with individual psychology. PSU Abington promptly recognized Srijoni for her dynamic and free-thinking nature. Chini passed away before she could complete her four-year course. PSU wrote an obituary for her. They reported that Srijoni actively engaged in her studies, facilitated group processes, and strived for excellence in lectures and labs.

Chini also worked at the Center for Student Achievement, where her passion for innovative ideas and convictions made her stand out. She completed a Registered Behavior Technician Certification (RBT) course. With this certification, she was a caregiver to older adults in her spare time to supplement her income. She was passionate about caregiving. On one occasion, she risked her safety while saving an older adult from an attempted suicide.

Figure 3: Srijoni Mitra (Chini) - a college student

Death, funeral, and memorial services:

Chini passed away unexpectedly on February 9, 2024, at age nineteen, five months short of her twentieth birthday. A potentially remarkable life ended abruptly. Family, friends, classmates, and professors of PSU held a poignant farewell ceremony at the Raffeo-DiCecco Memorial Home, Norristown, PA, on February 13, 2024. A tree was planted to memorialize Srijoni, honoring her memory and environmental consciousness. Her mortal remains were cremated here.

Figure 4: Chini's photograph at the Shradh ceremony at the Bharatiya Temple

On February 16, Jiju, Arup, and Mithi performed her shradh ceremony at the Bharatiya Temple, Montgomeryville, PA, amidst many doting family members, friends, and adoring classmates and professors, both in person and online from four continents.

Figure 5: Family gathering at Sanai's home on February 18, 2024: from left, Arup, Bubai, Bunty, Sanai, Jiju, Raka, Aru, Mithi, Tia, Esperance, and Solly

After the shradh ceremony, the family reassembled over dinners and lunches at Kasturi's (Sanai) home in Philadelphia on the 16^th, 17th, and 18th. Sanai is the daughter of Kalpana, my wife,  and me. She and her husband, Dr. Solomon Bisangwa (Solly), have lived in Philadelphia for the past few years. They were attached to Chini, who would visit their home from Abington over weekends and vacations. It was like a second home to Chini, and she was fond of her Sanai-masi and Solly-mesho. Her unexpected death deeply anguished Sanai and Solly.

Kaustuv (Bubai – our son) and Aditya (Aru - my nephew Suvojoy Sengupta (Babas) and niece-in-law Meeta's son) visited Philadelphia from elsewhere in the US on the 17^th and 18^th. Jiju's three cousins on her father's side, Bunty, Raka, and Tia, also visited from elsewhere in the US on the 16^th, 17^th, and 18th. This made up a family gathering celebrating Chini's Life over the weekend. Jiju told me later that Sanai and Solomon's home had become their rallying point, and the two were pillars of strength during those difficult times. 

As it happened, February 18, 2024, was Mithi's birthday. So, the party celebrating Chini's short Life also celebrated Mithi's birthday. The gathering was young, except for Solly's mother, Esperance, who also lives in Philadelphia. They had some fun. The young people brought much-needed smiles and laughter to the party. Thus, they celebrated Chini's short Life and Mithi's birthday together.

Nearly complete thesis – could be worth a posthumous degree:

Chini was a prodigious worker. She left behind the manuscript of an 82-page-long thesis on psychology. Chini shared it with Jiju and told Jiju that the treatise was her original work and did not call for a bibliography. It was nearly complete except for voids in one or two places she would fill in later. Sadly, she passed away before she could complete those voids.

After Chini's death, Jiju showed the thesis to her professor at PSU, who was impressed with Chini's modeling and writing. Now, the professor proposes to fill those voids and contemplates publishing it from the PSU platform.

I have not seen the thesis yet. But judging by the professor's reaction, I wonder whether the treatise might qualify for a posthumous Ph.D. degree or a posthumous master's or bachelor's degree for Chini. The thought is worth considering, and Jiju will take it up with the professor. I will keep my fingers crossed. A posthumous publication and recognition of her work by awarding a posthumous degree would please Chini, wherever she is. It will also bring substantial solace to her parents, family, and friends.

Organization for supporting people with mental health:

Chini aspired to found a start-up to help people with mental health issues. I guess her successful experience with MHS PSG gave her confidence. Jiju told me she would take this proposal forward as best as possible. I wish Jiju success with this future venture despite her preoccupation with the enterprises she owns and runs.

My conversations with Chini:

Chini and I have had many conversations over the past few years since Chini entered grade IX at Modern School. Our discussions were generally long, sometimes several hours, either in person when Chini would walk across the main road from their house to ours in the next block in a Kolkata neighborhood or over video calls while she lived in Philly. She and I developed a long-lasting friendship based on mutual trust, respect, and love. We struck such a friendship despite our vast generation gap.

Chini belonged to Gen Z, the first generation born entirely in the twenty-first century. Gen Z is defined by its global perspective, the embrace of diversity, and fluency in digital communication. They are 'digital natives' and have never known a world without the Internet. Gen Z seeks autonomy, dislikes micromanagement, and values purpose, ethics, and work-life balance. Chini possessed all these Gen Z qualities plus some more.

In stark contrast, I belong to the Silent Generation, although by a whisker at its tail end. The Silent Generation is characterized by pragmatism, stoicism, and a strong work ethic. We adapted to rapid technological advancements, witnessing the dawn of radio and television and the Cold War.

As I said, Chini and I developed a deep friendship despite our vast generation gap. We analyzed widely varying subjects from our respective points of view. In what follows, I narrate a few of our many conversations because it will give you a holistic understanding of Chini's persona. 

The Kathopanishada Pyramid:

On one occasion, we discussed how one could achieve peace in Life. The answer lies in eliminating conflicts. The Kathopanishada describes a pyramid. Here is a slightly modified version of that pyramid.

 

Figure 6: The Pyramid

At the bottom of the pyramid is the physical body (Deha). The body communicates with the external world through the five senses (Indriya). The senses comprise the second layer of the pyramid from the bottom. The information gathered by the senses is filtered by the mind or emotions (Mana), the third layer. Above that is intellect (Buddhi), which is the fourth layer. Intellect reasons and analyzes. The soul (Atman) resides in the fifth layer and filters everything processed by the bottom four layers. Atman is the gateway to the Spirit (Param Atman), which resides in the topmost layer. A life that can eliminate conflicts among the demands and dictates of the six layers and ensure that the six layers stay in consonance is a life of peace. It is easier said than done. It requires long practice and training to achieve that state of peace. Chini understood that she had to take this further through self-study under the tutelage of a Guru.

Meditation:

The techniques of meditation interested Chini. We discussed a few aspects of meditation. For example, we talked about the seven spinal chakras, the three Nadi's –- the central Nadi Sushumna, and the two Nadi's Ira and Pingla to the left and right of  Sushumna -- how, during deep meditation, the life force flows from the Muladhara to the Sahasrara, and the role of the Third Eye or Spiritual Eye or Kutastha Chaitanya or Christ Consciousness, which is located between the two eyebrows opposite the Ajna chakra. There are many treatises and recorded conversations on meditation, and this is not the place to indulge in further discourse on this vastly complex subject, nor am I qualified to do so. Chini knew that she would have to study independently to take this ahead, again under the tutelage of a competent Guru. 

Figure 7: The spinal chakras (Courtesy of Arin Gujarati, published on his LinkedIn page https://bit.ly/3UX37Ma).

Reverence for Life:

Chini respected Life in all forms. In this context, we recalled the pioneering work in the Western world by 1952 Nobel Laureate Albert Schweitzer. He coined the phrase "Reverence for Life," which became popular worldwide. Life in all forms must be respected and preserved, not harmed or killed. Humans live amongst all other living entities in an ecosystem. All life forms have the right to live. Humans must not harm other lifeforms except when harming such lifeforms in a calculated manner protects a far greater number of lives from being damaged. Reverence for Life forms the basis of ethics.

Figure 8: From the left: I, Chini, Mamoni (Nu to Chini), Kalpana, Shikha, and Babua

Indian education system:

Chini had disdain for the Indian educational system, which encouraged rote learning and discouraged critical thinking. 1835 Thomas Babington Macaulay presented his 'Minute on Indian Education.' Through this, he sought to establish the need to impart English education to the 'natives,' claiming its superiority over the traditional knowledge systems of India. Macaulay's education system aimed at and succeeded in producing clerks and babus, not critical thinkers or leaders, for nearly two centuries, thereby limiting the education system in India.

Chini and I discussed the National Education Policy 2023, which seeks to rectify Macaulay's deliberately incalculable damage to Indian education. NEP 2023 promotes skill-based education, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving. Inclusivity is a key focus, offering equal opportunities for diverse learners. Emphasis on local languages and cultures provides a global perspective. It recommends improved teacher training and increased funding for better infrastructure.

We also recognized that independent lifelong learning is essential. In that respect, online education offered by Coursera and similar organizations is a vital source.

Psychology:

Chini was passionate about psychology. She explained the five approaches: the biological approach, the psychodynamic approach, the behavioral approach, the cognitive approach, and the humanistic approach. She defined various mental health and psychological disorders: bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, anxiety disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer's, disruptive behavior, and dissociative disorder. Her knowledge was deep, and her expression was succinct. She knew her subject disproportionately deeper than her age would suggest.

Figure 9: A groupie shot by Chini: From the right: Chini, Kalpana, Jiju, and I in my home office.

Blackholes:

Figure 10: A Blackhole (this image is at least 10 years old. It has been used in Britannica, NASA, Space.com, and Astronomy Magazine, among others).

Chini was curious whether science might provide an answer to the creation of the universe and Life. In that context, we discussed Blackholes. When a massive star runs out of its thermonuclear fuel, it implodes gravitationally. The enormous weight of the imploding matter compresses itself into zero volume, which has infinite density. It forms the center of the Blackhole and is called the singularity. The singularity is hidden by the Blackhole's surface, which is called the event horizon. Nothing can escape from the event horizon. Time stops here. Light rays bend around the event horizon.

Astrophysicists and quantum physicists are intensely studying black holes. There is a belief that astrophysics, quantum physics, and metaphysics might overlap in a confluence in the future, which is probably one hundred years away. When that happens, science is expected to shed light on the mystery of creation.

Plans for her career path:

Weeks before she passed away, Chini told me she planned to earn a master's and doctorate degrees. That she believed would equip her to pursue a career in the study, research, and practice of alleviating, at least partially, the harmful effects of mental disorders. She was upbeat and full of hope.

Chini and I discussed many other topics, such as LGBTQIA+, the clash between family tradition and the ever-changing value systems, yoga, pranayama, etc. However, the samples I have encapsulated above carry the flavor of Chini's unbounded curiosity and the width and depth of her knowledge. I will now conclude this piece.

Closing remarks:

Chini came into her parents' and our lives as God's gift. She dazzled us with her multifaceted attributes. She also had many concerns. She fought for gender equity, hated misogyny, worried about societal injustice, and strived for freedom. She pondered the meaning and purpose of Life. She aspired to emancipation. She had too many, far too many concerns. At times, she spoke like a wise person.

Too many thoughts simmered inside her as if waiting to collide and implode. She was a conundrum. Jiju said after Chini's passing away that Chini was an old soul trapped in a young person's body. In the end, abruptly, unexpectedly, her soul (Pran-shakti) left her mortal body and soared upward toward paradise like a winged white bird.

Chini is physically no more but her soul is immortal. As Lord Krishna told Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, chapter 2, sloka 23: 

नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावक: |

न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो न शोषयति मारुत: ||

nainaṁ chhindanti śhastrāṇi nainaṁ dahati pāvakaḥ

na chainaṁ kledayantyāpo na śhoṣhayati mārutaḥ

Meaning: Weapons cannot shred the soul or fire burn it. Water cannot wet it, nor can the wind dry it. The soul is indestructible.

We all loved Chini and will continue to love her. Ever and evermore.

Acknowledgements:

I thank Dr. Nayan Mitra (Jiju) for sharing many of Chini's life threads. The mother and daughter were very close and understood each other well. I greatly appreciate my conversations with Jiju after Chini passed away. I wrote this piece at Jiju's request and have run it by her. I am pleased to have written the piece because putting my thoughts on paper has calmed me.

I thank Kasturi Sen (Sanai), who spent many hours with Chini in and around Philadelphia and in Kolkata. My conversations with Sanai have helped me write this piece.  

I also thank Shiladitya Sengupta (Biltu, one of my grandnephews) for helping with the technical aspects of the photographs and for drawing Figure 6.

Above all, I have drawn heavily from my many discussions with Chini. Knowing Chini remains one of my enriching life experiences.