Lessons from My Father

This week marks the third death anniversary of my father, and I’ve been reflecting on the life lessons he left behind. One thing he often said was, “Your true character is shown by how you act in your best and worst moments.”

Here are some of his key principles that have stayed with me:

1. Hard Work is Worship – There are no shortcuts.
2. Respect Everyone – Treat everyone with dignity, no matter who they are.
3. Don’t Compare – Everyone has their own unique strengths.
4. Integrity and Honesty – Always be truthful and do what’s right.
5. Self-Discipline – A structured life leads to growth.
6. Do the Right Thing – Even when no one’s watching.
7. Simple Living, High Thinking – Focus on what really matters, Prioritize substance over superficiality.

I’ve tried my best to live by these values, and whenever I’ve drifted away from them, life has reminded me why they’re so important.

Looking back, I realize how much I respect and admire these principles. Like many teenagers, I had my indifferent phase, but when I started my MBA and corporate career, I saw how the most inspiring leaders shared the same values my parents lived by.

My father wasn’t someone who preached—he believed in quietly living by example. If he were here, he might not have liked me sharing this so publicly. But I feel that putting this out there is a way to honor his legacy and spread these timeless principles that the world needs more of.