Maharashtra: Hours before death, author saw her book released in ICU

NAGPUR: It was a unique book release function, and possibly first-of-its-kind held in the ICU of a multispecialty hospital.
Author Subhashini Kukde, who was fond of writing Marathi short stories, was admitted in the ICU of New Dande Hospital for severe lung failure. Her short story collection ‘Mom you are great’ was released at 9.30pm on Friday, and she breathed her last hours later at 2.30am on Saturday.
The book, which was awaiting a formal release for almost a year-and-half due to Covid-19, was released by state congress president Nana Patole, MLC Abhijit Wanjari and MLA Vikas Thakre.
Subhashini’s husband Madhukar Kukde, a senior social and political activist associated with Sanyukta Maharashtra movement, said it was her wish for the last many months and “it proved to be her last wish too”.
Kukde recalled how his wife penned down the 18 stories while fighting against poor eyesight and poor lung capacity due to old age.
The book was ready for release in January 2020. “We had to postpone the event twice due to first and second wave of Covid-19. In the meanwhile, Subhashini’s health deteriorated. She was undergoing treatment at Dr Dande’s hospital for the last two months,” said Kukde.
Dr Pinak Dande, who looked after the patient for months, said Subhashini used to talk about the book whenever she could.
Subhashini was 79 and it was difficult for doctors to revive her damaged lungs. “When I told this to her husband, he asked me to wait for some time. In next two days, he contacted Nana Patole who agreed to release the book,” he said.
Patole, despite being busy ahead of MLC elections and due to other political commitments, reached Dande hospital on Friday night. “I know Madhukar Kukde personally. I was willing to come early but a busy schedule prevented it. Finally, we got time at around 9.30pm and released the book in the ICU. This was unique but a fulfilling experience for me that I could do something for a senior colleague,” said Patole.
There were no guests, no crowd but the function was held with all formalities. A welcome speech and a vote of thanks were also offered. Subhashini, who was on her ICU bed, witnessed the entire event. “She could not speak anything. But, we could see a feeling of fulfilment in her eyes,” said Dr Dande.
Dr Dande said that at around 11.30pm, nearly two hours this function, her health started deteriorating fast. “Gradually, her organs started failing, and by 2.30am, she breathed her last,” he said.
Kukde family performed the last rites on Saturday. The loss is irreparable for them, but the unique book release function will always make them feel content.