It
has been a while since I decided to type words into a blank computer screen in
order to upload on my blog; but tonight, sitting here in this crammed up room
with a false ceiling to hide the asbestos sheet above, I cannot help but do
this. It has only been a couple of hours since the demise of the former Indian president.
While the world is, at this very moment, posting their condolences on the
various social networking sites, I want to pay my own homage, how much ever
short it is, to this man that I know and knew nothing about.
Dear Sir
You never knew me. I missed several
chances to attend your functions in my life (not that if I attended you would
know me). But I want you to know that I always deeply admired you.
Why? I don’t know. Maybe your life
story, a portion of which I had to study as a school student actually inspired
me. Maybe it is the fact that you had humble origins but raised yourself to the
highest position of the land much like the story of Christ. Or perhaps it is
the fact that when I see your face, I feel happy for reasons I cannot fathom at
this moment. As a young scout, I named my patrol and group after you. I wanted
to finish my scouting career with the Rashtrapati Award which I dreamt of
receiving from you.
When you did not become the president for a second term, I was disappointed. But then again, I thought
that it was time you took a break from such ‘worldly’ matters and focused on your
own life and travelling, especially on what you loved to do most – meeting ‘young
minds’.
I am not quite sure why I feel my
chest is heavy at this moment, but I know this one thing sir – somewhere deep
inside, though I know and knew nothing about you, though I have not yet read
any of your many books completely, though I have not followed up on your life
in the last few years, I could connect to you. Your farewell is much like that
of one of my own loved ones. People may term this to be the ‘dark hour’ of India
or perhaps ‘a great loss’ for the country, but I believe, you have only gone to
a better abode having left this world for us to complete your Vision. May you
find peace.
With love and respect
A Fellow Indian
