This book, Promesse Jauhar: The Mother’s Sun Child, is a tribute to my little brother, Kake, a radiant soul who touched many lives, most profoundly my own. I was ten when I first heard the news of his birth — an age when I was old enough to understand my responsibility as an elder sister, but still young enough to be filled with excitement at the thought of having a baby brother. When I first held baby Kake, just a year and a half old, in my arms, I knew right away that he was someone very lovable and that I was ready to ‘mother’ my little brother. Even as a tiny child, there was a brightness in his gaze, an exuberant light that shone through his soulful eyes, a light that would continue to shine through every step of his life, not just brightening his path but also those of everyone around him.
Promesse was not just my little brother. I found in him a reflection of divine joy and energy. It was a joy to watch him grow, to see his enthusiasm blossom in numerous ways. He lived with a fervour that could not be contained — always eager to engage, to learn, to teach, and to lead. His presence was magnetic, for his was a personality that could fill a room with Ananda and energy, simply by walking in.
This book is an attempt to capture his spirit, his personality, and the many beautiful moments shared by those who knew him. It is a collection of memories, anecdotes, and reflections that showcase the light he brought into the lives of everyone who came into contact with him. From the first time I took him to meet the Mother when he was less than three years old, to the way he would challenge Her to a running race, his life was marked by a kind of fearless joy.
In this book, we not only highlight his moments of playfulness and laughter but also portray his deeper qualities — his leadership, his generosity, his belief in the ideals of the Free Progress System, and his unwavering dedication to the welfare of others. He was always there for those in need, whether it was guiding young students in their studies or working tirelessly to help build Auroville. He was a teacher, a mentor, a friend, and above all, a beacon of love and light.
Kake played a tennis match just hours before passing on, a testimony to his love for sports. We shared many adventures together as a family — hiking, travelling to places far and wide and exploring the world together. I cherish the memories of these moments and they never fail to bring a smile to my face every time I recollect them, for such is the power of Kake to infuse joy just by the very memory of him.
As his elder sister, I had the privilege of guiding him at times, offering advice and sharing my concerns. His free-spirited nature, his fearlessness in pursuing what he believed in, and his capacity for leadership were qualities I deeply admired. Even when I found myself chiding him for his boundless energy and enthusiasm, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride for the man he was becoming.
Through these pages, I hope to share with you a glimpse of who Promesse was, an extraordinary person who, like a sun child, brought warmth, light, and joy to all who were fortunate enough to know him. May his memory continue to inspire, guide and bring joy to all whose lives he touched, even if only briefly. My gratitude to Kake’s friends, students, our family and others who contributed to this book by sharing photographs, memories, and in numerous other ways that made this possible.
I hope you will enjoy reading this book, and may Kake’s memories bring a smile to your face as you journey through these recollections.
With love,
Tara Jauhar
