Posted by : RioZee Saturday, November 14, 2015

Today I set forth to write about the man who is really and certainly "made of the great." I am talking about my dear father here, and he has been my role model since my childhood.

I never understood his passion to learning as he put me thousands of miles away into a highly renowned school of learning in my childhood days. Now that I am in my fifties and as I look back in retrospect, I can clearly see the sacrifices and hardships he must have undergone in those bleak times. I can vividly remember him selling the gold chain he was wearing in Dehradun. Must have been some unprecedented expenses that had to be taken care of at the time.

Whenever I was at home in holidays, he used to give me the book, Kalyan, to read that came every month by post. It basically had stories in the last pages "padho, samajho aur karo," in which good deeds paid off in the long run. I read them with great fervor and liked to see the pictures in the book.

He gave money to beggars on a daily basis but he was always on look out of poor people in the area who never came to ask for help. He used to send them gifts on occasions. My child brain always at a loss, unable to understand of his denial to give me money, and throwing away large sums in a jiffy.

One occasion comes to mind of decades ago when I had gone to the hospital in a nearby town for treatment of my grandmother and I had thrown up my childhood tantrums for a ball and I distinctly remember my dad getting the ball for me in-spite of the tense atmosphere at the hospital.

He had inculcated in me the fire to read books and he always pretended he was unable to see minute letters and would bolster my ego to read up for him. This way many a times I got interested in full story and read with full enthusiasm.

I can relate his undaunted bravery when as a child I and my sister were playing with the on off switch of fan and enjoying the sensation emanating from the switch and suddenly both had got stuck to the wire by current and started shrieking with pain and my dad seeing this immediately kicked away the wire. 

I remember reading somewhere, "if you teach your child, you are teaching your child's child as well." I am a living example of this phenomenon as I myself took all efforts at proper education for my children as well and of course my dad supported me in this cause even without any strain on his mind. It is just due to his unrelenting support and guidance that my both sons got the highest degree they could achieve. 


If I have to choose amongst millions for a role model, my fingers will always point in just one direction, "towards my dad."

This post has been penned for #madeofgreat tata motors campaign.





What do you think of Tata Motor's association with Lionel Messi?




answer as comment and best comment might win you a handsome prize of Amazon voucher worth 750/- rupees.





Post Script: My sister told me of the fact that dad had very frugal means to run businesses as well and used to catch train every evening to nearby town to bring goods to sell and open shop at six in the morning. My sincere salutes.

{ 39 comments... read them below or Comment }

  1. Aww.. This photo of you and your dad made a real impact. Your post is so true. I too have many times kept wondering why so many denials to me when the money goes to unknown people. It shows the importance of Father in a family and the need to for him to Lead to ensure his children look at themselves as adults and feel proud of what they are. The real crux and pride of parenthood lies here. Your post. post is a subtle indication to what it is being a Father. Loved it. Association of Tata Motors with Lionel Messi has a beautiful link to your post. A good association with a personality with appreciable traits we can look up to is the prerequisite for sensible advertising. Tata Motors has done just that by associating with Lionel Messi. Way to go!

    Best
    Katie
    Admin
    Chennai Focus

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  2. The story of a Legend in himself - that's how I will describe it in a short sentence. Very well written with the snap which enhances the simplicity yet greatness of the man.

    My answer: Tata is a name which any and every person can rely on for its honesty, commitment and perseverance. Lionel Messi is a legend who has carved his name in history books with total dedication to the game, simple living and improvisation which is seen with each game he plays. The association of Tata Motors and Lionel Messi as their Brand Ambassador will definitely give an edge to the Tata group over its competitors solely because the brand Ambassador also holds the same reputation of not letting his fans down ever, like Tata Motors who have given the best to the world over the decades. Its an exemplary association par excellence.

    You can choose my answer as the best if you feel I described it all well.. :)

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  3. A glowing encomium to your beloved dad and Yes he is a true icon to his son...and I am prompted to recollect a beautiful quote..
    Children are made readers on their parents' laps. -Emilie Buchwald

    A beautiful synthesis between Messi and Tata, both of them.stand for excellence and unmatched skills that is truly outstanding and they captivate the spectators and the drivers respectively!

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  4. Hmm :-)
    Will come back later to ponder over Messi's association with Tata Motors :-P

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  5. Very touching post. My parents also give me Kalyan to read. :)
    Lionel Messi and Tata Motors association leaves an impact on the society as they worked hard in their own way to attain goals and leave their impressions on the globe.

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  6. Your father, such a wonderful man! :)
    I love the fact that he inculcated the reading habit in you. My father gives me a monthly allowance of 2k for spending on new books!

    Messi is the absolute best in his field. An association with him is sure to provide a great boost to the already prime reputation of Tata Motors'! This combination is the start of a great era, where Indian workmanship will be renowned all over the world. Undoubtedly, a great move. :)

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    Replies
    1. You are lucky to get book allowance. I used to save pocketmoney and buy second hand books from college street book market.

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    2. Initially, I had to fight for it. Later on, he agreed to pay it himself. Have stopped it now because I earn enough to buy me some books! :D Waiting for my CA to complete so that I can become self-reliant! :)

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    3. CA is tough nut to crack, best wishes

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    4. It certainly is. Thank you, Rio! :D

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  7. You are fortunate to have such a #madeofgreat father. You yourself have done extremely well by following in his footsteps. Loved reading the chain-reaction of Value-Education through Behavior.

    Tata Motors' association with Lionel Messi's strengthens my belief in Trust , Truth , Togetherness for Higher Good of Humanity. The Diamond sparkles spectacularly in the royal company of Gold. When two Great entities join forces , the whole World rejoices for Universal victory. Dear Lionel ... Welcome to India, the land of Unity in Diversity.

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  8. Nice post , Good to read about dad .
    Tata Motors is a brand which is one of its kind , Trustworthy and innovative .
    Lionel Messi is a Legend and youth icon , a person who is extra ordinary talented ,energetic , confident & dedicated to his profession .
    So association of Tata motors and Lionel Messi is a Great Thing as both of them does not know tiredness and are committed to their brand value .This collaboration would definitely give an edge to Tata Groups over its competitors as the brand ambassador Messi hold the reputation of not letting down his fans as Tata motors has given the best to the world.

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  9. Wonderfully penned Rio.
    It was a heart-warming read. Tata Motors has not only joined hands with the ultimate youth icon symbolizing grit and determination but is also bringing to fore the stories of unsung heroes amongst us through this initiative.

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    Replies
    1. This is awesome. Thanks Shivani for the appreciation.

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  10. Beautiful post, Pramodji.. your memories with your father are not only inspiring but deeply heart-warming as well. The picture at the end was a lovely round-up to a fantastic ode that you gave to the man who was truly #madeofgreat in every sense of the word.

    Coming to the association of Lionel Messi with Tata Motors, Tata is a name in which the Indians trust and believe in and Messi is the God of Football, a genius and a magician with the world at his feet, so the coming together of the two is really purely academic!!

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  11. This is a really well written post Rio. With the incidents you quoted, I fondly remembered my childhood times when my father taught me some of the life lessons the hard way. This is what good fathers do ain't it ? Teach their children those timeless wisdom which they had acquired in their lifetime. You added some fantastic pictures to the post, specially the one towards the end. Kudos man !!!!

    Hope you win the contest. My answer to your question: The person you choose to write about for #madeofgreat campaign is the perfect choice in my opinion. So is the association of Messi with Tata Motors, because both of them are committed to deliver 100 percent every single time. These two are behemoth brands which have dedicated themselves to perfection in their respective fields for years and years now.

    It is no coincidence that Messi himself drives a range rover which is a product of Tata Motors now. The brand has been known for its trustworthiness, simplicity, durability and reliability for decades now, A tie-up with legend like Messi whose commitment to his team and ability to deliver whatever is necessary every single time will take the value and goodwill which company has developed since 1945 to a whole new level of awesomeness. The fact that it took 16 months of efforts to get Messi in the driver's seat says a lot about how difficult it is to chase world's most gifted footballer. Hoping to see this association foster into a long term relationship.

    Messi reflects the Trust the soccer fans all around the world put on him while so does Tata Motors for the automobile enthusiasts across the country. Both of them have achieved feats unparalleled and have stood far apart from all their competitors, hope that this association turns out to be a value addition for both the sides. Cheers !!!!

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  12. Dads are the best! Read this after you let me know that you too have written about your Dad and I loved the post :)

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  13. Wonderful Post

    Tata Motors has earned the goodwill from giving the best and innovative Automobiles and it is also known as one the best Automobile Manufactures. And if you see the Lionel Messi , his throughout dedication, zeal , targeted goal of life and technically soundness make him big, achiever and remarkable position in the world.
    As per me, the association of Tata Motors and Messi is a grand amalgamation of two legendary entities of the world, and their amalgamation will definitely break down the clutters and affect the cut throat competition of Tata Motors. Tata motors will sure get a huge preference by the fans of Messi. This will sure make a record of Tata motors in the world of production or may be the highest selling automobiles.
    Tata motor’s main target is to give an impression on the large amount of crowd and this can be achieved only through the Messi, because the youth generation is crazy for MESSI and this can be smart move and a great achievement for Tata Motors they positioned MESSI as their BRAND AMBASSADOR .
    In the nutshell, Tata Motors , Messi joining hands will definitely give more soundness in technicality of promotional strategies and Messi’s influence will influence the audience for choosing Tata Motors and expand the business drastically.

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  14. I salute your dad Rio
    Indeed a nicely written post. I wish you good luck for the contest
    Here is my answer
    The association of Tata Motors with Lionel Messi is that of two greats. Lionel Messi has been exceptionally talented who with his hard work, determination and sacrifices has got better and tougher in his chosen sport so is the Image, reputation and quality of TATA Motors that have transformed brilliant ideas into masterpieces of engineering and created a brand and products that we are so proud of as Indians. Lionel Messi has transformed his body and the mind body co-ordination into a masterpiece of precision and excellence it would not be wrong to say that Lionel Messi is the TATA Motors of sports where as TATA Motors is the Lionel Messi of vehicles both giants in their own spheres driven by the drive to excel and lead by example. So Lionel Messi is the best choice for becoming the brand Ambassador for TATA Motors
    aaloke19@gmail.com

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  15. Your post describes #madeofgreat so well that it has winner written all over it. Good luck for your entry.
    Here is my answer.
    Like minds think and act alike looking at the track record of TATA Motors it has stood the test of time and built a business that was built using bricks of hard work on a foundation of trust. Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the trademarks of brand TATA Motors. These same qualities are present in Lionel Messi who with his immense talent has made a mark for himself on the international football field .Facing all hardships he has worked hard toiling on the fields and in training sessions facing injuries and pressure to come out trumps and be a winner. Thus these two greats Lionel Messi and TATA Motors are made for each other .There association is a bond of two legends
    In case you pick me a winner my email id is : princess09hema@gmail.com
    Fingers crossed :)

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  16. Your post defines #madeofgreat to the hilt. Goodluck for the contest
    My answer is:
    Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the pillars of strength on which TATA have built a brand that has put India on the global map. It is a brand that has stood the test of time just like Lionel Messi who tackles opposition on the field with his skill,agility,strategy,brilliance and raw power to reach and score a goal so has been the track record of TATA motors who has become a brand leader and a global giant. These qualities make TATA Motors and Lionel Messi perfect partners who stand for the same set of values thus Lionel Messi is the perfect brand ambassador to represent TATA Motors.
    Hope my best to be a winner here; do contact me for the prize at mahima2014j@gmail.com
    fingers crossed

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  17. Your post defines #madeofgreat in an awesome manner.Very well written and interesting post indeed.
    My Answer
    Tata Motors is a brand that makes durable vehicles, with its MADE IN INDIA mark makes every Indian proud. It is a brand seen globally as Trusted, Reliable, Innovative and at the forefront of technology. In its journey since inception it has overcome all odds, competition, and adversities with grit and determination. These same qualities are associated with Lionel Messi who was very talented and hardworking from a very early age. With each game that he played he kept improving his skills and built a career to become one of the best player of professional football. There qualities make both TATA Motors and Lionel Messi giants who perfectly compliment each other and Lionel Messi the right and perfect Ambassador who stands for the same values that TATA Motors does.
    bhuwan198grover@gmail.com

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  18. Yours is a very well written post your .Its is a very nice description of #madeofgreat
    TATA Motors is a brand associated with performance, endurance and excellence. These words are also synonymous with Lionel Messi who plays as a forward and weaves his magic on the football field.Just as Lionel Messi is considered the best footballer in the world ,TATA motors which is Indias premier automotive manufacturer gives wheels to the people of India with its wide range of vehicles. Both believe in excelling in whatever they do and set examples for others to follow. They compliment each other as both are reliable trustworthy and leaders thus Lionel Messi is the natural choice as the brand ambassador of TATA Motors
    yagneshbjoshi10099@gmail.com

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  19. Sincere Thanks to all comments.

    ReplyDelete

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