A decade without you.

It’s ten years to the day, today, when we lost you, Papa. Ten years when we’ve learned to live without you, have picked up the pieces and taught ourselves to walk on the path shown by you. You, with your quiet presence, your high principles, your infinite sagacity-and ably complemented by Mummy- were always there for us, making our childhood and adolescence idyllic.Verbosity was never your style; you were a man of few words but those words were weighty and spoke volumes. The fundamentals of life, the values-the non-negotiable standards of integrity and quality-that you laid down before us didn’t need words. Actions spoke much louder. Having scaled heights of professional excellence and reached the pinnacle in your chosen field, you never let it show: your unassuming, simple lifestyle remained unchanged to the end.....

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If only we could emulate even a fraction of your highly organized way of life, our lives would be that much more systematic. But then, that’s almost like asking for the impossible-the method that was your hallmark, the clock-work precision with which you handled your daily schedule-even after retirement-were exemplary. Added to that, the keen sense of responsibility-rising admirably to discharge your duties, being the eldest of nine brothers and seeing the family through financial hardships years on end, without casting a single thought for yourself-the passion for your work and the extreme simplicity of your nature made you a person nonpareil.

Your unseen presence is always felt by us; your words of wisdom still reverberate in our hearts and guide us through trying times. Papa, we know that the blessings of our parents are always with us: and this is our solace and mainstay.