Appaji

Not a day goes by that I don't remember my father... "Appaji."

It’s been 21 years since his passing, but his lessons still guide me every day.

When I turned 18, he told me:

"From now on, I am your friend, mentor, and coach. I’ll suggest ideas or point out what you’re doing wrong... but it’s up to you to act on them"

He truly lived those words.

A few things I learnt from him shaped not just my career, but my character:

At 12, when I got my first bank account, he gave me an allowance and taught me how to manage it: splitting spending into three categories:

Absolutely Needed, Not an Immediate Need, and Nice to Have.

He’d reward me with high interest when I saved instead of spent, a gentle push to value saving over splurging.

He believed in helping the needy and ensured I understood that giving isn’t charity but my responsibility.

He’d take a certain % of his earnings to help others, no matter how small or large the amount.

The values he instilled: prioritization, empathy, accountability.

These were never taught to me as rules.

They were simply how he lived.

Today, as a leader and a parent, I often find myself channeling his wisdom.

Not as a memory, but as a quiet voice, nudging me to choose better.

Miss you every day, Appaji.