Samby comes to Pune

I had not once before met someone from the blog world and when Samby told me of his impending visit to Pune, I was excited! I was happy that I was going to be in town and made sure that I had nothing to be bothered about on the designated day! I hadn't much to do at work either, with my boss on vacation during the week!

But then, I had not factored in the possibilities of Murphy's law. While at work, on the afternoon of March 3rd, I received an email from the training team stating that I had been nominated for a certain workshop, the subject of which is still very new across my organization. I was to travel to Mumbai for a three day session which began on 6th and ended on 9th! I couldn't help mutter a curse! I was contemplating how to inform Samby of this development while still being at loss for words and thoughts! And suddenly it dawned on me that Mumbai wasn't too far apart for me to travel back to Pune since Sunday was not part of the training calendar. I then wrote to Samby, that "come what may, I will be available in Pune" on 8th to meet with him!

On the morning of 8th, I met Samby in Pune! I'm tempted to divulge details of his harrowing trip from Lonavla to Pune, but then that being specifically marked "Classified Information, Ears Only", I'd be well guarded against spilling the beans!

It took me just an instant to understand that Samby was a traveller in the truest sense and in the realm of life itself. He is somebody who is very passionate about life and work, somebody who is never hesitant to call a spade a spade and more importantly someone who is very mature in his reflection of thoughts and actions, even after a few beers ;-)

While he recounted some parts of his life in the services, I reflected on my past and wondered how so much I too, as a teenager, wanted to be a part of this ultra elite assemblage. Today, it gives me great pride, pleasure and a sense of privilege to be associated with someone from the armed forces, a group of highly disciplined people who do not hesitate to sacrifice their lives, so that we live in peace, as was the case of Major. Sandeep Unnikrishnan who attained immortality, fighting islamic terrorists, as part of Operation Black Tornado, during the 26/11 incident in Mumbai last year.

March 8th, was a very short day, fun-filled, interesting and very informative to me as I had the wonderful opportunity of learning a few lessons from someone much younger and for having been able see the world as he did. They say every meeting is historic for the experience it provides. Unquestionably sure, I was!

As a finale, the picture was taken. Now, Samby, what did you do to make me look so unphotogenic?