The Person I Admire Most
I still can’t forget that day; it was the day that changed my life.
I was in 5th standard, an introvert, submissive and a lost child quite an opposite to what I am now. Perhaps my families’ struggles were shaping me as a weak individual.
One fine morning in our school muster we were told that we all have to be smartly dressed and well behaved as our new principal was coming. I was told by my class teacher to prepare a welcome note and cram it up as she wanted to make me a victim of her insecurities.
Finally the D-day arrived. I was nervous like hell as he walked inside our classroom. We all stood up and greeted him. That moment still gives me goose pimple. A towering personality in grew trousers and dark blue jacket with sky blue turban dressed like the famous Maharajas was standing. The face shine as the sun and over it the gray beard was giving this sardar a divine touch. He was Lt. Col. Dr. G. S. Rekhi, ex principal Sainik School Kapurthala, an administrator in Indian Military Academy and a proud recipient of Veer Chakra in 1971 war.
I started speaking with my voice shaking and my legs trembling. I finished my welcome note and he came to me. Politely he shook my hands and went. Next morning he came to our class again and asked everybody about their aims in life. I stood up and said I want to join Indian Air Force. He asked why, because I want to die for my motherland, I replied. He patiently quoted a soldier never talks about dying he kills. Famous words which have stayed within me and which drives me when I am down and out. He further asked do you know how can you become a pilot? I said No. He went and through the peon sent a book about NDA Entrance Exam for a class 5th student. That is Col. Rekhi for you.
Knowledge personified, elegance thy name is Mr. Rekhi.
There are several incidents, which have made me to worship him, but I will share only a few with you. Once he told me to write a letter of thanks to the Editor of Amar Ujala as they covered my winnind debate trophy. I wrote it and took it to him for his approval, he found 25 mistakes and told me to redraft it. I did it again he was not happy and made me to write again. Could you believe he made me write the letter 20 times, finally he gave his go head. Five days later I received a letter from the Editor, which stated I could never imagine such a letter from a child of your age. In am proud of you. That is Mr. Rekhi for you.
Projection thy name is Mr. Rekhi.
He guided me like a father when I had none to look up to. He was my friend with whom I can share my heart out. He was my force to carry on and fight till I drop. He screwed me like a general when I was wrong. And most importantly he gave me the space to be myself, and blossom into Vishwas, who is standing in front of you.
I went to NDA, called him and said, Sir your joker is here where you always wanted him to be. He replied you have just begun. I have still greater expectations out of you. Next week I received a letter from him, which said, I have not sent a cadet to the academy, I have sent a leader, you are not a student you are a born soldier. Be the Vishwas I know, not the Vishwas you know.
Love thy name is Mr. Rekhi.
I called him when I was thrown out of the academy, he said winners never quit and quitters never win. I believed in him and fought and here I am in front of you.
Courage thy name is Mr. Rekhi.
I admire him not because he is great, as greatness is a mere adjective. I admire him because he made mediocre look great. The fragile beaten individual was influenced with life and love when he was down and dump. I admire him for being my father, mother, teacher, guide, friend and inspiration.
God thy name is Mr. Rekhi.
He still talks to me when I am alone as he left me last year. He called me a week before he died and said I have always believed in you and I am sure you will never let me down. I will be proud of you the day you will make the dreams of your mother, your father and mine come true, the day you will be the Vishwas to whom the world will look upto. I still talk to him, he is there standing in the class to hold me when I fall, to guide me when I am lost. He is always by my side. I miss you, Sir I will always miss you. But I know you are there for me today, always.