DEATH OF AN UNKNOWN INDIAN
The Indian psyche only talks of the rich and famous. But luckily for those who are fortunate, there are some very good and great people who leave an impact on those who come in contact with them. One such man was Dr SRD Guha who passed away peacefully at the ripe old age of 89. He was one of a kind that is sadly becoming rare and rarer in our country. He does not figure in the google if that is a qualification these days.
After an education in Bangalore in the Indian Institute and a doctorate in Chemistry, he worked for almost all his life in the Forest Research Institute in Dehra Doon. He was the Chief research Officer for many years and specializing in the paper industry. He guided several students for their doctorate degree.
But his virtues lie beyond his professional life. He had an uninhibited love for people. Probably born from his undying love for his life partner, popularly known as Vishu. Together they shared their life for 61 golden years. His children were greatly influenced by him in his love and altruism for one and all, esp the under privileged.
But I am writing this piece about the man himself, Dr Guha ( that is the way I always addressed him) though he was so close to me. He was true to the concept of the Bhagavad Gita of someone who did his duty without expecting any reward. His concept of love was the love of all people, rich or poor, relative or not, servant or otherwise. He never had a harsh word for anyone and had no enemies. In fact they had perhaps a largest circle of friends,from Dehra Doon, Dandeli, Bangalore or wherever they lived. And they kept in touch with one and every friend as a result of their undying friendship and love. They kept a open house and any friend or neighbour could drop in and be welcomed. He had several sisters and they all enjoyed his love always all through out heir lives. He kept in regular touch with all his nieces and nephews always.
His life was not based on wants but only his needs. His needs being limited, he spent his time and money in teaching underprivileged children and helping others. He helped many good cause. All this with no fuss or ado and silently. He abhorred rituals and "religious' duties but was firmly rooted in his beliefs that made him a complete man. He obviously was enjoying the fruits of his own good actions in his past life in this as well and must have had faith in Karma and reincarnation. He was contented, spread happiness and his knowledge freely to all. True to his nature he had left behind a written note on what should be done on his death and what shouldnt he done clearly in no uncertain manner.
We need more such men and women in our world today. And a death of even one such man leaves a great big void.
The Indian psyche only talks of the rich and famous. But luckily for those who are fortunate, there are some very good and great people who leave an impact on those who come in contact with them. One such man was Dr SRD Guha who passed away peacefully at the ripe old age of 89. He was one of a kind that is sadly becoming rare and rarer in our country. He does not figure in the google if that is a qualification these days.
After an education in Bangalore in the Indian Institute and a doctorate in Chemistry, he worked for almost all his life in the Forest Research Institute in Dehra Doon. He was the Chief research Officer for many years and specializing in the paper industry. He guided several students for their doctorate degree.
But his virtues lie beyond his professional life. He had an uninhibited love for people. Probably born from his undying love for his life partner, popularly known as Vishu. Together they shared their life for 61 golden years. His children were greatly influenced by him in his love and altruism for one and all, esp the under privileged.
But I am writing this piece about the man himself, Dr Guha ( that is the way I always addressed him) though he was so close to me. He was true to the concept of the Bhagavad Gita of someone who did his duty without expecting any reward. His concept of love was the love of all people, rich or poor, relative or not, servant or otherwise. He never had a harsh word for anyone and had no enemies. In fact they had perhaps a largest circle of friends,from Dehra Doon, Dandeli, Bangalore or wherever they lived. And they kept in touch with one and every friend as a result of their undying friendship and love. They kept a open house and any friend or neighbour could drop in and be welcomed. He had several sisters and they all enjoyed his love always all through out heir lives. He kept in regular touch with all his nieces and nephews always.
His life was not based on wants but only his needs. His needs being limited, he spent his time and money in teaching underprivileged children and helping others. He helped many good cause. All this with no fuss or ado and silently. He abhorred rituals and "religious' duties but was firmly rooted in his beliefs that made him a complete man. He obviously was enjoying the fruits of his own good actions in his past life in this as well and must have had faith in Karma and reincarnation. He was contented, spread happiness and his knowledge freely to all. True to his nature he had left behind a written note on what should be done on his death and what shouldnt he done clearly in no uncertain manner.
We need more such men and women in our world today. And a death of even one such man leaves a great big void.
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