Jasbir Vohra, affectionately called GUDDI was born on August 18, 1939 in Gujjarkhan-a city now located in Pakistan. She belongs to a distinguished Army family. Like her parents (Major SS Bakshi and Balwant Kaur Bakshi), Guddi epitomizes generosity, dedication and determination that she passed on to her two sons Baljit Singh Vohra and Lakhinder Jit Singh Vohra (Dobin and Lak). She has been instrumental in helping shape her husband Prithi (Kaku)’s life for over 60 years. And she has been the guiding light behind Dobin and Lak’s academic and professional achievements. She has also helped shape the life of her 18 year old grand Son Jasmehar Jit Singh Vohra (Jassu) who is getting ready to go to college after he wraps up his schooling in an elite high school in Massachussets, USA.
Guddi completed her Bachelors of Art (BA) degree from Agra College- a premier Indian academic institution that has served as the alma mater for several illustrious Indian personalities (including Moti Lal Nehru). As a very keen sportswoman, she took active part in college and university athletics. She excelled in Shot Putt, Javelin Throw and Discus Throw and her accomplishments in these sports received wide coverage in the media during the 1957-1959 academic years. She was also the College Badminton Champion and in later years partnered with her son Dobin at several mixed double tournaments. Guddi also took keen interest in dramatics and social activities in her College and was Treasurer of the Agra College Union. She inspired Prithi, Dobin and Lak to enter into sports, dramatics, elocution and essay contests.
Guddi was an avid Rotarian and a true portrayer of the from “dream to achievement” spirit and ideals of the Rotary movement. She was a pioneer member of this club, which she helped form working alongside Prithi and many others that we well know. She was also awarded the Rotary District Governor’s Special citation for perfect attendance at District Functions. Her support and allegiance to the Rotary is well recognized amongst us all. She was also proud that her son Lak received a Rotary Scholarship to pursue his Masters degree from the Medill School of Journalism at the Northwestern University, USA as well was conferred with a plaque from Rotary Club Chandigarh Midtown for his contribution to Rotary and society.
Guddi is known for her culinary skills. She loved to cook and her delicacies have been savoured by all that have known her, including for Rotary Shivalik where she exhibited keen interest in directing food and beverage arrangements. Every snack or dish that she has ever prepared was done with an eye for perfection and proper presentation. She was a qualified expert in Preservation & Canning of Fruit & Vegetables, a certification conferred on her (in 1980) by the Community Canning & Preservation Center, Government of India. And not known to many, she also volunteered in her young days for The St. John Ambulance Association (India), with whom she had trained and received certification on “First Aid to the Injured”.
Guddi was often quoted by her 4 siblings as a manifestation of their mother (Balwant Kaur). She and her brother (Kuldip Bakshi) epitomised the brother-sister relationship, which continues to be a shining example in the family. She took up stitching, knitting and was often the go-to-sibling for stitching and mending alongside her mother. Her adeptness with these qualities continued as she sew and knit apparel for her grandson, sons and husband, as well as when she lovingly supported the underserved to acquire these skills in her role as the Regional Secretary of the Army Officers Wives Welfare Association in several cities where Prithi served as an Army officer.
Guddi brought an entrepreneurial spirit to the family. She helped her father run his travel agency business in 1970s. As a Tour Leader for Sindbad Travels, HOLLAND, she escorted groups (frequently consisting of over 50 people visiting from Holland and the Dutch Antilles) across India for sightseeing tours and won accolades for her zeal and enthusiasm.
Guddi instilled in the entire family a sense of benevolence, etiquette, appearance and purpose. She was as immaculate in her attire as she was in her actions.
Among her many interests, Guddi mastered in the game of Mahjong (developed by the Qing Dynasty and introduced to the world in the earlier 20th century) and was the envy of several players in town who could not match her prowess. Guddi travelled widely with Prithi and her 2 sons. She visited England, Romania, Austria, Hungary, Greece, France, Canada, Mexico, Nepal, UAE and the Caribbean Islands of San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Kitts and Nevis in the West Indies. And she travelled extensively through America’s vast land Sixteen times. She set up Lak and Dobin’s homes in Virginia, USA as well as in Kathmandu and Dubai.
Guddi continues to be a source of inspiration for her husband, her sons, and many others that got to know her all these years. She strived to instil in her family and us qualities of forbearance, grit, determination and perseverance.
Guddi left for her heavenly abode on 19 July 2020 but her elegant self and persona will continue guiding us tomorrow and into the future.
Jasbir’s Photo Album