I knew a man - a man who probably has got everything to do with whatever I am today. To that man I am deeply indebted. He is my uncle, my father’s elder brother. I do not claim to know him inside out, but I have deep respects for him. In whatever little interactions we had, I saw the generous, knowledgeable and charismatic side of him.
Not so long ago, my family wasn’t doing so well. We were going through a really rough time - we had to think twice to buy a 50 paise chocolate. I had just completed my Xth standard and had dreamt of going to a prestigious school in Mysore for college studies. But we were so deep in trouble, that I was considering to start working. Had it not been for my uncle, I probably wouldn’t have had means to type these words today. We went to him for help. And he gave us 10,000/- INR of his hard earned money, with only one wish - that I study well. It was just enough for us to pay my first installment of fees and join the college and we had no idea how to finance the rest of my study. I dont know what it is, but I am guessing his pure and unselfish wish that I do well in life, saw us through. I have been through many difficult times after that, but it was all possible because of that one divine and unselfish gesture of his.
He was going through pretty rough time these last copule of years. I tried to help in whatever I can, but he always said he would take it only when he wanted it. And today he is no more. He moved on, as a generous man who only knew how to give, and never to expect.
Grief is a funny thing. It fills you with so much gloom that it makes you forget to stop mourning and instead celebrate the person. I think, if atleast one person remembers you for who you are, after you are dead, and are happy to have known you - probably you have done well in your time with life. And I am sure, my uncle has plenty of such people whose fond memories are the proof of the exemplary life he led.
Today, I fondly remember him and his invaluable help and bid a respectful farewell. May he rest in peace.