mishap,waters,My dad! A spirit demystifying life’s obstacles. At

59,his charisma belies his age. His persona oozes of immense

positivism as he traverses the path of life with a relentless

spirit.

A jute technologist by profession, he has faced both the escalating

and plummeting faces of the industry. Two years ago, as the vice

president of a factory, he encountered a lock out sparked off by

the agitated workers. Hell broke loose and the factory was shut

down for an indefinite period. The mishap, which would have brought

its share of emptiness and despair, proved otherwise.

Undeterred by turbulent waters, my dad took the opportunity to

utilise time to learn computers. He picked up a course, as he knew

the significance of learning computer in the new era. He never lost

hope and maintained a happy demeanour in spite of the turmoil

within. Initiating the day with exercises, followed by voracious

reading of the national dailies, he remained an inspiring source to

reckon with. His avid reading habit made him aware of the latest

national and international findings for instance the hidden

potential of the growth of flax in India. He corresponded with the

industrialists throwing open the idea of venturing in this new

project, which he expressed to spearhead. His uncanny ability to

gauge the relevance of the project from an industrialist’s stand

stood him in good stead. He was offered a senior management

position in the area of ‘Development’ in one of the most reputed

companies at an age when most men loathe retiring. His learning of

computer and reading habit during the lock out phase paved his way

to success and now form the tools of research in his present

profile. My dad established the truth that ‘Man is not the creature

of circumstances, circumstances are the creatures of men’.

His knowledge and a keen eye for research should be attributed to

my mother, who has been an outstanding support to him during the

thirty three years of marriage, fending for his needs and hence

giving him the time to develop his skills and knowledge.

I still remember my dad’s penchant for posting interesting

newspaper clippings to my hostel, which influenced in shaping my

vision to a profound extent. I also became a more informed person.

He believes in the axiom that, ‘The best way to predict the future

is to invent it’. It is incredible to note his zest and energy for

the variegated bouquet called life. Instead of giving in to

depression spurred by an unnerving episode, he rose to the occasion

and utilized time for pursuits, which proved instrumental in

shaping his future.