All because Babai said so…

Describe a positive thing a family member has done for you.

Indian Middle class and the rhetorical quotations that get thrown around a couple of times a day. I, for one, have over the years, gathered the gems my father – my BABAI as I lovingly call him – has shared for my prosperity and better life. Yes, I admit not all the times when he had said so were happy memories but looking back I do realize his words had a profound impact on me. I have adhered to it till now. So the following are some of his words (mostly in Bengali but I will translate as much as possible.)

Babai said “Result ja hobe tori hobe, golai jhuliye jate ghurte paris serokm koris nijer valo lagbe”.

Babai never motivated to rank first in anything but always encouraged me to give my best shot. He always reminded me to be the best and according to him, success follows hard work. Of course, there was a nudge for working smartly – to be smart enough to make sure that my visibility in any efforts delivered is getting noticed.

Babai said “Rastai sob somoy dekhe gari chalabi. Hoito tui thik kore chalchis kintu hote pare tor ase pase key valo kore chalalo na ar toke dhakka marlo. Sabdhan age tokei hote hobe.”

Quite philosophical to be honest. Often we think if we are honest then everything will just fall in place like a piece of a puzzle. However life hands over lemons most of the time, so hey, we have to be ready to make the lemonade. Even if we are politically correct, it’s more than often that a deranged decision of a close friend or family member may derail our entire journey. It’s better to be safe than sorry, be it on the road or be in personal relationships.

Babai’s influence has been immense on me. His contribution towards making sure I had everything happy under the sun is unparalleled.

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