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Jupiter Yambem Obituary
Jupiter Yambem was born and raised on the other side of the world, in the remote state of Manipur in the northeast corner of India. At the age of 21 he came to the United States and promptly took up a career in some of New York City's most famous restaurants, including the Rainbow Room and then Windows on the World, where he worked as a banquet manager.
But even as he planted hardy roots here ‹ marrying a woman from Syracuse, settling down in Beacon, N.Y., joining an environmental group dedicated to protecting the Hudson River, becoming friends with Pete Seeger, signing on as assistant coach for his 5-year-old son Santi's soccer team ‹ Mr. Yambem, 41, held fast to his Indian past. Retaining his Indian citizenship, he co- founded the North American Manipur Association, a small group of Manipur families that sought to promote and preserve the culture of their homeland over here.
He had two purposes, said his wife, Nancy Yambem. He wanted his son to know something of his heritage ‹ to see the dances and hear the music and taste the food. But he also wanted to construct a bridge, however modest, between two vastly different cultures.
The strands of Mr. Yambem's life came together at his memorial service. His friends gathered at Beacon Riverfront Park on the banks of the Hudson River. They had a potluck dinner and Mr. Seeger sang "Turn, Turn, Turn." Later, they released hundreds of small paper boats onto the river, each with a candle inside. Mr. Yambem's ashes were returned to Manipur and scattered over a lake.
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Ryan
March 1, 2024
We will miss you Jupiter. My family had ties to yours through my aunt (not related). I am sorry for their loss. This impacts me as a Meitei greatly. I send my condolences to his family.
Claudia M. Ruiz Tellez
April 4, 2022
El pasado 18 de marzo de 2022, visité el Memorial del 11 de Septiembre. Mientras recorría la piscina de la Torre Norte, leí el nombre de Júpiter Yambem y al ingresar al Museo vi la fotografía de él. Fue una coincidencia que me tocó el alma... Una vez que retorné a mi país, busqué en internet y pude leer su historia. Desde Bolivia, envío mis condolencias a su esposa e hijo.
Bonnie Stein
September 12, 2020
Remembering Jupiter this day. 19 years ago. May his memory be a blessing. Love to all friends and family. I will always remember Jupiter and the bright light that he shone. Visiting the shores of the Hudson River, I think of him today.
September 11, 2020
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the pain that this tragedy caused, however I hope that you find peace.
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Gitanjali Jaggi
September 11, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
The Kindred Family
February 3, 2020
Sending our sincere sympathy to your family. May God continue to give the help needed. Jupiter is still very dearly missed and will never be forgotten.
Bonnie Stein
September 12, 2019
Remembering Jupiter this day. 18 years ago. May his memory be a blessing. Love to all friends and family.
Peggy Childers
September 11, 2019
To the family and friends of Jupiter Yambem:
Please know that Jupiter will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not allow those we lost on 9/11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
September 11, 2014
Im a student studying September 11, I am remembering you today.
Bonnie Stein
July 10, 2014
Remembering Jupiter. Forever in our hearts. With love and care.
Kris Ingram
July 9, 2014
My sincere sympathies. The Jupiter Yambem that I knew came to Amerca with Camp America to work as a counselor for blind children at Camp Wapanacki. He stayed on in Vermont and then to New York. He was kind and sincere. Is this he?
[email protected]
September 11, 2012
For Jupiter. 2012. 11 years later. A great sense of humor and bright man.
Rajiv Sagolsem
September 11, 2012
We will be missing you 4ever. Luf U uncle Jupiter...
Manjeet Bagga
September 11, 2011
Jupiter, a gentleman and a great sportsperson.I recall the good times at North Point that we shared. You will always be remembered. Rest in peace bro.
September 11, 2011
Hey Jupiter. You were a great guy; and the other Manipuri guy that I knew in NYC in the 1980s. Remembering you with love and care, on September 11, 2011.
Daniel Ehnbom
September 11, 2011
I remember Jupiter well. He was a good friend. Sometimes we'd go back and forth together between New Paltz and Manhattan. He was an honorable hardworking guy who loved his friends and family. I still miss him.
Kevin Haydon
September 11, 2011
Today I am remembering a great guy I meet in college in New Paltz NY. We used to arrange tennis games in the midst of our busy school schedule. Later I would bump into him in Beacon NY, where he lived with his wife and child, always with a big smile and fond memory of our college days.
Doug Koesel
September 2, 2011
Our church has a memorial in it of all the victims of 9/11. We were asked to take six names and pray for one of the names each day, as well as their surviving family members. I got Jupiter's name. He is not forgotten.
Jeffrey Foss
July 11, 2011
My wife, Sheila, was a classmate and best-friend of Jupiter's wife, Nancy. They grew up together is Camillus, NY., graduating from West Genessee High School. As a videographer at WTNH-TV in New Haven, CT.,I covered the tragedy for 8 days and have been to most of the annual observances since the events happened. It was days after 9-11 that we learned of Jupiter's passing, and my wife and I attended the 1 year observance and tribute to Jupiter at the riverside park in Beacon, along with many friends and families of Nancy's circle of friends from Camillus. We will continue to stay in touch with Nancy and Santi, and continue to wish them the best as they move on with their lives, together. We think of our friend often, and will remember him as the kind friend, husband and father that will be missed by so many.
Saud Sultan
September 12, 2010
Remembering Jupiter Yambem a fellow school mate at St. Joseph's College, North Point, Darjeeling India An athlete par excllence , brillant student and above all a great person
Personal loss to Nancy wife ,Shanti son and family also having touched the larger North Pointers family worldwide.
Living to the true NP sprit ,"Sursum Corda "
Viren Mehta & Amita Rodman
September 11, 2010
Today, dear family and friends of one of our finest friends --- Jup ---- is one they call A Day of Remembrance. Honestly, he is one we remember all the time. Not just by being and living in NY or passing his photo on the wall. No, actually, I remember him most when things are troubling. Then, I ask "Jupiter, have we served your memory well? You, a person of peace, fun, humorous but very accepting of others, respectful and tolerant? Perhaps not so much, and perhaps we disappoint. All the more reason to try. Then what i always see is your smile and remember what you always stood for --- the every day person and friend working at your side or passing you on the street, or riding the train with you to Beacon --- you set quite an example and quite a standard for us.
Nickie Lepcha
September 11, 2010
We are thinking of Jupiter this day.
Michelle Buechele
June 25, 2010
Dear Nancy & Santi:
This message is to Santi, my former student at Rombout Middle School. We never spoke of the loss of your father. I hope one day you read through all of these messages to you and your mom and see how many people loved your father and the two of you as well. I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for you at times in school. I would just like to say how my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your mom each September 11th and how I hope you continue to work hard and grow into an honorable man like your father.
Rina Rai Waller
July 15, 2009
So sad and shocked to hear this news. Nancy and Shanti my belated thoughts and love to you both. I remember meeting Jupiter during my final years in school. He was a North Pointer and I went to the sister school Loreto Convent. We spent many short happy moments at school dances and escorting friends covertly for dates not allowed! I fondly remeber him as this great athlete and football fanatic, a gift it seems he maintained in his latter years. See you someday friend
Corey McC
December 18, 2008
Jupiter was my uncle and reading these things brings surges of memory of that day and of his character back to my mind. I was in fourth grade when he died, and would have loved to know him better, just as the author of this poem would. Thank you so much for your kind words and lengthy descriptions of a man I looked up to and loved very much. It means a lot.
Dona Crawford
September 14, 2008
aboutolive.blogspot.com
Sudeep
September 12, 2008
Years have passed. But I came. So you know that I remember you in a place that is clearer than the eye could see. Years have passed, but do not fear. You are still in the air I breathe.
Journey well brother
P Tabbernor
April 23, 2007
In memory....
Jean O'Sullivan
March 29, 2007
After 9/11, Jupiter Yambem's name caught my attention as I was going over the lists. At the time I wrote a poem for him and posted it (I don't remember where). The poem was a speculation about who he was and soon after posting it, a friend did some research and brought to my attention a webpage about his history and family. I just want friends and family to know that a stranger in California will always remember him and knows he was very much loved by you all.
Barbara
January 11, 2006
I just visited Ground Zero for the first time, four years after because I couldn't bear visiting before. I knew Jupiter well and send regards to Nancy, who I never met, and to Laba, who I have. Jupiter loved to laugh, loved to be surrounded by friends (especially if he was feeding them), and was truly a sweet and good soul.
Amitava Dutta-Roy
September 12, 2002
Nancy: On this Day of Remebrance Cristina and I pray in the memory of our beloved friend Jupiter and you and Shanti and all your family. We are with you. Jolly. 9/11/02
Jups with bro Laba, Valentina & Krishn, '88
Dave Laishram
September 11, 2002
Dear Jups,
Its been a full round year. I knew this day will never be the same as my previous September 11s!
But never knew that its a pain that is not annual but one that we have to live with every day.
Wish you were here!
Dave
Julie Shanahan
September 11, 2002
In commemoration of September 11th, my highschool gave out bracelets with the names of victims on them, and I was given Jupiter Yambem. I learned about Jupiter, his life, his family, his dedications, and I must say that I have never felt more admiration for someone I have never met before. I know now that Jupiter was a wonderful person and I deeply regret that he is no longer alive; he and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Amy Barer
September 11, 2002
Knowing Jupiter on a solely professional level as an event planner in downtown Manhattan, I never had the opportunity to meet his family. He was a wonderful and essential piece of every event I ever planned at Windows. With Jupiter on the job, I never had to worry that my events would be handled perfectly, down to the tiniest detail. He took great pride in his work and touched many lives on a day-to-day basis.
My sympathies go out to his family. I am certain he is greatly missed.
Tracye Shearin
September 10, 2002
I first met Jupiter at World Yacht in the late 1980's. We worked together there for 2 years and so it was a surprise to see him many years later at the Rainbow Room, where so many of us from World Yacht had somehow managed to gain employment. Throughout the 17 years I have known Jupiter, he has remained the same, steady, quiet, peaceful individual. I never met you Nancy nor your son but my prayers go out to your family as well as those who have also lost friends and family. Our lives may never be the same but we will be hopefully, more compassionate, more loving and most of all more giving.
The Suffern Family
May 30, 2002
Nancy our thoughts and prayers are alway with you and Santi.
May 27, 2002
MAY THE BEAUTIFUL SOUL OF JUPITER YAMBEM AND THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFULLY DEPARTED THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD REST IN PEACE..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY..AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA ..NEW YORK AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF INDIA.AMEN
Unvieling of Memorial Stone during U.S. National Anthum in ITALY
Mario Chiara
May 27, 2002
Jupiter, one of the kindest gentleman and dearest friend. Although we knew each other for a short while, god gave us the chance to see a true example of human kindness through you. Our family will always remember you. In the small town of Nissoria located province of Enna in Italy, our family and the Mayor ,Dr. Angelo Murgo, along with many others have dedicated a small park in remembrance of the Victims of September 11. The ceremony was honored by the Rep. of U.S. Consular General, Capt. Timothy Davison-Commander of U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION Sigonella, Sicily, Capt. Thomas Dansak Chaplin of U.S. NAS Sigonella, and many others. I would like to mention that I dedicate this effort to Jupiter , along with all of our friends that worked at Windows on the World. To all the people who were victims on September 11, 2001 and families - WE WILL NOT FORGET OUR FELLOW AMERICANS! No matter where we are in the world!! Love Mario, Elisabetta, Benito, Carolina CHIARA.
Ingrid Anderson
March 8, 2002
I miss Jupiter very much and keep Nancy and Santi in my thoughts and prayers every day.
Reinhard Hesse
January 17, 2002
I came across Jupiter's story in the "Portraits of Grief" Section in the NYT. Instantly, I was stunned by this surely great man's biography and deeds, and apalled by the macabre absurdity of his death. Since I'm writing a book on "Ground Zero & The Consequences for a Peaceful World Order", I decided to include the little I know about Jupiter in the first chapter of that book. I don't dare to dream that this would not only help remembering him but also enhance our responsibility for a life of peace and understanding.
Can't tell you how sorry I am.
M Thorn
January 13, 2002
Nancy,
You don't know me, but I have relatives that attend your church. When the towers were struck they told me of you and I have been praying for you and your family ever since. Know that you don't grieve alone, but that an entire nation mourns with you. You and your son are thought of often and we pray that time will take away some of the horrible pain I know you must be feeling. May God bless you and your family and may He carry you through this valley your going through and lift you to the mountain top. God Bless you, your son & America.
December 9, 2001
GOD BLESS YOU JUPITER YAMBEM AND MAY
YOU REST IN PEACE.GOD BLESS YOUR
FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET
9/11/01
Teresa Jahn
December 2, 2001
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Dianne Purdy
December 1, 2001
I did not know Jupiter. It it has now been almost three months since the tragedy but the wound is still painful for me. I coudn't imagine how hurtful this is for you. I feel so helpless! Please accept my heartfelt love and sympathy for your family. My thoughts and prayers contintue.
Dave
September 28, 2001
For Jupiter's 5 year old son Shanti who cries and cries and cries and misses his Papa Jupiter so much, as do we all. This is a story, Shanti, about your Papa and what an incredible person he was: his soul, his nature, his goodness, his character...and what he would want from you, his son. Love, Uncle Dave.
Dear Shanti,
I am sure lot many aspects of your sweet Papa will flood you in times to come. Mine is only a miniscule snapshot of a very large personality I had known in your Papa. Start with this for now. I have a lot more in the treasure cove. Someday you and I will meet and I shall make you meet the friend I had known in Jupiter.
OF Jupiter, Towers, Wings and Prayers
These jumbling words may not mean much to anyone, but they are all about your Papa, your papa Jupiter, the best Papa in the whole wide world, who loves you “All the way to the moon and back. And back to the moon and back ”.
You know, to me the best part of the story is “……. and they lived happily ever after ”. For many, it ends like that but for some of us it is not quite so always. God Willed that all the stories of all the Papas and the Mamas of the whole wide world end with “……. and the lived happily ever after ”. And, He also loved us so much that He gave us the free will to act on our own. But then, some of us abuse this greatest gift of God to mankind that for some Papas and Mamas of the whole wide world, the story is not always quite the same. For them the story is even a much more happier one, for God is with them for every single moment of their lives.
You know, I also am one the Papas and Mamas of the whole wide world who has God with them. Very luckily for me, besides God I also have three lovely children as beautiful and lovely as you are. I love them as much as your Papa and Mama love you, and they love me as much as you love your Papa and Mama. Your Papa and Mama know them too and they know your Papa and Mama too. And you will get to meet them some day soon.
Towers, wings and prayers:
September 11, 2001, for me was yet another day of Life’s Ironies: the thesis and the anti-thesis. It was a day of a Birth and a Death. I woke up to a new dawn of celebration of my birthday in the West Coast and to the mourning of my dearest friend, at the dusk of his prime life in the East Coast.
It was a day of shocking pain; agonizing and unbelievable that left us all help-lessly helpless hoping against hope. As time passed by, all I could do was to think about the good old days we shared, and prayed and hoped for a mira-cle. And pray we did, and hope we did, but come no miracle did!
Jups, as I called him, laid buried but not his spirit.
His hand laid buried but not his good work
His heart laid buried but not his great love
For Timothy Pearson it was a hazy surreal experience. He laid there buried under the debris thinking “ I am going to die ”. Then a flashlight appeared nearby. A hand reached out to his frail frame out of the haze to help him up. “Timothy grab on, grab on Timothy” a voice whispered. Timothy reached out blindly and the hand lifted him. Hearing someone behind, he reached out his other hand and felt someone take hold of it. Soon there was a human chain groping its way through the wreckage, following the beam of that single flashlight. When at last he emerged out in the open, Timothy turned to thank whomever it was who saved his life. But gone was the person. Timothy never even saw a face. But he will always remember the one that he has come to think of as his guardian angel.
For Jups, God and the Angels laid beside him and wept and wept and wept!
For others, men came to save lives; but for Jups, God Himself came with His Angels to save his soul.
Seventeen years ago September 15, I flew into JFK. Jups not only picked me up from the Airport but fed me and put me up in the Village. A typical Jupi-ter hall-mark! Even today, I still see him vividly, smiling and waving his hand at me, along with Barbara who had come to see a fresh un-Americanized Ma-nipuri that has just landed in the US. Happy at seeing his friend in so far a foreign land and also being his brother’s good friend, he was excited and walked me through the city: Trump Tower, the Citicorp building, the Chrysler Tower, the Empire State Building and finally the famous Manhattan skyline with the twin World Trade Center Towers, from Brooklyn where Somi lived then, the room with a view!
Next evening found us riding the Greyhound to New Paltz to his New York State University campus. Being the generation of Woodstock we went up and paid our tributes to Yasgur’s farm where it all happened. Then came the time for me to leave for San Francisco and he gave me a book, a welcome present, and told me never to forget home and our roots. The book was ROOTS and I still treasure it even today, and am a very proud owner of this gift from your Papa. It’s about despair, hope, courage, determination, freedom and our love for our own rich heritage, culture and the arts and the music, epitomized in your Papa’s love for his very own people. I am also right in saying that your Papa was a living embodiment of all of the above. He was also a pioneer from Manipur (India), like one of your pilgrims who came, saw and conquered. He crossed the seven seas to bring our culture to these shores of cultural potpourri.
I am sure you will have many more accounts on your Papa from your Mama, his friends and loved ones, whose lives were touched by this angel friend of mine. I am sure you will treasure them as you go along life’s long winding road. One day you would talk about him to your friend in your class. You would also go into your swings of moods and find solace in confiding in your girlfriend about him. And life will go on.
As I sit here and breathe life into this letter to you, America and the whole world has decried war on Afghanistan. And you know what it would mean: many, many more Papas and Mamas of the whole wide world, whose story will never end with “…….. and they lived happily ever after”. There are already too many Papas and Mamas in this whole wide world who have their Septem-ber 11s. You are not alone in this whole wide world, for we also have our very own September 11, on the 22nd of May. Not every men abuse this precious gift of God. And they say it is for us to forgive them those who trespass against us. If only they knew how very hard it is to swallow; and we have learnt it the hard way! But your Papa has already spelt it out clear for you, for in you he had inscribed Shanti in golden words!
From this century onwards September 11 will find a very important indelible mark in the Calendars of the world. It will go down in the annals and be re-membered as the very day evil struck again. May be you would remember and honour your Papa this day by asking your Mama to cook the best dishes he liked and invite a few friends over to share the meal, with his favourite Pete Seger, Arlo Guthrie or the Four Seasons at the background. Another time it can be a quiet one, making collages of his colourful life from writings on him, old photographs, coupons, ticket-stubs of the zoo, circus or shows he took you out to, or with anything thing that is associated with him. Yet an-other time, it can be a quiet date with your girlfriend at the Windows on the World, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center and feel proud and share with her about how happily your Papa loved taking all his Manipuri visi-tors to New York from Manipur, on the house. Yes, there should also be some days you do it your own ways, the way you deem fittest! There are countless number of ways your Papa will be remembered.
I have a little moral of the story to share with you. You would have to liven his spirit; grow up as your Papa would have wanted you to be: a good college, an Ivy league school, and cushy job and a bright career. Not to forget, the kind, loving, caring husband to a wife and a home sweet home, with beautiful children around, with a story that ends with “…….. and they lived happily ever after”.
PEACE be with you, SHANTI
Uncle Dave
Jean O'Sullivan
September 26, 2001
This poem was written because I saw the name "Jupiter Yambem" on a list of those who died in the WTC attacks. Name after name and stopping on his, I envisioned a life. So I wrote this:
Jupiter Yambem, 41
I did not know Jupiter Yambem, 41.
He died in the attacks on the World Trade Center.
I have searched the internet for clues to his life
but have only found further sites listing his name
grouped with those who died in the towers
on a partial list of the dead.
Jupiter Yambem, 41, was at work inside a building.
Such a spirited name.
I wonder who he was.
I wonder where he was going,
where he`d been
what he anticipated
planned on
practiced for
who was he?
If anyone knows please tell me.
Was he a heavy man in grey working behind a desk?
Was he a sleek international executive with a red tie
meeting to define something?
Was he an office worker in brown
a messenger in blue
a financier in love
a father
a brother
a friend
a thinker? a feeler? a dreamer? a pragmatist?
what sparkle in his infant eye
inspired the name
Jupiter?
If anyone knows
please tell me.
I am missing Jupiter Yambem, 41.
He was killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center.
He was working inside a building.
c. Jean O`Sullivan
September 20, 2001
The primary question in my poem about the identity of Jupiter Yambem was answered on 9/26/01 by a friend who referred me to a this website and further by a link to www.e-pao.net
I now know something about him: Jupiter Yambem was man from Manipur, India, the husband of Nancy, the father of Shanti, the brother of Laba, friend to Dave in San Jose and countless others. Loved by many, it seems, wherever he went. His job was manager of Windows on the World restaurant, but his life was centered on helping others and making life meaningful. I have now seen into his life; I see even just a little of that which lives on, and it is beautiful. I did not know Jupiter Yambem, but I should have.
With Love to his family and friends,
Jean O'Sullivan
[email protected]
Niang Hangzo
September 25, 2001
Sept. 17,2001
Long before I emigrated to the US, Jupiter's was the name that was always brandied about whenever talks of US came up. It was a well known name to many Manipuris (especially those with ambitions of coming to the US) of all ages.
I finally met Jupiter last night when his friend Dave Laishram brought him to life as he spoke so touchingly about him and introduced him to those of us who always wanted to meet him. A few of us gathered together in our home in San Jose last night for an impromptu memorial service to share memories of a man
whose life touched so many people.
Ever since the horrific day, Sept 11,2001, we in San Jose, had know that out of the small number of Manipuris in the US, one of our own was also included in the missing list. His friend Dave and his cousin Sudeep Khuraijam had kept us informed and we had been praying for him and his family. As one of his close friends, Dave had been inconsolable? How does one say it will be okay under these circumstances? Not knowing is a state of limbo that has no end and there are no words that can alleviate anything except prayers and being there for one another. So, when we finally found out that his body has been recovered, we
decided to meet so we could share his life.
Gautam, Garima and their kids were the first to arrive - they had been to the Zoo and Dave had managed to contact them on their way back. So instead of going home, they came promptly to our house instead. Not surprisingly, although Gautam had not met Jupiter - he had heard of him and even spoken to him
several times on the phone. One of his regrets is that he never met the man in person. Even Garima had stories to tell - of a man she never met.
When Dave and Michaela first arrived, we all greeted each other somberly not sure of what to say to each other. Dave's face was tight and strained. Everyone else looked unhappy and uncomfortable too. There was pain and hurt and so much anger at the evil and senselessness of the event that caused such tremendous destruction. And soon the anger burst forth as each spewed out their
feelings against the evil perpetrators of this monstrous crime. It was good to let
out our feelings before we started the memorial for Jupiter.
Later, we turned down the lights, lit candles and in the swirl of incense smoke began the memorial. Vivaldi's four seasons played softly in the background - it was one of his favorite classical pieces said Dave. I started out by saying that
although I had never met Jupiter I had heard about him from friends and family. I felt is was important that Dave share his memories with us (The Manipuri community in the Bay Area) just as we had shared other joyful occasions together in the past. Ever since Dave arrived in CA he had brought together all the Manipuris and Nagas from Nagaland and founded a tradition where we celebrated birthdays.
The cycle of birth and death is always linked and just as we rejoice in our birth, we can celebrate our lives when death comes. September 11th was Dave's birthday and the day his friend Jupiter died. But death does not diminish a life lived and as Dave spoke of Jupiter, we saw and finally met the man we all heard
so much about.
In the flickering light of the candles, Dave started to recall their years beginning
with their time in Little Flower School - Imphal. It started seriously but as he recounted
their tales he began to smile as the spirited nature of their adventures took over. I will never forget the sight of Dave's face - the tightness was soon replaced by smiles that shone in the candlelight.
Through his stories, we learnt that Jupiter lived his life fully and extended himself to his family, friends and even to strangers. He was good in sports; avidly
interested in music and loved to be around people. He was interested in Arts and Theater. There were so many stories but I would especially like to recount this particular one because it has the essence of the man himself.
Early in the eighties, when he was a poor struggling student in NY, he had a part time job in a restaurant. Dave was working in New York and often spent his evenings with Jupiter after the latter got out from work. Together they explored
the sights and sounds of New York. On their jaunts, they came across some Japanese tourists and befriended them and took them along as they toured NY nightlife. They began by treating them to dinner and then ended up at an Irish pup called "Clover" where a local Jazz Band played. Jupiter hardly had any
money but he bought the band's Album, signed it and presented it to the Japanese with a flourish - a momento for them to remember New York by. So,somewhere in Japan are folks who will certainly remember Jupiter when news of the attack reach them. They probably will not know that Jupiter was one of the
casualties but whenever they think of New York - they will recall the time long ago when in a strange land they found a friend.
There were many other stories of Jupiter's kindness to people and examples of his spontaneity that made us all smile. Several times, that night we broke out into
laughter and such is his spirit that even when his friends mourn his loss, he reached out to make them see the joyous sides of life. He also continued to make friends even after he has gone. What started out as a somber evening,ended with everyone feeling lighter and being comforted by a man who embraced life largely and fully. He will continue to live on in the stories his
families and friends tell. And he will continue to make friends as people who have never met him begin to know him through his stories.
We have no choice when and how we leave this world but each of us has a choice on how we live while in this world. Let us learn from Jupiter so that after we are gone, we can continue to make people smile in remembrance of the time
we spent with them. To Jupiter's wife and son and his family in Imphal, we extend our deepest sympathy.
Bobbie Plymail
September 25, 2001
After reading about Jupiter Yamben, I am at a loss for words. My sincere sympathy to his family and friends.
mobby Singh
September 22, 2001
May his soul rest in peace
Jupiter Yembam with his son on August 11, 2001
Rita Jawaharlal
September 21, 2001
We miss you and you will always be in our hearts.
Manipuri Association
September 21, 2001
From the President of the North
American Manipuri Association
regarding Jupiter:
An emotional farewell to Jupiter Yambem
Rita Thokchom
North American Manipur Association (NAMA)
Tuesday, September 18, 2001: Jupiter Yembam, the younger brother of Manipur Human Rights commission member Laba Yambem was missing since the terrorist attack on the September 11. His body was identified later by New York Police and was cremated on September 18 at the Cedar Hill Crematorium in New York. In the presence of his family and friends, last rites were performed as per American and Manipuri traditions.
The serene atmosphere and the mountains in the vicinity of the crematorium, reminding the beauty of the Manipur gave an emotional farewell to Jupiter, who was a great lover of Manipur, Manipuri Art and Culture. He was gentle yet a powerful unifying force holding Manipuris together in North America. Jupiter had many dreams. He wanted all Manipuris, who are far away from their homeland to maintain their cultural links with Manipur. He was particularly interested in teaching the second generation Manipuris about their rich culture and heritage.
In the last three NAMA conventions that I personally attended, Jupiter was the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. He was the one, who brought and cooked fish in Manipuri style in all our meetings. Jupiter would bring traditional Manipuri items and put it on display. At the end, he would always play the pung for our traditional Thanbal Chongba. In the last NAMA convention he volunteered to organize a Sumang Lila and a childrens' cultural camp. He never accepted excuses for not attending Manipuri cultural activities. Jupiter was a very busy man yet he found time to get involved in various activities.
Jupiter always wanted to do something for Manipur. He considered that as a duty of every Manipuri. One of his ideas that he shared with my husband was to promote software development work in Manipur that would create job opportunities in Imphal. He was also very interested in a project to collect computers from different institutions in the US and send it to schools in Manipur so that children can benefit.
Jupiter Yambem was married to Nancy. His son Shanti is five-years old. Jupiter was a perfect gentleman and friend to everyone. He always believed that there would be peace in Manipur some day and Manipuris will prosper. He would calmly resolve even the most disputed issues yet his life was taken away violently and abruptly.
There are over 5,000 people missing from the World Trade Center. Their families are still waiting. Several fire fighters and rescue workers perished in their attempt to save life. Even in this great time distress, we are thankful that the rescue workers found him, and now he can rest in peace. On behalf of NAMA, I want to express our deepest condolences to his wife Nancy, Shanthi and all his family members.
Tears roll down on everyone's' cheeks when the last rites were performed. Even the men cried. As I watch Shanti looking in bewilderment without exactly realizing that his loving father is gone, I cried uncontrollably. I never had brothers. I called Jupiter, Tamo.
Tamo, we all will miss you very much.
Rita Thokchom
North American Manipur Association (NAMA)
Michaela
September 21, 2001
Our condolences to Jupiter Yambem's
family. Jupiter was the manager
of the Windows on the World Restaurant atop the World Trade Center. A terrific husband, father,
friend, employee. If you'd like
further information on him please
go to www.e-pao.net
Michaela
September 21, 2001
Our condolences to Jupiter Yambem's
family. Jupiter was the manager
of the Windows on the World Restaurant atop the World Trade Center. A terrific husband, father,
friend, employee. If you'd like
further information on him please
go to www.e-pao.net
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