Meet The Greatest Man I Know

Nov 13
NabanitaDhar


You learn from experiences you make, 

You imbibe from whom you meet,

All along this journey called life.

No, I’m no philosopher but somehow these words ring true.

 

As we journey through life, people and events inspire us, shape us into what we eventually become. Sometimes good fortune, at times adversity, every trifle or every lot becomes a building block. But the most significant influence remains of people, those around us, those we read about. And when we look back there is always that one person on whose ideals, on whose life we try and base ours.

 

It’s true. In fact, this reminds me of something.

 

When I was in school, there was a tradition of crowning a student from the senior-most class as Ms St Margaret’s, St Margaret’s being the name of my school. It was a way to celebrate and honour the best student of the class passing out that year. I remember being very fascinated by it all, especially the question and answer rounds, probably to hear what the seniors had to say. Among all the questions asked, though, do you know which the most common one was? Well, I’ll tell you.

 

Who is that one great person in the world whom you admire the most and why?

 

And every time the answer would range from Mother Teresa to Audrey Hepburn, Vivekananda to Nelson Mandela. All great figures undoubtedly but I often wondered why no one talked about someone closer home. Someone they would have touched felt and even talked to. But that was just me and my mind concocting theories of its own, like always.

 

But today I’ll try to answer that question myself. Today, I’ll tell you about someone who has been the rudder in my life’s voyage. He is the man who taught me everything there is to know about life, whose experiences I draw upon to take major decisions in life.

 

So, are you with me?

 

Born into a Bengali family in the North East of India, he grew up with 9 other siblings. Being the 8th child in the family, the youngest son among 4, you could say he was pampered a little but never to the point of being spoilt. Education was given prime importance in his family which he took extremely seriously as well. In fact, from a very young age, he was very much inclined towards amassing knowledge in any form available, books being the primary source. Hailing from a small tea garden estate, he walked for miles every day, crossed rivers too, to reach his school. But that never deterred him or his other siblings for that matter. And finally after years of hard work and focus on education, he went on to become an Electrical Engineer. That was just the beginning though of his wonderful journey.

 

From the moment he landed a job, he took upon himself the responsibility of his younger siblings’ education and wedding. In fact, he made sure the responsibility lay solely on him. So, while his career was just starting, while he was just beginning to make a name for himself at his place of work, he was also simultaneously making sure his younger sisters are educated and later married into good families when the moment was right.

 

The next phase in his life came when he was poised to be married. Now, I’m talking about the 80s here where arranged marriages involved the groom-to-be selecting or rejecting a prospective bride based on how photogenic she was. But he decided against subjecting a woman to all this scrutiny. He didn’t want to subject someone else’s sister to what he disliked his sisters being subjected to. So, he actually met his bride for the very first time on their wedding day. You don’t find many people who can do that nowadays, do you?

 

Then a few years down the line, he became a doting father to two little girls. From then on, his mission in life became one of protecting and shielding his babies. But not in a way that stopped them from growing or spreading their wings. He taught them the meaning of being independent and the dire need for it. In many ways, he was the biggest influence in their lives which resulted in them growing up to be fierce and vocal feminists, never compromising because of their gender. Even today when both his daughters are all grown up they know only too well that he can move heaven and earth to make sure no harm comes to them. And also as long as he is there is nothing that can’t be righted, no problem that can’t be solved.

 

At every stage of his life, he has been the epitome of resilience, focus, love and sincerity. An honest man to the core, a family man and an accomplished professional, a self-made man, they don’t make men like him anymore. Somewhere between his generation to the next, men have stopped being as awesome and wonderful as he is.

 

He is a man, all man should be like. Being a good man drives him and that is a rare quality in the world today. He is truly made of great for…

 

·         He has never spent a dishonest moment in his life.

·         He has lived by the principle of doing the right thing no matter how difficult.

·         He has been a good son, a good brother, a great husband and the greatest Dad he could have been and still endeavours to do more.
·         He has lived a life of honesty and made sure his daughters learn the same.

·         He was man enough to never subject his wife-to-be to the abysmal selection process common to arranged marriages.

·         He has made a home full of respect, love and happiness with the woman he married, stands by her through thick and thin.

·         He has never turned back from his responsibility either towards his family or his wife’s.

·         He has emphasised his daughters being educated and independent rather than learning the tricks of the kitchen.

·         He has never stopped them from soaring high, discovering themselves.

·         He has never subscribed to the nonsensical belief that daughters do not belong to their parents.

·         He has given everything and more still does, to his wife and daughters.

·         He is the most handsome man to have walked this earth with a beard.

·         He is also a die-hard fan of Lionel Messi, Argentina and Barcelona.

·         He is the best husband, the best father in the world. He is my father, my baba.

·         He is so much more!

 

I must have done something great in my past life to have deserved him in this one. Whatever I have, I owe it to him.

 

To him, I owe…

 

  • My life.
  • My education.
  • My career.
  • My beliefs.
  • My ability to live alone, be independent.
  • My life with my husband. Never for a moment did my father judge me for choosing a life partner on my own. If anything, he stood by my decision.
  • My love for reading and books.
  • Everything!
  • Oh! and my love for football & Messi too!

 

You have to meet him to know what I mean. He is not only a good human being but a learned one in the truest of senses. I wish I can measure up to even an ounce of him one day for then I would have definitely achieved something.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, my father, my inspiration and a man who is #madeofgreat in the truest of senses.

 

30 thoughts on “Meet The Greatest Man I Know”

  1. Very nice post, Nabanita! Somebody has rightly said – “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”

    Coming to the association of Tata Motors with Lionel Messi, I feel it will help them a lot in changing their perception to a youth oriented brand. This is a brilliant move made by them at the right moment and it will definitely help them in years to come.

    Once again thanks for writing and sharing this brilliant post!

    Regards,
    Shravan

  3. Tata Motors and Messi compliment each other like aloo does to Samosa. Tata Motors and Lionel Messi have many things in common. Tata Motors and Messi compliment each other just like aloo and Samosa. Firstly both of them have highly credible performance record. Secondly they are both made of great material. Indeed there couldn't have been any other brand ambassador than Messi for Tata Motors

  4. Complete respect to your father! It was so nice to read all the wonderful things you wrote about him. Takes me back to the times when I took my dad for granted. Your post reminds me of ALL the things that he has done for me and how much I love him.

    Thank you for that!

  5. You are right, Naba. Most people never think of people close to them when they are asked about their role model. I have never understood that line of thinking.While growing up, I had an aunt I wanted to be like. She is no more, but her memory lingers.

    Such a sweet, thoughtful post this one. Has your Dad read it?

  6. Just by reading the title, I knew you were writing about your dad. So lovely to have fathers like him in our lives.

  7. Just by reading the title, I knew you were writing about your dad. So lovely to have fathers like him in our lives.

  9. You have every reason to be proud, Nabanita. The fact that you are so independent in your thoughts and the way you express them surely reflects on the freedom you enjoyed growing up.
    I'm sure you've heard this before, but you look at lot like him. He must be equally proud of the woman you've become!

  11. This is very true that the great personalities always influence the audience but for a child his/her mind is always influenced by the parents. Here the same with you and your Baba.

    For the question :
    Tata Motors has gained the goodwill from giving the best and innovative Automobiles and it is also known as one the best Automobile Manufactures. And if you see the Lionel Messi , his throughout dedication, zeal , targeted goal of life and technically soundness make him big, achiever and remarkable position in the world.
    As per me, the association of Tata Motors and Messi is a grand amalgamation of two legendary entities of the world, and their amalgamation will definitely break down the clutters and affect the cut throat competition of Tata Motors. Tata motors will sure get a huge preference by the fans of Messi. This will sure make a record on the of Tata motors in the world of production or may be the highest selling automobiles.
    Tata motor’s main target is to give an impression on the large amount of crowd and this can be achieved only through the Messi, because the youth generation is crazy for MESSI and this can be smart move and a great achievement for Tata Motors they positioned MESSI as their BRAND AMBASSADOR .
    In the nutshell, Tata Motors , Messi joining hands will definitely give more soundness in technicality of promotional strategies and Messi’s influence will influence the audience for choosing Tata Motors and expand the business drastically.

  16. I guess we forget that those around us influence us more than any other figure
    Glad you liked the post, my dad has read it , yes 🙂

  19. Thanks Corinne…Yes, they tell me I look like him and I love that 🙂 I hope he is proud of me in some way, I try but yes I owe everything good in me to him

  22. The story of a Legend in himself – that's how I will describe it in a short sentence. Very well written with the pics which enhances the simplicity yet greatness of the Man..Salutations and very happy for you to have got inspired and bringing out your best in life.

    My answer: Tata is a name which any and every person can rely on for its honesty, commitment and perseverance. Lionel Messi is a legend who has carved his name in history books with total dedication to the game, simple living and improvisation which is seen with each game he plays. The association of Tata Motors and Lionel Messi as their Brand Ambassador will definitely give an edge to the Tata group over its competitors solely because the brand Ambassador also holds the same reputation of not letting his fans down ever, like Tata Motors who have given the best to the world over the decades. Its an exemplary association par excellence.

    You can choose my answer as the best if you feel I described it all well.. 🙂

  23. Nabanita, I too wrote on my dad's greatness and seeing your post rekindled the respect. Really right #madeofgreat choice. Hats off, Best wishes.
    To the question of Lionel Messi, I am strongly convinced that they chose the best and their combination is going to swing wonders in their camp and add new feathers to their cap. Three cheers to them.

  24. Hi Nabanita,
    Indeed a nicely written post. I wish you good luck for the contest
    Here is my answer
    The association of Tata Motors with Lionel Messi is that of two greats. Lionel Messi has been exceptionally talented who with his hard work, determination and sacrifices has got better and tougher in his chosen sport so is the Image, reputation and quality of TATA Motors that have transformed brilliant ideas into masterpieces of engineering and created a brand and products that we are so proud of as Indians. Lionel Messi has transformed his body and the mind body co-ordination into a masterpiece of precision and excellence it would not be wrong to say that Lionel Messi is the TATA Motors of sports where as TATA Motors is the Lionel Messi of vehicles both giants in their own spheres driven by the drive to excel and lead by example. So Lionel Messi is the best choice for becoming the brand Ambassador for TATA Motors
    aaloke19@gmail.com

  25. Your post describes #madeofgreat so well that it has winner written all over it. Good luck for your entry.
    Here is my answer.
    Like minds think and act alike looking at the track record of TATA Motors it has stood the test of time and built a business that was built using bricks of hard work on a foundation of trust. Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the trademarks of brand TATA Motors. These same qualities are present in Lionel Messi who with his immense talent has made a mark for himself on the international football field .Facing all hardships he has worked hard toiling on the fields and in training sessions facing injuries and pressure to come out trumps and be a winner. Thus these two greats Lionel Messi and TATA Motors are made for each other .There association is a bond of two legends
    In case you pick me a winner my email id is : princess09hema@gmail.com
    Fingers crossed 🙂

  26. Your post defines #madeofgreat to the hilt. Goodluck for the contest
    My answer is:
    Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the pillars of strength on which TATA have built a brand that has put India on the global map. It is a brand that has stood the test of time just like Lionel Messi who tackles opposition on the field with his skill,agility,strategy,brilliance and raw power to reach and score a goal so has been the track record of TATA motors who has become a brand leader and a global giant. These qualities make TATA Motors and Lionel Messi perfect partners who stand for the same set of values thus Lionel Messi is the perfect brand ambassador to represent TATA Motors.
    Hope my best to be a winner here; do contact me for the prize at mahima2014j@gmail.com
    fingers crossed

  27. Your post defines #madeofgreat in an awesome manner.Very well written and interesting post indeed.
    My Answer
    Tata Motors is a brand that makes durable vehicles, with its MADE IN INDIA mark makes every Indian proud. It is a brand seen globally as Trusted, Reliable, Innovative and at the forefront of technology. In its journey since inception it has overcome all odds, competition, and adversities with grit and determination. These same qualities are associated with Lionel Messi who was very talented and hardworking from a very early age. With each game that he played he kept improving his skills and built a career to become one of the best player of professional football. There qualities make both TATA Motors and Lionel Messi giants who perfectly compliment each other and Lionel Messi the right and perfect Ambassador who stands for the same values that TATA Motors does.
    bhuwan198grover@gmail.com

  28. Yours is a very well written post your .Its is a very nice description of #madeofgreat
    TATA Motors is a brand associated with performance, endurance and excellence. These words are also synonymous with Lionel Messi who plays as a forward and weaves his magic on the football field.Just as Lionel Messi is considered the best footballer in the world ,TATA motors which is Indias premier automotive manufacturer gives wheels to the people of India with its wide range of vehicles. Both believe in excelling in whatever they do and set examples for others to follow. They compliment each other as both are reliable trustworthy and leaders thus Lionel Messi is the natural choice as the brand ambassador of TATA Motors
    yagneshbjoshi10099@gmail.com

  29. Dads are special…great reading your personal account. I am sure he is lucky to have you too!

    Seems Tata motors is lucky to have Messi too, they both stand by similar values in life!

  30. Lovely post Naba! Our thoughts match and so do our Dads. My Dad too met Mom on the wedding day for the same reason. And the struggles are similar too. And two sisters we are. We definitely are lucky lot to deserve the best men in our lives. Stay blessed! 🙂

Comments are closed.