A TON FOR TWO GREAT MEN

It has been my firm belief that farewells at the time of retirement or demise are largely hypocritical and do not reflect the true sense of the goodwill garnered. This view was shaken exactly 16 days before the farewell of Sachin Tendulkar. One of the ever smiling colleague with his shade of hair still as dark as one could wish it to be and with his trademark greetings was to bid farewell to the organisation at the age of sixty. Being the only one to bid farewell the farewell was organised in the conference hall but had to be moved to the auditorium. Even yours truly made it to be the part of the beeline to the auditorium. It was a matter of fascination that persons from every station he had served in were there and many with garlands and shawls. Some of the retired colleagues had ascertained the D day and were part of the felicitation. The more gifted ones lavished poems while the less gifted shared their experiences and the introverts warmed their hearts in the deluge. Finally. the guest of the day rose to speak and his first sense of gratitude went to his parents who left him with a caring sister who chose siblings over marriage. The saga stunned everyone as his domestic woes had at no time been reflected in his work or attitude to workmates. He wholeheartedly thanked his family for the support.

Cut and move to the day 16 days later. The iconic Sachin was bidding farewell. Many of the similarities were striking me. His sister Savita had gifted the first willow. His brother was his mentor and his Guru's appreciation was ultimate to him. The dedication of every feat went to his parents. A nation was moved to tears and the normally dormant Government acted to confer the Bharat Ratna. Even this did not cause any controversy as to the likes of Dhyanchand, Fereira, Anand and others being overlooked. Media covered it exhaustively.

The two farewells spoke of the manner in which the persona in question had dealt with their lives. Both thanked their families for bearing with their frustrations. Both thanked their friends for seeing them through highs and lows. 

It is only natural that whilst many records fell in felicitating these two men, the best tribute yours truly could pay was to dedicate to the centurion and the smiling genius the hundredth blog.