Every Sunday morning I would flip my Hindustan Times pages to read the Editorial page REFLECTIONS by the Editor Vir Sanghvi.
I have always loved to know the views rather than just the news and for my views I depended on Reflections.
Among Indian Politicians I have always been a fan of Madhavrao Scindia jee for his Charm, Knowledge, Integrity, Humility, Grace and his speeches.
When he expired in a Helicopter crash, I was so dumbfounded I did not know how to react and only after 2 days it finally sank in and few tears rolled down.
And then on Sunday, 7th October 2001, I read this piece by Vir Sanghvi and though I have never met MadhavRao jee, still every word was relatable.
As a practice I used to snip all the articles and pictures I liked for future reference and I did the same with this article.
Last year going through my Physical Archives I chanced upon this and reread it and was transported back to 2001. And then I kept this article in a separate folder that is always on my table, lest I need it at immediate notice. Kahi na kahi socha tha ki I will get this Newspaper cutting signed by Editor Sahab. Also, I had clicked a pic of the article, pata nahi kyu.
This Friday (7 April 2017) I was at The Luxury Symposium 2017 and while going through the agenda realised that next session is moderated by Vir Sanghvi Sir and then in few minutes I saw him standing a few meters away.
I immediately called my wife Gurleen and asked her to fetch that article from my table and send it to me at Hotel Taj Palace.
I knew… It may take time and Vir Sanghvi Sir ka session tab tak khatam ho jayega. So I fetched the Pic of the article in my phone and socha ki ispar hi signature le loonga.
As soon as the session ended, I ran towards him, introduced myself and told him that for me, one of his best articles was after the demise of Madhav Rao Scindia jee and I have a copy saved with me and requested him to sign on the Article image on my phone with a stylus. I’m glad he obliged.
Though the Physical copy finally arrived 10 minutes later, however, Vir Sanghvi Sir had left by then. Still I’m glad to have the digital signature on the article.
Aajkal ke Selfie ke time mein he would have also felt ajeeb to give an Autograph but he was all smiles.
Thanks Vir Sanghvi Sir.
Madhav Rao Scindia jee, I still miss you.
