Happy Fathers Day
Our daughter Pavitra Vivek Narayanan wrote this a year or two ago. My wife showed this to me once again today. Made my day.
"When I think of my dad the one thought that comes to mind is that through my life I saw him constantly doing things. Big things little things- often new things and in interesting ways. As he did them he showed kindness and compassion. He gave the benefit of doubt to people, he was fascinated by how kids thought and he listened to what Pattis and thatas had to say.
While doing all of this he took in the best from each situation and then saw it through a very unique lens that only he possessed. Fortunately he followed many of the ways he found and made it easy for me to see what he meant by his fantastic modeling through behavior and action.
One day he gave me a letter quoting Walt Disney. If you can dream it you can do it he said constantly. And he demonstrated that through examples. He did things in unique ways - who hands a letter to a person living in the same house? Who is able to incorporate traditional values seamlessly with fun - my "not just another nalangu" in my wedding was one such event. The letter and those words have stayed with me for so long.
He said write passionately and edit carefully.
He worked hard and helped me put effort in the right places to see my work come to life. Without him I would have never known the importance of writing in a culture where there was so much emphasis on reading.
While introducing me to ideas and creative thinking he said no idea is a bad, it's time has just not arrived yet.
While the world is a recipient of his intelligences and generosity growing up under this Umbrella is very special. From a young age I was listened to and my ideas were thought to be important solutions to problems. So much so that my Appa would narrate the anecdotes as examples to people and latter even used it in work presentations. At a very young age there was a confidence instilled in me without even realizing what that meant. Critical thinking, problem solving and creative thinking were all being nourished as was independence in thought and way. While there was always ready support there was ready support in my wanting to do things my way too. How encouraging is that!
It started that way and continues with me today. This ease of learning while not even realizing that it's a lesson.
It's not about "parenting" or being a great dad (he already is the best one out there) but eventually it's about the amazing person he is and all he does for me and today all he does for his grandkids too!
Ramanathan Sridhar Appa if I can be the Appa you are to me the world better be ready for some wacky ideas and kids with kind hearts, free spirits and a tenacious drive for nothing but the best for all around. I love you very much. I hope you have a very special day today.
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3 年God bless all of you
Executive & Leadership Communication Coach | My work lies at the intersection of leadership and communication. I enable senior and emerging leaders to leverage the power of their presence to create influence and impact.
3 年What a lovely message from your daughter Sridhar. I am sure you would like to read it again and again . Straight from the heart and so much clarity of thought and expression. Your presence in her life as an inspiring role model beyond being a father really shines through. Thanks for sharing ??
CEO-IWB Consultants Pte Ltd. Consultant- A*STAR, Consultant- Verlinvest Asia, Director- Drums Food International, Consultant-Float Foods(Singapore).
3 年We are well & feel relatively safe in Singapore, but I do feel saddened for what our country is going through & do as much as possible to help.
CEO-IWB Consultants Pte Ltd. Consultant- A*STAR, Consultant- Verlinvest Asia, Director- Drums Food International, Consultant-Float Foods(Singapore).
3 年How nice to hear this being said of a father, who also happens to be my friend over decades. He has always inspired individuals & teams to look at situation creatively in unique & different ways! Friend, you should feel very proud. You have touched many lives positively!??
Go-To-Market Strategy/ Digital Marketing/ Content Creation & Marketing/ E Commerce
3 年Hey Sridhar. Great read. To quote the sage from two thousand years back "Magal thanthaiku aatrum uthavi ival thanthai ennotraan kozh enum sol" [hope Tiruvalluvar will not strike me dead for taking the liberty of changing the gender:)]