As my uncles, aunts, neice, cousins, brother,BIL, my Mom, my husband (who happened to be in India on a business trip- b’coz he’s cool like that ;)) got together and celebrated my DAD completing 50 golden years in Hyderabad.... I couldn’t help but feel love, nostalgia, wonder and a warm and toasty sense of pride in being the daughter of the “RAINMAKER” (as I affectionately call him).
Dad moved to Hyd from Kerala when he was 15 for education and for a shot at a successful life. He put himself through college working part time (a concept virtually unheard of in India even today). He then went on to getting his Master’s in economics and a journalism degree. He joined Deccan Chronicle as a proof reader and rose to be the Editor within his 25 year career span there. A self-made man - he has been a renowned journalist in the city for over 40 years and has worked as the PR chief for 4 consecutive CMs. His sterling work ethic and dedication are unprecedented and unparalleled.
He has worked 10 -14 hour day and night shifts atleast 6 days a week for almost 35 years now (I can’t seem to do 8 hr days, 5 days a week with great success) . But what makes me most proud in his 50 year journey is the number of lives he's touched and transformed. He has taken upon himself to educate and employ/settle not only multiple members of his family but friends and acquaintances. Amidst my most cherished childhood memories are those with people coming to our doorstep seeking help, guidance and he's always done everything humanly possible to resolve their problems. It is his biggest accomplishment by far and a legacy we'll all be proud of.
A journalist, a patron, a social worker but above all a humanitarian and a family man. Not to take away from the fact that he had an amazing partner in my Mom who let him take charge and realize his potential while providing all the support she could yet not relinquishing her identity for one minute.
Anything he touched transformed to Gold. His grandmother used to say that he had the aura and the gift of reigning in prosperity wherever he went. And today I can proudly say he is the original “Man with the MIDAS touch” with all others being mere “Me too’s”:)
Love you Accha and so proud to be your daughter. I must have done something pretty phenomenal to have landed this spot ;) To many many more healthy, happy and peaceful years !!
Dad moved to Hyd from Kerala when he was 15 for education and for a shot at a successful life. He put himself through college working part time (a concept virtually unheard of in India even today). He then went on to getting his Master’s in economics and a journalism degree. He joined Deccan Chronicle as a proof reader and rose to be the Editor within his 25 year career span there. A self-made man - he has been a renowned journalist in the city for over 40 years and has worked as the PR chief for 4 consecutive CMs. His sterling work ethic and dedication are unprecedented and unparalleled.
He has worked 10 -14 hour day and night shifts atleast 6 days a week for almost 35 years now (I can’t seem to do 8 hr days, 5 days a week with great success) . But what makes me most proud in his 50 year journey is the number of lives he's touched and transformed. He has taken upon himself to educate and employ/settle not only multiple members of his family but friends and acquaintances. Amidst my most cherished childhood memories are those with people coming to our doorstep seeking help, guidance and he's always done everything humanly possible to resolve their problems. It is his biggest accomplishment by far and a legacy we'll all be proud of.
A journalist, a patron, a social worker but above all a humanitarian and a family man. Not to take away from the fact that he had an amazing partner in my Mom who let him take charge and realize his potential while providing all the support she could yet not relinquishing her identity for one minute.
Anything he touched transformed to Gold. His grandmother used to say that he had the aura and the gift of reigning in prosperity wherever he went. And today I can proudly say he is the original “Man with the MIDAS touch” with all others being mere “Me too’s”:)
Love you Accha and so proud to be your daughter. I must have done something pretty phenomenal to have landed this spot ;) To many many more healthy, happy and peaceful years !!
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