Tribute to Renuka Sharma
It is with deep regret that the India Chapter of IAWRT announces the passing away of Renuka Sharma.
One of the founder members of the IAWRT Chapter India. Renuka was the former Secretary and Treasurer and a close associate of the chapter’s founder, the late Jai Chandiram. Renuka died on November 27
“Renuka was an independent broadcaster and was extremely passionate about radio and sound..her untimely death is deeply mourned by the IAWRT family” Nupur Basu, Managing Trustee of Chapter Indiaobserved. “The chapter will always value her contribution to broadcasting, gender justice and IAWRT.”
RIP Renuka! – a tribute by IAWRT-India member Kiron Bansal
I am still shocked at the tragic news of Renuka’s passing away and unable to come to terms with writing about her in the past tense. Renuka, as we all know, was a very lively, vibrant and interesting person. I don’t recall when we first met – all I remember that she was always there in the IAWRT film festivals along with Jai, Ratna Bali (sadly both of them are no longer with us), Radhika, Samina and few other founding members. Jai would totally depend on her for many responsibilities which Renuka would discharge with her usual aplomb and professionalism. As rightly pointed out by Nupur she was extremely passionate about her work and broadcasting.
One memory is etched in my mind – she was fidgeting in her seat during the memorial service for Jai held in the India International Centre (IIC) – constantly wondering ‘what should I speak’ and so on. And when on stage she kept all of us spellbound with many anecdotes of her long association with Jai.
I met her for the last time before the IAWRT Radio festival last year when she was looking visibly frail and weak – didn’t know she would leave all of us so soon.
I know I am not able to do justice to this wonderful person and a good friend who left all of us suddenly. All I can say – Rest in Peace Renuka – You will be deeply missed by all of us at IAWRT. May the Almighty give strength to the family and friends of Renuka to bear this huge irreparable loss.
