A Life of Service: Fondly Remembering My Father's Contributions to Society

Throughout my life, I have always witnessed my father's unwavering commitment to volunteering for various causes, whether they were related to our family or the broader society. One of my earliest memories, dating back to the early 1970s, is of him serving as the secretary of Mahindra Colony. At the tender age of four, I used to accompany him to the administration office, standing silently behind his chair. Even then, I could see him acting as an arbitrator in numerous matters, though I was too young to fully comprehend the significance.

Mahindra Colony was established for the workers of Mahindra & Mahindra (now commonly referred to as employees in the internet age), and its existence was made possible by the Mahindra & Mahindra Workers Union. Despite living in rented accommodation, my father took on the role of secretary due to his exposure of corruption and his willingness to shoulder the responsibility of handling day-to-day affairs. As the colony expanded with new buildings, he eventually became a homeowner within its confines. Being known as the child of Gangadharan brought a sense of pride, with other children and members showing special attention to me. It was as if our home became a forum for discussing and resolving various issues, and the community had faith that my father would always find a solution.

However, not all moments were without challenges. During one meeting, some members misunderstood his actions, labeling him a robber who had misappropriated funds. Although many well-wishers advised him to resign, he chose to stay and prove his innocence. A committee was appointed to investigate the allegations, and in the end, he was cleared of any wrongdoing. Shockingly, those who had accused him showed no remorse, merely attributing such accusations as an occupational hazard of holding an honorary position.

Beyond his involvement in the colony, my father had a significant impact on the Mahindra & Mahindra Workers Union. I overheard conversations among his colleagues, recounting how they called for a strike in support of a worker's cause, despite the risk of losing their jobs if the strike failed. Thanks to overwhelming support from the workers, this marked the rise of the Mahindra & Mahindra Workers Union under the leadership of Comrade Dhume. From that moment on, there was only one union at Mahindra & Mahindra, which gained significant negotiating power, and my father played a crucial role in shaping its trajectory.

As my father approached retirement, he continued to dedicate himself to the Mahindra Workers Union. However, due to my grandmother's ailing health, my parents decided to move back to Kerala. Undeterred by the change in location, my father's passion for contributing to society persisted. He initially engaged in political activities with the CPI party, but he soon realized that politics often involved compromising principles and mudslinging against rivals. Despite this, his loyalty to leftist ideals remained steadfast.

In the later years, he found a new calling in revitalizing temples. One such endeavor was the Palancheri Mahadeva Temple, which had fallen into disrepair over time. My father

coordinated fundraising efforts and oversaw the reconstruction of the temple, appointing a priest to resume regular worship services. As the temple regained its former glory, people returned to participate in various offerings and rituals, thus restoring its financial stability.

From there, he extended his efforts to the Kunnambathu Kavu Temple, one of the many

Bhagwati Temples in Kerala. In this temple apart from an annual festival Purma there were hardly any activities, but my father spearheaded its reconstruction, consulting religious scholars to ensure adherence to proper procedures. Although some accused him of pursuing personal whims, a subsequent evaluation by another learned individual vindicated his actions. Under his guidance, the temple flourished, and additional facilities were established to serve the community, such as a marriage platform and an auditorium.

Despite facing challenges, including an attack in 2022, my father remained committed to his endeavors. However, as he aged, he realized it was time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders. This decision was not easy, and some family members misunderstood his motives, assuming he wanted to remain in control. In truth, he sought to ensure a smooth transition to capable hands. Eventually, the person he had hoped for was elected as the temple committee president, fulfilling both his and the goddess's wishes.

Throughout his life, my father embraced opportunities to serve society, often stepping in when things were in disarray and stepping back when they were streamlined. Yet, he could not have achieved such success without the support of people like Naresh Bhosle in Mumbai and Shajee in Kerala, who were instrumental in his philanthropic activities.

On the day of his farewell, the villagers gave him a heartwarming send-off, expressing their

deep appreciation for his service. Seeing his farewell covered on local TV channels was a poignant moment, representing the culmination of his last official and active involvement with a society-serving organization. There could be no greater gift than the acknowledgment of his immense contributions.