Goodbye Sir!
Dear NNR,
Its been 13 days
today and I have thought of you every day. Ever since I heard the news I was
like wish I had another chance to speak to you. I know it is not possible to
have that conversation so instead I have decided to write a letter to you
hoping that it will get to you.
I still remember
the day you had first come to campus to administer a test for placement and I
was a hopeful student sitting in the hall writing it, hoping to make it. As
president of the college body I did get to interact with the SB team (Yes I had
joined when it was still SB) but don’t remember if I had any conversation with
you in specific other that you were an alumnus.
We started to
interact after you had returned from Thailand stint and I was doing the HR
manager role for north sales. Then one day I got to know that I will be working
with you directly in the HO doing a role I knew very little about. Those 2
years were great learning and you like true leader gave me the opportunity to
do some path breaking work. You shared my disappointment when I was told due to
my grade I could not go to the HR offsite to Colombo though I had done all the
work for the HR survey that was the basis of the offsite. You like a true
leader not only ensured credit came my way despite my absence but also
convinced the Sri Lankan Head of HR that he should offer me a project
assignment to work with Sri Lankan
business. My first overseas journey and work experience. The joy in my eyes was
truly reflected by your smile on seeing it. You have no idea what impact this
one thing has had on me and I have paid it forward many a times with many young
people in my team.
Our mutual
liking for Thai food has been a reason for many meals we shared. Those were
times when we spoke openly about issues, views and what we actually thought of
people always wishing no one overheard us. Our discussions, jokes, funny
anecdotes and stories always made us look forward to next meal as soon as one
ended. Every time I have a good Thai
meal I have remembered you and in our next conversation told you about it and
even going forward I don’t think I will ever eat one without remembering you. I
hope they serve good Thai food in heaven.
As a leader I
still remember our discussion about work like balance wherein you would and I
would discuss our views which greatly differed at that time of no laptops and
email on mobile times. I later on many times told you how I had modified the thinking
and you quietly smiled as if saying I knew experience will bring you around.
But thank you for letting me go swimming in the evenings, on the Rooftop of the
plaza tower office and then letting me finish work in my tracks post that.
I hope you have
had a chance to meet Princess Diana in the heaven. Our mutual liking for her
has been only between us and a little known fact. Next time when you speak to
her please do tell her about me (I am sure you would have already done). I have
had that silver spoon with me for years, the one you got for me when you had
gone to London and visited her grave. I have made many visits to London and
been thinking of doing the same but never got to. I always said to myself I
will also get something for you when I go there but it was never to be. Anyways
now that you are a fellow traveler with her enjoy the time and company.
NNR I still
remember the conversation you and I had when I was deciding to take up the
Aviva Job of Head of HR. You ended by
saying 2 things – its time Amit for you to take that step and do the big job
and remember I am there for you 24X7 if you ever need me. I did call you within
45 days feeling lost about an issue and you were in Guhwati and made time to
have a long late night conversation. When I took over the business role you
told me that’s the way to go and telling me people who get Head of HR jobs
early can only do it for a certain period of time. When I called to tell you
about the CEO role, I could hear the joy and pride in your voice. Like always,
you and I agreed to have a Thai celebration once covid was over and I owe that
party to you.
Diwali will
never be the same for us. Having breakfast at your place had become a ritual
that all of us Surbhi & boys looked forward to. I know you also looked
forward because every time I called before to fix, you would just say yes on
Diwali day and that was it. It was like you always telling us, you are family
and we always felt it.
You were always
so proud of Sandeep and Monica. Every time we spoke you would fill me in on
them and I loved to see the father in you always. My constantly teasing you of
the time you would not let Sandeep drive the Audi, you in your own way sharing
without saying how you missed both kids as they were away from home and finding
their own path.
Not many have
known of us to be really close. Its something both of us never much talked
about with others. Both of us liked to keep it that way and as I now think back
as to why? I have no answer and actually don’t need one too.
I am sure that
heavens are treating you well and looking after you.
Its time to let
you go NNR, to let you know that you will be missed and remembered. I will
cherish our times together always.
Goodbye my boss,
my guide and my friend. Till we meet again on the other side for a good Thai
meal and long conversation.
Rest in Peace.
