Echoes of Friendship

-Deepak Sahi

In Memory of Amit Goel:

Today, we gather with heavy hearts to honor and remember a truly remarkable soul - Amit Goel. It is difficult to find the right words to express the depth of our sorrow, for Amit was not just a childhood friend, he was kind, honorable, and deeply lovable… someone, I proudly called as one of my best childhood friends.

The news of his sudden passing, shared by Chetan, still feels unreal. It is hard to accept that someone so full of life and compassion is no longer with us. The grief is overwhelming.

I have known Amit since kindergarten. We grew up together in the same neighborhood in Karol Bagh. I vividly remember those early years… working on summer projects, taking part in Shankar’s art competition, and eagerly sharing the hing aloo lunch he brought to school. That lunch, by the way, rarely made it to recess…some of us would sneak bites during class, often getting caught with mouths full and “innocent faces”. That tradition carried on until middle school.

Though our elective subjects changed in the ninth and tenth grades, and our paths began to diverge, the connection and mutual respect remained. By the senior years, most were focused on our studies/competition, and I drifted into a more peripheral role in his life. But the bond never fully broke.

Life, as it does, took us in different directions. Yet, we kept in touch now and then. Amit knew more about my love life and heartaches than any other friend. We eventually lost touch for nearly a decade, until we reconnected in New Delhi in 2012, when Max was just 18 months old. A few years ago, we had one of the most honest conversations I have had with anyone, openly acknowledging how and when we drifted apart. That moment reminded me of the depth and sincerity of our friendship.

Over the years, we continued to exchange birthday and New Year wishes. We spoke for a long time when his father passed away. We might not have talked more than his other close friends, but whenever we talked, it was a genuine conversation. I looked through my WhatsApp log, and the last time we talked was March 14th of this year. He told me that he has moved to Seattle late last year and was looking forward to seeing some of us in New York this May. None of us could have imagined that it would be our final conversation.

This eulogy may not be all flowery and overflowing with happy memories, but like our friendship, it is sincere, honest, and heartfelt.

As we begin to process this unimaginable loss, we will hold on to the countless memories that Amit left us with, the warmth he carried, the joy he spread, and the deep care he had for those around him. His legacy will live on in every life he touched.

Rest in peace, my dear friend. You were loved more than words can say, and you will be missed beyond measure. Until we meet again, Amit, may your soul find eternal peace and joy.

You will forever remain in our hearts.

From your devastated friend.