Father’s passion passed on
TARLIN and Tarita Bodalia’s dad died tragically just over a year ago during an armed hijacking in Westville, and now his legacy will live on in his twin children, who have developed his passion for chess.
The 7-year-olds, who have been keeping their mom busy with tournaments, were recently selected to represent the eThekwini district at the South African Junior Chess Championships in Johannesburg.
Their mother, Monica, who worked and lived in Dubai and has since taken over her husband Paresh Bodalia’s security company, said he would have been proud of his children.
“I didn’t even know the kids had a passion for the game and when I returned after their dad’s passing, they told me how Paresh would sit with them every day – playing and teaching them without fail.”
Monica, who is fairly new to the board game, said Tarlin won the board prize in his division.
“It goes to the person who scores the most points and, added to this, the eThekwini team was placed second overall,” she said.
“Their achievements really hit home. I realised I am feeding the passion their father placed in them. He is guiding us through all of this.”
Bodalia, 46, was gunned down in front of the twins in what appeared to be an attempted hijacking on his property.
The four suspects who were arrested in connection with his murder were later released due to the lack of evidence linking them to the crime.