God cannot come on its own to guide and care for us all the time and at all moments, therefore possibly all of us are bestowed with some people who influence us, pamper us, scold us, mold us, criticize us, motivate us..... These people may not be those big shots who make headlines in newspapers or on television. More often than not, these are the one's whom we see and meet at different points of life. These people possibly themselves never know what influence they have cast on us and even if they know they never make us feel that they have been instrumental in transforming us.
Parents: Words possibly can never describe their role and this page is too short even if I attempt. I would just end saying this- They have ingrained the feeling to look beyond self and taught me to keep ethics high above any materialistic gains. Biggest Gift God has given me.
Maternal Grandfather: Bodily he is no more on earth. He has been a teacher to me right from class 3rd-taught not just english, hindi and mathematics but life lessons which have guided the path. He has been instrumental in connecting to spiritual aspect of life. After my parents the most valuable blessing of Almighty. Miss him a lot.
Manoj Sir: He was supposed to teach Physics for class 11th to a guy who was struggling through one of the sad phase of life after class 10th.The guy had lost all hopes of doing anything worthwhile in life. Possibly God sent Manoj sir in disguise as physics teacher to pull me up from that phase. Without him in my life, I would have never thought of looking beyond doing graduating from a local institution. Unfortunately before he could see me joining an Engineering Institution of a respectable status, he succumbed to an accident.May his soul rest in peace.
Prof. S.A.Channiwala: Excellence clothed in simplicity.First conversation with this splendid creation of God "Beta, we will do this" and he said this so affectionately that i felt I have got my parents away from home at Surat. I don't know whether I have learnt anything technical from the genius who has a "constant" on his name in bioenergy and coorrelation in solar cookers, but I am sure I have learnt life lessons of compassion and doing things "self-lessly".He has been my guide not just for KVPY or Pushpak but much beyond that. He has been a "Bhagwat Gita" in action for me. When my parents visited surat to see me off for Portland tour, they met him and he expressed desire to meet my mentor. My parents said, he is the mentor, to which he added, he has joined the league later on but there must be someone else who has been guiding from childhood. Parents said that his "nanaji" (maternal grand father) is the one. Unfortunately, nanaji was not keeping well since then and I couldn;t fullfill this desire of Channiwala sir. Last and not the least, he is the one who was instrumental in convincing parents for leaving GM and joining IRMA, when he said my father on Phone that he needs 10 years of life of their son and my father agreed. Hats off to u Sir !!
Ashish Sharma Sir: If he hadn't entered in the first few days after I joined NIT-Surat, track of my life would have been totally different. Even after meeting him during different sessions for setting a technical hobby club, if he had not given the brotherly support to put efforts for KVPY and then link with Channiwala sir, my path would have been different. The list of If's for Ashish sir and current path of my life is more than what it normally happens between asenior and junior in any educational institution. The most important "if" being "Drishti" . Before passing out, he handed over the affairs of Drishti which was at nascent stage. That was the first time, I was working beyond my own projects, that was first time, where we went for mobilizing students to join in Drishti, that was first time, convinced college authorities for what lies ahead once Drishti sets in firmly and it was there in Drishti i realized first time that I have a role to play in social space. I am grateful to this senior of mine for the "First experiment" which connected me to few most wonderful colleagues Sarat, Shailesh, Pranav, Parthav, Gaurav, Abhai and then later on my BG and CG friends. Lucky enough to get him again within the same city.
Prasanna: Possibly among those two-three friends with whom I share everything. From the first year to final year, he was there at all moments. Moments when many left me in midst of trouble, when many colleagues didn't believe in what I had in my heart when I took some hard steps in third and final year- I always found two people Trinadh and Prasanna with me. Without Prasanna, I am 100% sure, Drishti would have failed. He was the one on whom, I could rely even if I kept my eyes closed, he was the one who could be called at any of the odd hours for Drishti. And he still continues to be the same. Must have been some good deeds that almighty gave his most precious creation as a friend, as a mentor to me.
Manu: Now comes the real person, who was never associated directly with any of the experiments in college be it Drishti, be it Pushpak or the _____ :) and Inspite of that he was always in the midst of all experiments as a critic as a guide and as a pulse rater. He continued to criticize me at all moments, in everything I did and even doing now, but that criticism was of a friend who didn't want me to falter at any point. Coincidentally he cites that he knew me before entering Surat, possibly at Bansal Classes, Kota. Being from automotive field, In a car, i value "brakes" most. One may find many driving forces in life, but one rarely gets a true "brake" who stops in time and at right place. Whole world appreciates the engine for driving through the journey so beautifully, but one never sees the role "brakes" have played in ensuring timely stops in between. I am thankful to God for giving me such a reliable "brake".
Atri Sir: While I was leaving from GM, in the exit interview among many other questions HR asked me, am i leaving because of problem with the boss. I just smiled and told him- Atri Sir. He said, i am sorry it was a wrong question, he is among the most wonderful in the company and u were lucky to have him. I think this speaks all about him. He has been instrumental in the transition from corporate to development world, which would otherwise have been very difficult. May life bless him with best possible happiness.
Prakruti: 29th November, 2006, turned things upside down. She convinced me not to procrastinate things further, if i was really interested to do so. With harpreet, aman, we took half day leave from the office and searched around for an Orphanage in Baroda. And after that life never remained the same- the fourth experiment "Sanaath" began, Weekends were spent with those kids in the orphanage, teaching elementary English and maths, arranging money for external tuition for the one's who were doing better in studies.....with Prakruti joining in some of the classes and more than that her moral support to carry on the things. During this period, I realized, if something concrete has to be done, it has to be fulltime .. weekend work will not add much value and in the turn of events for leaving GM, by god's grace got through in IRMA. As she assured, she continues to morally support and I know she will humbly deny all this, but still I feel without her forcing me into this sector, i would have possibly swayed away in the corporate life.
Prof. Madhavi Mehta: She just didn't teach subjects like individual and group behavior or understanding organization or management of change but had an overwhelming effect on the experiment of Disha Social Enterprise. The learnings and the experiences which she shared during numerous discussions for Disha, have molded our thoughts for looking beyond obvious. Although due to reasons beyond control, we couldn;t take off the first Disha (Disha Social Enterprise), but it gave the thread to hang on which has now fruited as Disha Cooperative, personally I m indebted to her and owe all credit for whatever good happens because of Disha cooperative in Mayurbhanj.
Prof. K V Raju: He taught us, but still I can;t call him a teacher, because he dislikes this word. He needs no introduction for all those who ever had a chance to meet him even once. He has fundamentally changed the conception of development I had in mind, before I entered IRMA. I still remember him smiling at our "Managing Cooperatives" presentation while I was answering the question very emotionally and not agreeing to his comments. Possibly then I never knew, that everything will retrace back and now when I stand here with the Disha Cooperative, his every comment which appeared hurting to the core that time is actually acting has savior from slipping around. Someone rightly said on face book sometime back, there are teachers and then there are teacher's like Raju sir, with whom u dont just learnt things but unlearn most of the unwarranted things.
Prof. D P Mishra: While I was in Surat I equated Prof. Channiwala next to my parents, I didn;t know that I will be lucky enough to get another person in future for whom I will have the same respect and regards as I had for Channiwala sir. In reply to my last mail which I wrote to all Professors while leaving IRMA , he wrote "In life I have seen 45 summers. I have met as many cohorts and heard stories of many more. But among all I have met or heard about, you are the rarest jewel. I have seen the man in you and am filled with admiration. I have seen the boy in you and am filled with envy. I look into the future and indulge in a little crystal gazing and see you there among the stars among my heroes". I think these words hold true more for him. He is the rarest jewel and the star to a direction less traveler like me. He has guided in the campus and continues the same for Disha. Talking more at the personal level, pain arising out of those frequent leg-cramps might have forgotten their frequency but DPM Sir never missed to see me at my hostel room after he heard about the cramps with his ever smiling face. I guess Rachana and Sushant da wrote in their Darpan message, that they were happy & surprised to see that smile again and again on my face, even after painful cramps. Let me share candidly that smile appeared because of the understanding that even in those painful moments, God was filling comfort with the smile, by being present as my Professor.
Suman: Does he need an introduction for people who know me!!!. Never knew, life will give police wala as a friend, as a mentor and more than that as an elder brother. Like other's I also don;t know how I got connected to him. except one assignment, we were together in all groups. Both of us had a common habit, we rarely spoke in class, but after the class, either in his room or Abhijit's room v sat with Naveenbhai and Swapnil to argue and counter argue over everything we heard that day in class. Our assignments used to be more than assignment, because Suman at one or other moment brought those surprising elements for discussion which only a "pakka police wala" will bring in!!. One of his statements which still guides me " Never judge a person on formal platform, formal forums me har koi development ki baat karega, sab kuch achcha achcha bolega, listen to him in his/her casual talks-bcoz there his/her innerself will reveal the truth". While I opted for Jharkhand for my field work, most of the colleagues were fearful because of my ill health, but I knew, till the time I have Suman with me, I will be able to ride through all pain. It might happen by chance that one gets birth in a good family, but I m sure, it's God's own design when he bestows friends like Suman.
Somath Sir: It was during my internship at Winrock, I got first chance to talk to him for 15-20 minutes over developing a ranking scale for site selection of rural energisation program. After the discussion when I came out of his cabin with he giving nod to all the parameters, i sat thinking, there must be something special in the person that inspite of being Vice-president and me being an intern, he accepted my arguments. We out of our ego often tend to negate arguments even of we know they r correct, if those arguments r coming from a person junior to us, but here was a person who left a mark on my heart right in that small discussion. Later on when he asked me for my willingness to join Winrock, I had nothing to say except yes. Experiencing and learning many things from him since then and its all because of his generosity that I could get a chance to work on my dream project -Disha, would be a small gift to him, if it turns out the way God wish's it to be.
Mamta: First seven months at Winrock had passed and I didn't know her. Then came the retreat and while returning she shared about the work of Orissa and thus became the link for Disha. I guess after her farewell, I had dedicate one blog post for her, which succinctly reflects everything.
Hope Almighty will keep me blessed with more such people for the life ahead
I call them "Architects of My life" and this page is dedicated to all those souls who have entered my life, influenced my thoughts and actions. Some of them have possibly gone beyond the materialistic adventures and touched me to the spiritual core. A small page for all those "special ones' of my life".
Parents: Words possibly can never describe their role and this page is too short even if I attempt. I would just end saying this- They have ingrained the feeling to look beyond self and taught me to keep ethics high above any materialistic gains. Biggest Gift God has given me.
Maternal Grandfather: Bodily he is no more on earth. He has been a teacher to me right from class 3rd-taught not just english, hindi and mathematics but life lessons which have guided the path. He has been instrumental in connecting to spiritual aspect of life. After my parents the most valuable blessing of Almighty. Miss him a lot.
Manoj Sir: He was supposed to teach Physics for class 11th to a guy who was struggling through one of the sad phase of life after class 10th.The guy had lost all hopes of doing anything worthwhile in life. Possibly God sent Manoj sir in disguise as physics teacher to pull me up from that phase. Without him in my life, I would have never thought of looking beyond doing graduating from a local institution. Unfortunately before he could see me joining an Engineering Institution of a respectable status, he succumbed to an accident.May his soul rest in peace.
Prof. S.A.Channiwala: Excellence clothed in simplicity.First conversation with this splendid creation of God "Beta, we will do this" and he said this so affectionately that i felt I have got my parents away from home at Surat. I don't know whether I have learnt anything technical from the genius who has a "constant" on his name in bioenergy and coorrelation in solar cookers, but I am sure I have learnt life lessons of compassion and doing things "self-lessly".He has been my guide not just for KVPY or Pushpak but much beyond that. He has been a "Bhagwat Gita" in action for me. When my parents visited surat to see me off for Portland tour, they met him and he expressed desire to meet my mentor. My parents said, he is the mentor, to which he added, he has joined the league later on but there must be someone else who has been guiding from childhood. Parents said that his "nanaji" (maternal grand father) is the one. Unfortunately, nanaji was not keeping well since then and I couldn;t fullfill this desire of Channiwala sir. Last and not the least, he is the one who was instrumental in convincing parents for leaving GM and joining IRMA, when he said my father on Phone that he needs 10 years of life of their son and my father agreed. Hats off to u Sir !!
Ashish Sharma Sir: If he hadn't entered in the first few days after I joined NIT-Surat, track of my life would have been totally different. Even after meeting him during different sessions for setting a technical hobby club, if he had not given the brotherly support to put efforts for KVPY and then link with Channiwala sir, my path would have been different. The list of If's for Ashish sir and current path of my life is more than what it normally happens between asenior and junior in any educational institution. The most important "if" being "Drishti" . Before passing out, he handed over the affairs of Drishti which was at nascent stage. That was the first time, I was working beyond my own projects, that was first time, where we went for mobilizing students to join in Drishti, that was first time, convinced college authorities for what lies ahead once Drishti sets in firmly and it was there in Drishti i realized first time that I have a role to play in social space. I am grateful to this senior of mine for the "First experiment" which connected me to few most wonderful colleagues Sarat, Shailesh, Pranav, Parthav, Gaurav, Abhai and then later on my BG and CG friends. Lucky enough to get him again within the same city.
Prasanna: Possibly among those two-three friends with whom I share everything. From the first year to final year, he was there at all moments. Moments when many left me in midst of trouble, when many colleagues didn't believe in what I had in my heart when I took some hard steps in third and final year- I always found two people Trinadh and Prasanna with me. Without Prasanna, I am 100% sure, Drishti would have failed. He was the one on whom, I could rely even if I kept my eyes closed, he was the one who could be called at any of the odd hours for Drishti. And he still continues to be the same. Must have been some good deeds that almighty gave his most precious creation as a friend, as a mentor to me.
Manu: Now comes the real person, who was never associated directly with any of the experiments in college be it Drishti, be it Pushpak or the _____ :) and Inspite of that he was always in the midst of all experiments as a critic as a guide and as a pulse rater. He continued to criticize me at all moments, in everything I did and even doing now, but that criticism was of a friend who didn't want me to falter at any point. Coincidentally he cites that he knew me before entering Surat, possibly at Bansal Classes, Kota. Being from automotive field, In a car, i value "brakes" most. One may find many driving forces in life, but one rarely gets a true "brake" who stops in time and at right place. Whole world appreciates the engine for driving through the journey so beautifully, but one never sees the role "brakes" have played in ensuring timely stops in between. I am thankful to God for giving me such a reliable "brake".
Atri Sir: While I was leaving from GM, in the exit interview among many other questions HR asked me, am i leaving because of problem with the boss. I just smiled and told him- Atri Sir. He said, i am sorry it was a wrong question, he is among the most wonderful in the company and u were lucky to have him. I think this speaks all about him. He has been instrumental in the transition from corporate to development world, which would otherwise have been very difficult. May life bless him with best possible happiness.
Prakruti: 29th November, 2006, turned things upside down. She convinced me not to procrastinate things further, if i was really interested to do so. With harpreet, aman, we took half day leave from the office and searched around for an Orphanage in Baroda. And after that life never remained the same- the fourth experiment "Sanaath" began, Weekends were spent with those kids in the orphanage, teaching elementary English and maths, arranging money for external tuition for the one's who were doing better in studies.....with Prakruti joining in some of the classes and more than that her moral support to carry on the things. During this period, I realized, if something concrete has to be done, it has to be fulltime .. weekend work will not add much value and in the turn of events for leaving GM, by god's grace got through in IRMA. As she assured, she continues to morally support and I know she will humbly deny all this, but still I feel without her forcing me into this sector, i would have possibly swayed away in the corporate life.
Prof. Madhavi Mehta: She just didn't teach subjects like individual and group behavior or understanding organization or management of change but had an overwhelming effect on the experiment of Disha Social Enterprise. The learnings and the experiences which she shared during numerous discussions for Disha, have molded our thoughts for looking beyond obvious. Although due to reasons beyond control, we couldn;t take off the first Disha (Disha Social Enterprise), but it gave the thread to hang on which has now fruited as Disha Cooperative, personally I m indebted to her and owe all credit for whatever good happens because of Disha cooperative in Mayurbhanj.
Prof. K V Raju: He taught us, but still I can;t call him a teacher, because he dislikes this word. He needs no introduction for all those who ever had a chance to meet him even once. He has fundamentally changed the conception of development I had in mind, before I entered IRMA. I still remember him smiling at our "Managing Cooperatives" presentation while I was answering the question very emotionally and not agreeing to his comments. Possibly then I never knew, that everything will retrace back and now when I stand here with the Disha Cooperative, his every comment which appeared hurting to the core that time is actually acting has savior from slipping around. Someone rightly said on face book sometime back, there are teachers and then there are teacher's like Raju sir, with whom u dont just learnt things but unlearn most of the unwarranted things.
Prof. D P Mishra: While I was in Surat I equated Prof. Channiwala next to my parents, I didn;t know that I will be lucky enough to get another person in future for whom I will have the same respect and regards as I had for Channiwala sir. In reply to my last mail which I wrote to all Professors while leaving IRMA , he wrote "In life I have seen 45 summers. I have met as many cohorts and heard stories of many more. But among all I have met or heard about, you are the rarest jewel. I have seen the man in you and am filled with admiration. I have seen the boy in you and am filled with envy. I look into the future and indulge in a little crystal gazing and see you there among the stars among my heroes". I think these words hold true more for him. He is the rarest jewel and the star to a direction less traveler like me. He has guided in the campus and continues the same for Disha. Talking more at the personal level, pain arising out of those frequent leg-cramps might have forgotten their frequency but DPM Sir never missed to see me at my hostel room after he heard about the cramps with his ever smiling face. I guess Rachana and Sushant da wrote in their Darpan message, that they were happy & surprised to see that smile again and again on my face, even after painful cramps. Let me share candidly that smile appeared because of the understanding that even in those painful moments, God was filling comfort with the smile, by being present as my Professor.
Suman: Does he need an introduction for people who know me!!!. Never knew, life will give police wala as a friend, as a mentor and more than that as an elder brother. Like other's I also don;t know how I got connected to him. except one assignment, we were together in all groups. Both of us had a common habit, we rarely spoke in class, but after the class, either in his room or Abhijit's room v sat with Naveenbhai and Swapnil to argue and counter argue over everything we heard that day in class. Our assignments used to be more than assignment, because Suman at one or other moment brought those surprising elements for discussion which only a "pakka police wala" will bring in!!. One of his statements which still guides me " Never judge a person on formal platform, formal forums me har koi development ki baat karega, sab kuch achcha achcha bolega, listen to him in his/her casual talks-bcoz there his/her innerself will reveal the truth". While I opted for Jharkhand for my field work, most of the colleagues were fearful because of my ill health, but I knew, till the time I have Suman with me, I will be able to ride through all pain. It might happen by chance that one gets birth in a good family, but I m sure, it's God's own design when he bestows friends like Suman.
Somath Sir: It was during my internship at Winrock, I got first chance to talk to him for 15-20 minutes over developing a ranking scale for site selection of rural energisation program. After the discussion when I came out of his cabin with he giving nod to all the parameters, i sat thinking, there must be something special in the person that inspite of being Vice-president and me being an intern, he accepted my arguments. We out of our ego often tend to negate arguments even of we know they r correct, if those arguments r coming from a person junior to us, but here was a person who left a mark on my heart right in that small discussion. Later on when he asked me for my willingness to join Winrock, I had nothing to say except yes. Experiencing and learning many things from him since then and its all because of his generosity that I could get a chance to work on my dream project -Disha, would be a small gift to him, if it turns out the way God wish's it to be.
Mamta: First seven months at Winrock had passed and I didn't know her. Then came the retreat and while returning she shared about the work of Orissa and thus became the link for Disha. I guess after her farewell, I had dedicate one blog post for her, which succinctly reflects everything.
Hope Almighty will keep me blessed with more such people for the life ahead
