An ode of remembrance… Mr. Mayank

 This is for you Mr. Mayank. 

Very rarely have I come across a man with qualities like you. Dynamic and competent at workplace; humble and satisfied outside of workplace – I always looked up to your way of life.

 

My first boss, you literally introduced me to the corporate lifestyle. I vividly remember all your teachings from “forcing me to use excel without a mouse” to “mentoring me in taking the right decisions.” You were the best first boss one could have asked for. Tough; lived by the deadlines; made sure I understand and finish up work you allotted to me but also made sure to stay back with me in office till I finished writing the codes.

ZS and consulting lifestyle was difficult. I had so many dinners with you during those two years. We would just eat the instant maggi available in office or order rolls for the convenience and quick turnaround. I used to despise sitting those long hours but looking back what I learnt back then is 2013 is my bread and butter till date.

 

You had a positive and pleasing aura. I always looked forward to meeting you outside of work and especially coming to your home.  Trying the herbs, Meeting skye, listening to Balcony TV, sitting under the beer bottle chandelier, I have so many happy memories from your place. I remember how passionately you used to talk about things – From hydroponics during the ZS days to trekking when I last met you a couple of years. You were an inspiration.

 

For me you will always be the one who was busy doing gazillion things all at once and surprisingly managed all of them with at most perfection. Seems you always knew you had a limited time and hence made the most of it!

Farewell Mr. Mayank - my mentor/friend/brother. Muchas gracias, amigo. Muchas gracias. The world is a lonelier and a sadder place without you.

Letter I had written to Mayank from Spiti. Was never delivered :|

P.S. – Fuck you COVID!!! A giant FUCK YOU to hell and back.

A note from that 'Indian'

I am an Indian,

* who talks about corruption and curses the politicians, the government servants but then I pay that 500 rupee customary note at the passport office to make the process smoother. 

* who can't sing the complete national song 'Vande Mataram'. It's difficult to remember.

* who needs national holidays to express and realize the feeling of patriotism, that extra bit which doesn't come on regular days. I even change my display picture with a national flag, but then I go back to my other photos after a couple of days.

* who sees that man by the footpath, dirty and disgusted. I feel sorry and I spare some change. I never ask the reason for his state. They are just, too many in India.

* who feels proud of the diverse culture, the heritage of India. But I also think that people from other states, they disturb my state, they spread dirt in my clean house.

* who wants to take a high paying job abroad, save in dollars and then come back to make a change. But may be, I'll settle abroad only, the standard of living is unmatched.

* who is concerned that big corporates are consolidating and are getting their way against unorganized farmers and shopkeepers but then I invest only in  blue chip companies in stock market because I need to be rational while investing and think about long term.

* who watches news about farmers protesting for their rights in the capital for last 2 months now and feels like supporting. So I log in on Instagram, twitter and my blog, and I join online campaigns and express my support. Then I eat my dinner and sleep on time, since I have a job and family too.

* who is gutted by the fact that a comedian has been in custody for almost a month now for a joke he didn't perform just because he has a Muslim name. So, I post about it on Instagram every once a while and keep the hashtag #freemanuwarfaruqui trending. What more can I do?

* who is even ready to step out and take an action for the cause of the nation, for sure. I am just waiting for other to start for me.

* who is practical. I know I can't make a change.

I wish only I am that Indian, not you. 

Jai Hind!

P.S. - Happy 72nd republic India. I can't be more proud of all the things we have achieved in the last 7 decades. Having said that, I can't be more cynical regarding the path we are headed to in the last 7 years. Indian is a secular country, has always been. Make no mistake. Here's hoping we are able to uphold the fundamental fabric of this constitution we celebrate the 72nd anniversary of today because, as John Oliver famously said in his talk show "India, the land of enduring symbol of love (The Taj Mahal) frankly deserves a lot more then this temporary symbol of hate (NaMo.)"  

Song of the day -  Here's a brilliant song I had heard when CAB protests were in full swing last year. Kafi kafi sarcastic. Do give it a listen here.

Humor of the day - Found this while randomly scrolling on internet. Can't agree more given the current context.

Also, #freemunawarfaruqui please. Pretty please. It's would be immensely sad for the comedy world and humanity if he stops pursuing comedy once out of jail (hopefully soon) and we lose out on this special talent and thousands of others who would have followed him just because someone in power can't take a joke. 

Cheers,

Me!