Over the years, his name became a part of the household chatter and even banter when weather was discussed. He became someone whose daily weather bulletins you cited or wanted to be read to, before you convinced others or yourself about how the following day would go.
In time, the name Sonam Lotus took on a metaphorical meaning: it became a mark of authenticity. One could say if a prediction has to come true, it has to be “Lotus certified.”
Lotus took over when technology had advanced and people were still fed with archaic weather reports by the local Doordarshan Kendra, Srinagar. He ushered in a new era of meteorological forecasting, bringing modern tools and techniques to provide accurate and timely weather information to the people of Kashmir.
His departure marks the end of an era where the name ‘Sonam Lotus’ became synonymous with dependable weather predictions.
On Saturday, as the government issued his transfer order, the Meteorological Department forecast mainly dry and clear weather in Jammu and Kashmir till November 3.
“The weather will remain mainly dry and clear in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh till November 4,” an official of the Department said,
On the day of his transfer, Lotus has left us with sunshine in winter.
In future we should not feel absence of Mr. Sonum lotus.