Thaaththa taught us to be self-confident, honest and brave

Thaaththa, it is 11 years since you left us, but your departure is like an awful dream. I miss you more than ever. Not a day passes that I do not think about you. You were my best friend, guru and precious Father.

This is my humble attempt to capture the essence of a man whose presence I fear I cannot do justice to with words. As his daughter, I am true to all he taught me about life. It is with gratitude and grief that I pen these lines on my father’s 11th death anniversary.

During those last few days I wanted to tell you how grateful I was for what you have done for me. Unfortunately, I did not have that opportunity. You were losing strength with each passing day.

The last time I visited you, you did not open your eyes. But you were very conscious.

You told me where to purchase a mask I wanted to give a friend. You had so much will-power not to open your eyes, probably because you knew it would be difficult for us to let go of each other.

I tried so hard to make you open your eyes, but you would not. You had accepted the reality of life and death.

You appreciated us for what we were, and trusted us to the extent that you built a moral binding in us to be always truthful to ourselves and never break the trust of others. Your love, appreciation and trust are among the many things that moulded us into the people we are. You were always there for us. You taught us that self-confidence, honesty and courage would help us lead a good life.

I wish you had hung on a little longer, to guide me. You never asked for anything.

Thaaththa, I miss your voice, your being there. Your spirit and what you gave us will make us better people for having had you as a great father.

You said learning was a foundation no one can take away. We grew up with your values. You were the biggest champion in all our endeavours.

Thaaththa, I am so glad I am your daughter and what I am today. It is all because of you. I want us to meet in Sansara one day again.

I salute you for holding yourself together as you put us on our feet. May your Sansaric journey be short and may you attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana.