Making my dad proud - making him a normal dad!

My father is unique in a lot of ways. An engineer (yeah, it was unique during his times), self-employed for 20 years, satisfied in his life in every possible thing! An artist, writer, musician, cook, designer and the list goes on. Not just this, he was a unique father as well! I will tell you why.

He was never proud of his children,or rather never expressed it, till recently. I will tell you why at the end of this hub! His children though not extraordinary did achieve commendably in academics and extra-curricular activities. But then, parents do not need commendable achievements to brag about their children, do they?

His daughter, which is me, did a few things which any father would like to boast about (let me not boast about myself now!) in front of an audience whether or not the audience is interested! That is a different issue altogether! He was a perfectionist and getting a word of appreciation from his mouth was a big thing.The phrase " Ratchasi de nee" is equivalent to "You are just awesome!". That is dad for you!

One more way in which my father was unique was, he had his office set up at home, which meant unlimited time with dad. There was never a day when we had to wait for dad to come from office for dinner. Dinner was always an occasion when we ate together as a family and discussed everything under the sun.

Now comes the best part, being the intelligent, talented and smart guy, he was, he could have reached any heights in terms of monetary pleasures. 20 years in his business, not a single rupee loan at any point. His company was named Productive Solutions and he designed the logo himself. Educated his daughter and son, married his daughter to a guy of her choice and now happily settled in an ashram, yet using his talents there as well.

It takes a lot of courage, satisfaction with his own self and life and spiritual quest to take such a decision of leaving everything including his business and children to go to an ashram.

When we (my brother and I) announced that we are planning to use his company's name and logo in a new avatar, I never expected him to be so excited! He was so happy and more importantly, proud! He kept suggesting this and that and what not, in a super thrilled tone, for the development of the business.

My father is definitely not known for gifting his wife or children, but now he gifted us T-Shirts with the logo embroidered and a business card holder. He ordered it online and shipped it home!

When I visited him recently, I could see his face glow with happiness when he introduced me to his fellow ashramites - "Enda Mol. Enakku Chennaila oru Company irundu, ippo Enda monum molum take over cheidhu!". My mom. who has never seen him so excited or happy about anything was shocked too!

He opened the door for many interests of mine. Though we have had some misunderstanding and arguments were a part of our relationship, he was, is and will be my role-model and source of inspiration. It is such a pleasure to see him proud and excited. I feel like I have achieved something!

You can read the story of Productive Solutions here in my dad's words.