Shouvik Guha , 54, principal commissioner of income tax, is better known as one our finest quizzers. He salutes Neil O'Brien, who had picked Shouvik as his "dream quiz partner" from his hospital bed.

Neil O'Brien was a quintessential Calcuttan. A man who could hold forth on any subject under the sun, authoritatively.

My loss is actually more than what I can write about. My memories are those of a kindly face patiently listening to my problems. Just unburdening myself to him made me feel better.

He always had very clear-cut ideas about what was right and what was not and he never compromised on his values. I do not think there is a single person who has met him and not been influenced by him. He had the capacity to take along diverse people who bonded only because he was the glue.

Most memories are too personal to share. Pleasant memories of monsoon evenings spent enjoying his hospitality and enlivened by his deep knowledge of Shakespeare and history. He would show a callow youngster how to appreciate the finer points of life. Quality time which can never be replicated.

I know many who are indebted to him, including myself. Debts not in the material sense. Debts that can never be discharged.

The enduring memory will remain of visiting him when he was terminally ill. But his mind was as sharp as ever. Derek asked him if he could choose one person to be in a team with him, who would he select. Unhesitatingly, Neil O'Brien had pointed to me.

Frankly, whatever prizes one has won through the years pale before this singular honour.