Sunday 22 November 2015

Grandpa!

Life always throws challenges at your face, when you are busy being satisfied. It will make you realize that being content is a bad thing.

Ironically, we are always content with attainable things and we yearn for more for the unachievable things. That is the human nature and if a person proves to be an exception, then he is made of great. I know one such person who made the ironic philosophy of humans to run away in fear.

The man who is exceptionally great and who taught me greater values was my 'grandfather'.

I have a lot of things to share about him, but I will stick to the more relevant things.

My grandfather was not the usual type of grandfathers. He was not the type to pat his granddaughter on her head nor would he make her sit in his lap and tell her sweet stories. Yet, I will say he is the greatest.

Because I am not the usual granddaughter too.

He will always be immersed in his own work. And most of the memories of him which remain in me are the ones in which he works.

He used to get up early before anyone in the house and would have completed his morning prayers before the toothbrush hits my mouth.

Even though he was past 80, he would take his bicycle which he had been using for many years to go to work. Yes. He worked and continued working even a few weeks before he shed his mortal soul.

I would sit and look at him in wonder. The vigour he had in him, the energy he would spread is unmatchable!

I have heard stories from my family about my grandfather. My mom would say that his habits and practices had been inculcated in him from his childhood. It would be better to use the term 'developed' rather than inculcated!

The circumstances surrounding a man will make him do million things to achieve his goal. And my grandpa was in a similar situation. He was forced to act like that. He sacrificed his childhood, his joy and his pleasures so that his family would be a little more happier than they were then.

For a man, who never went to school, he was master of languages, being fluent in 6 different languages, in both reading and writing!

He was thirsty for knowledge and whenever I showed him my progress report from school, he never patted my head, nor praised me, but a glint of pride would appear in his eyes and that would be the prouder moment for me than receiving the proficiency prize in the school assembly.

And whenever he spoke to me, it was to make the little girl a better citizen for the future. I remember him telling me in childhood, that we are blessed to be able to serve the poor and I must do so in the future when I have all the means.

When I chose medical profession, I remembered it. But sadly, he didn't live to see me complete my course and now, on the verge of completing the long course, I still want to be my grandfather's favourite granddaughter, than any other in this world.

And undeniably, my grandpa is 'made of great'.

Read my other #madeofgreat post here.

The readers you get a chance to win a gift voucher worth Rs.750! Give an amazing answer to the following question and the best comment wins the voucher!

The question is 'What do you think of tata motors' association with Lionel Messi?'

Give your answers in the comments below and all the best!

13 comments:

  1. 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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  2. That was one awesome grandpa! Grandpa doesn't have to be the one spoils us with sweets and money. He should be the one who plays a part in our life and I am glad that you are proud of yours! All the best, doctor!
    And about your question.
    What do I think about tata motors association with Lionel Messi?
    I think roping him as a brand ambassador is great. I am a great fan of Messi and by having him as the ambassador, the brand value also increases a little. His fans will take a look at what the Tata Motors has to say! He is an embodiment of hardwork and people will have the impression that the same could be expected from Tata.

    -Sanve Ram
    sanveram92@gmail.com

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  3. Great post! As mentioned in the previous comments, you need a grandpa like this too! I guess you will be missing him a lot. Make him proud by becoming a great person. All the very best!
    Now, I see that you have asked the same question here too. Same contest? :-)
    Lionel Messi is one among the greatest in football. To become a great person in life, one has to cross the hurdles thrown across him. It wouldn't be easy. The same applies for Tata. It has slowly grown and branched into multiple fields. So, by having Messi as the brand ambassador, tata motors have chosen the right person to advertise it's values!

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  4. Great post! As mentioned in the previous comments, you need a grandpa like this too! I guess you will be missing him a lot. Make him proud by becoming a great person. All the very best!
    Now, I see that you have asked the same question here too. Same contest? :-)
    Lionel Messi is one among the greatest in football. To become a great person in life, one has to cross the hurdles thrown across him. It wouldn't be easy. The same applies for Tata. It has slowly grown and branched into multiple fields. So, by having Messi as the brand ambassador, tata motors have chosen the right person to advertise it's values!

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  5. Your grandpa is indeed a great person!
    The answer would be that Tata Motors should concentrate more on increasing their value by increasing their quality rather than trying to have famous brand ambassadors. People are going to buy their products based on the trust they have on the product, rather than the ambassador. That would be my opinion!

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  6. 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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  7. 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
    Please consider me as a winner
    Email: yagneshbjoshi10099@gmail.com

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  8. Your post defines #madeofgreat to the hilt.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.
    Contact : bhuwan198grover@gmail.com

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  9. 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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  10. Very touching post dear! Wish you all the very best!
    My Answer:
    Tata Motors' association with Lionel Messi is undoubtedly #madeofgreat! Tata Motors known as a maestro in Auto industry, and it's not any surprise that they would like to make bound with another maestro, iconic figure Messi! No one can say, it is just for publicity or a trick to attract a particular generation, by teamed with Celeb branding; it is very natural and rightly to make a bond in two great - Tata Motors and Lionel Messi. And, if you ask me; I'm a fan of both, so it's perfectly #madeofgreat for me!

    Email: koyelishawchakraborty@gmail.com

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  11. Absolute touching post, hope you like my thoughts too!

    Inspiration,
    Dedication,
    Discipline,
    Commitment,
    Trust,
    Loyalty,
    Excellence,
    Legacy,
    Immortality.

    These are not mere words but a part of our soul. Not just the ones that we carry around in our individual bodies but that supreme soul that binds us all together in this universe. That is why we teach our children values and morals so that these little pockets of our souls do not die away. But when we look around at our modern day lifestyle and society,it leaves a lot to be desired, right? Wrong :) I would say,as long as we have even 1 shred of humanity left,there is a ray of sunshine and that is what we see here.

    I am inspired by your story just as I am inspired by the stories of Tata Motors and Lionel Messi. As I said above about humanity and ray of sunshine, it is very few icons left in this world who make me feel that way. Both Tata and Messi definitely make it to this short list.

    When we talk about Tata Motors,we talk about the pride that every Indian feels because this is our truly global brand, a brand with a soul, with every product made to help us fly. This is a corporate behemoth that has not amassed its fortunes at the cost of the little man but by being a part of the very grassroots. The legacy of excellence and giving back to the society selflessly is so ingrained in Tata DNA that it has become part of folklore. Even today,in any Indian home, the moment a son/daughter gains employment in a Tata company, nobody talks about salary or CTC, they just thank their lucky stars that they are a part of Tata family. The very soul of India resides in Tata. Tata Motors has taken these very same values global, making Indians proud of what they represent. 'Look,we represent excellence, with a dollop of old world values, with love and respect' !

    When we look at Messi, we see a boy with dreams in his eyes and a man who has put everything he had in making them come true, and he did! With singleminded focus,dedication and hardwork, he has managed to outdo every obstacle he faced since his birth personally, healthwise and family financial situation wise. Every obstacle became just another step for him to grow and reach up the sky. And still, every time he walks out on the field, he plays with the same agility, alarcity and a a hunger to prove himself as if it is his first game! He hasn't achieved his demi-God status without superhuman efforts.

    When these two demi-Gods of their respective fields come together, there are bound to be fireworks and that is exactly what it is! Purely from a corporate point of view, there are rare instances when we see such a perfect fit form. It can be called a divine sign that a symbol of vibrancy and dynamism like no other has taken shape with the partnership of Tata Motors and Lionel Messi. More than a mere advertising gambit,it is an amalgamation of those perhaps 'lost' values that the world needs more of,now more than ever. Maybe the Gods are finally happy!

    Prajakta Sinha
    sinpra11@gmail.com

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  12. This made me misty eyed, all the best :)

    When it comes to impact and impacting millions of lives, Yes, we can see both Tata Motors and Lionel Messi being the pioneers here. While the very name Tata is enough to make us go back to all our history books where we have seen there hardly is a comparable name that has contributed so much to the society in such an ethical manner, the very name Messi conjures up images of a boy-man who has turned the world upside down with his talent, determination, discipline and never-give-up spirit. The compatibility between the values they both share is intense and that is the reason this partnership works perfectly.

    With a concern for the society at large,everything that Tata has done has inspired us to dream big, conquer the world and pour all our energy back into the society to do good and inspire good. By facing his demons, Messi has done the same. He enjoys a God-like status in the world today because he dared to dream, achieved the sky and still hasn't lost his humanity a bit. He is still a child at heart and he gives back with his multiple philanthropic activities just like Tata does!

    Talk to any person in India, ask them about the companies they admire the most. Tata is right there at the top. This name is beyond bottomline, spreadsheets, return on investment and share price. It is equivalent to soul of India-soft, kind, diverse, dynamic, eternal. Just like that Messi has emerged as not just another football player but someone whose very life is an inspiration, whose personal struggles are a template for others to emulate and who has morphed into an eternal legend.

    While it would take eons to write about what makes Tata Motors and Messi great, as their list of achievements is too long for us to even skim over, suffice to say that this partnership is for the ages. As they say, some things are made in heaven :)

    Thank you for this opportunity.
    -Richa Shailendra, lovelyricha1@gmail.com

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  13. The contest winner is 'The Unrequited Lover'. Congrats!

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