Zindagi lambi nahi, badi honi chahiye!
The length of your life is unimportant; what is important is its depth.
However, when I got to know the news of Manu passing away, I thought for a second, how great it would have been if only the reverse was true, if only the length of life is important - if only I could have enjoyed his company for a longer time. Then, fighting tears, I chided myself, this is probably the way he would have preferred it. He lived life kingsize, touching hearts in a myriad number of ways, lending a helping ear, offering a witty suggestion and inspiring ambition & igniting jealousy in equal measure. He did what was close to his heart and I dare say, lived without any regrets. He finished his dissertation in quick time, wrote a best-seller, completed another one, carried out a variety of academic research and lent his services as an innovation consultant. The one trait I admired in him the most was the infinite capacity he had to remain cool and keep others cool. What was endearing about him was how he looked active and full of beans all the time, despite an air of lazy countenance. I regretted not being able to see his body before cremation but I now doubt if I could stand seeing his lifeless body.
While our interactions were limited, our discussions were animated. I got to know him much better when I was reviewing the advance copy of his book - he was a good sport to tolerate my jibes about the title of the book and cribs about its contents; moreover, he was ready to get a publication outlet for my review! I was stumped as I had heard several stories about first-time authors and the size of their egos. I wondered momentarily if he was tolerating me as I was his senior student or if he was indulging me as I was a bit younger to him; and he made my day when he signed and gifted an author's copy of the book to me. Needless to say, it would be one of my most prized possessions for times to come. His actions inspired me to follow what my heart says. I had, for a long time, thought of starting a blog but put it off on one pretext or other. Today, finally, with this post on Manu, I start my blogging life. I humbly dedicate this blog to Manu Parashar and pray to the Almighty to give me and his other near and dear ones, the strength to tide over his physical demise.
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