An Ode to a wonderful human being
Ravi Ramamurthy
Trustee, Aashwasan Foundation and Chief Innovator, Vice Chairman Epiance
Greatness is in holding two contradictory or irreconcilable thoughts, viewpoints attributes or perspectives simultaneously and yet operate with kilter, calm and divine panache. When I sift through my memory and look at people who exhibited such characteristics, very few springs to my mind. And yet one person stands tallest of them all - Lt Colonel BB Aiyappa(Uncle).
?Late Lt. Colonel BB Aiyappa, was the quintessential army officer. There was not a more peaceful man than him. His gentle demeanour, calm voice, subtle actions would allure many, but these were by no means the sign of a man who could be trifled with. On the contrary, his steely discipline, undaunting courage, fierce loyalty and impavid efforts displayed a human being who is willing to go to any length to stand up for his family and his country. At war and peace, he was the most upright human being. He led his soldiers like the fierce leader that he was. His care and concern for his people were legendary. He would go to any lengths to protect the legion of soldiers under his command. And when it came to war, he would exhort them, inspire them and draw forth steely courage from the deepest recesses of their soul. He demanded the best out of himself and, in doing so, set an example for his colleagues and subordinates. His compassion knew no bounds. Whether it was his family, friends or strangers, there was not a single thought in sacrificing his comforts or well being for the sake of others. And he did this with a no-nonsense approach that was hardly noticeable.
?Such was the indelible impression that he made on fellow officers that even 20 years after his retirement, when he passed away on July 19th, 2017, an entire regiment bid him farewell with all the glory usually reserved for serving martyred officers.
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?Years have passed since he transitioned to the other world, but his memories, the special moments that he shared with us, become more evergreen with time. His love was silent yet inexorable. His actions spoke with a crescendo, overshadowing his voice. His everyday deeds were laced with compassion, care and concern for me.?It is challenging to sing paeans to a person like he was. Even the most bombastic words fall short in conveying the greatness of such a magnanimous, loving, compassionate human being.
?Uncle transitioned to another realm four years ago, but he still lives in our hearts. His grace and his umbrella of protection guides us and inspires us to reach greater heights.
Aashwasan Science? Practitioner at Aashwasan, Corporate Communication and Facilitator; facilitator of mental, physical and spiritual health
3 年Uncle was the kind of person who was loved and revered by one and all. The world was rich with his presence. His essence even after he left will be felt for many many years to come. He is one person I would aspire to be like - humble, sincere and loving.
Founder, Executive Chairperson & Inventor - Aashwasan Group of Companies || Founder, Managing Trustee & Social Innovator - Aashwasan Foundation || Founder, Executive Chairperson - Epiance Software
3 年Thank you so much Ravi for sharing such a heartfelt dedication for my father. He did make a special presence in so many lives. And I am so grateful for all the beautiful people such as you who surrounded him with such special love. I truly believe that only love is eternal. And those that have manifested such love through their soulful presence have a glimpse of what we call " forever". Thank you for your incredible presence in our lives and as dad always called you his older son, we are lucky to share Dad's special presence in this life.