94 and 49 ......



94!!! Man, that sounds old. But then, so does 49!!! 

 As my father turns 94 today, it gave me an opportunity to dive into the photo cabinet and find this gem. I first tried cropping out the two gents, but then I found that they added so much not just to the picture, but I guess, speaks about our relationship that much more. 

 I was a little over six when my father retired from the army. And so, while I recall little of the Army life that he, my mother and my older brothers experienced, his 43 year tenure starting from WWII to the early 70s has loomed large for me. 

 Being on the ship to Burma when the Bomb dropped in Hiroshima, the time as the Military Attache in the High Commission in London, living in the tents in J&K and jumping of airplanes minus a reserve parachute were part of the folklore of a rich life before I came along. 

 My father was 44 when I was born. So, while I missed a big chunk of his actual army service, I was amazingly fortunate to experience what he did in his next innings. It's quite remarkable that four decades after he retired from the service, the General continues to command the awe, respect and fondness not just from those who knew him then, but from his many friends (mainly from the Rotary) who are younger than me! 

 Ah yes....the people around him. His zest for life always endeared him to many....and from as long as I can remember, there were always people around him. He is energised by them and in turn energises them! But that he balances by being quiet at peace with himself too.

 So, at 94, when I stop by his home ever so often, it's quite normal for him to exchange pleasantries, ask about my next trip/workshop and then get on with his daily routine...be it exercise or checking/sending emails. 

 One has learnt a lot - both consciously and subliminally. At 49, when I sometimes think I am getting old, I only have to recall the 94 year old's  joie de vivre! 

 Happy Birthday Young Man! 




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