Papa left us 10 years ago to this day. His persona and his energy remain with us and continue to care for us and protect us. He was a Karmayogi, a doer and he was a romantic and optimist. Obligations and sense of duty walked hand in hand with aspirations and dreams. There was no contradiction or cluttering of thoughts that held him back. He possessed an inane ability to embrace differences and difficulties with ease and charm. Humour was his instrument of choice and he teased life even as it left him too early. He was always “all in” all the time.

He was on dialysis towards the end and I do remember that between two sessions (a couple of days) – he would take my mother for a dinner date to locales around India. Anywhere a flight could land – he would look for an opportunity to get there. His agile and fine mind knew that his body was on borrowed time. To him it was a cue to make his life richer, his relationships more intense and his boundless love more available to all.

Like any child who is nostalgic, I am sure I would have strayed in my recounting.

I would add that I would never be able to capture in words the expanse of his beautiful soul and meaningful life where he meant so much to so many. A loving father, a doting son, a naughty cousin or nephew, a friend to many and the “forever companion” of my mother.

To him and to me – his brilliant career and excellence at the workplace, were but a footnote in his journey that continues in us and with us till this day. Travel well Papa and thank you for this life 🙏🏽