On the fateful morning of November 12th, 2024 – barely two days after the successful completion of WordCamp Kerala 2024, all of us, organizers of the camp woke up to a shocking, tragic news that destroyed all of us.
The news broke our hearts to smithereens. We could not believe what we heard first. But soon, our worst fears were confirmed. Our dear compatriot, our loving friend Sharan, was indeed no more. He breathed his last in a tragic car crash near Tripraryar, in the Thrissur district of Kerala. The incident occurred early in the morning today (November 12th).
A B.Sc Information Technology (IT) Graduate from Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Sharan was employed by Midnay. He touched every project and every person with dedication and warmth. He was incredibly talented. As a visual and creative artist, he showed his midas touch in everything he touched. From award-winning short films to eye-catching designs for WordCamp Kerala, his creativity was simply unmatched. His work was more than just art; it was a way of bringing people together, sparking joy, and building a supportive, collaborative community. Each design, each event he contributed to stands as a testament to his talent and selflessness.
We are not exaggerating: WordCamp Kerala 2024 would simply not have happened, had it not been for Sharan.
Our dear friend Sharan’s passion for WordPress was matched only by his drive for creative artistry. Over the past two months, Sharan burned the midnight oil (quite often literally) to craft fantastic designs as well as video and creative art for our WordCamp. If you were impressed by our dazzling photographs from the WordCamp as well as many of the visual content in our social media, that’s all thanks to our dear friend. His selfless efforts were instrumental in making our WordCamp a huge success. Before WordCamp, with support from his employer Midnay who was sponsoring his WordPress contributions through Five for the Future, Sharan has made extensive contributions to WordPress by volunteering for WordPress events such as the Kerala WordPress Photo Festival and YouthCamp Kozhikode. He has also submitted 267 exquisite photos to the WordPress Photo Directory.
We all hit the like button hard on Sharan’s final social media posts that were on WordCamp Kerala, never realizing then that we would never read any more posts from him…
Sharan was more than a WordCamp volunteer for us. He was a dear and loving friend.
We all remember Sharan for his selfless nature, his kindness, his passion for all that he does, and his laughs. He was such a jolly human being that simply loved to share a laugh. Sharan touched lives of every single person around him and made a mark with his mere presence. To those of us who knew him, he was more than a friend; he was family, a beacon of positivity and inspiration who made everyone feel valued and uplifted.
Today, we gather our thoughts and memories to honor someone who has left an indelible mark on our lives and community. Though gone too soon, Sharan’s light and creativity continue to shine through each of us, inspiring and reminding us of the beauty of genuine kindness, boundless talent, and deep connection. His influence remains like a guiding star, illuminating the path for those who had the privilege of knowing him.
In his memory, let’s carry forward the light he shared with us, keeping his legacy alive through our own acts of kindness, creativity, and support for one another. We understand that while he may no longer be with us, Sharan’s impact remains timeless, a reminder that true greatness lies in how we touch the lives of others.
Forever cherished, never forgotten—Sharan lives on in our hearts and our art.
Sharan’s earthly remains will be laid to rest at his hometown of Chelari, in Malappuram District, Kerala, India on November 13th, Wednesday. We kindly ask all WordPress Community members and all WordCamp Kerala attendees to pray for our dear friend and departed soul, as well as his family.
Comments
2 responses to “Goodbye Sharan…”
My heart breaks for his family, friends, and the whole community. May memories of times together bring solace, and may our grieving be gentle.
This was beautifully written. His bright smile and kind spirit radiate from his pictures. So sorry for Sharan’s passing and for your loss.