Amid life's tempestuous seas, we find ourselves at the confluence of Gratitude and Glory, navigating through the bittersweet symphony of life's departures and arrivals. This past week's odyssey could be likened to sailing through the heart of a storm, a journey marked by both the solemnity of loss and the dignity of acknowledgment. I pen these lines, entwined with the sombre reflections of gratitude and the luminescence of glory, as ask you to honour the life and memory of Narayanan Krishnan Nayar, whose peaceful passing reminded me of the transient yet impactful voyage we all undertake.
Thursday unfurled a tapestry of emotions, as I received the celestial summons of my father-in-law's departure. It was a moment that transcended the bounds of distance, echoing in Vineeta being woken up (at Milford, Connecticut, USA) with a bout of cough in sync with the final moments of Daddy’s departure. In Mumbai, amidst the tidal wave of sorrow, I found an anchor in gratitude. The collective spirit of the Aditya Birla World Academy, the compassionate community of Kayamkulam, and my steadfast colleagues at JOI coalesced to guide me on my journey home.
Vineeta, amidst her commitments at the World Scholar’s Cup at Yale University, discovered an unexpected reservoir of strength, buoyed by the unwavering support of her team and the young scholars who stood with her. Though oceans apart, the collective heartbeats of school, parents, and colleagues encircled her with solace and strength.
My own passage to Kerala was graced with kindness at every turn, including from the gracious hands of Air India. At our home town - Kayamkulam, the pillars of the Nair Service Society and our family upheld the funeral rites with honour and deep respect, paying homage to the gentle soul of a wise 77-year-old steward of the public trust.
In the quiet aftermath, as we navigated the rituals of farewell, a miraculous beacon of glory pierced through the clouds—my appointment to the National Syllabus and Teaching-Learning Material Committee. This, I believe, was a celestial nod from Daddy himself, affirming his life-long ethos of valuing education and the pursuit of knowledge.
As I stand at the intersection of Gratitude and Glory, these dual forces that so often underpin my coaching ethos, I offer a reflection on how one might employ the "Find Your V.O.I.C.E." framework amidst life's gales and tempests:
Find Vision amidst the veils of grief, seeing beyond the horizon where legacies are etched not just in memory, but in the hearts and deeds of those who carry them forward.
Find Openness in the storm's eye, where vulnerability meets the courage to accept the outstretched hands of community and kinship in times of need.
Find Inner Strength as the anchor amidst turbulent waves, fortifying your spirit to withstand the buffeting winds of sorrow and change.
Find Connection in the shared silence of remembrance, in the stories recounted, and in the collective embrace of those who journey alongside us.
Find Empowerment in the legacy left behind, as it beckons us to build upon it, to honour it through acts of wisdom and contributions to the greater tapestry of life.
As we weave this narrative of Gratitude and Glory, a momentous update arrives, beckoning a pause for celebratory fanfare. Three of my Grade 8 History students, ambassadors of intellect from ABWA at the Tournament of Champions at World Scholar Cup held at Yale, have triumphantly clinched 8 gold and 12 silver medals. This astounding feat not only exemplifies the brilliance and diligence of our young scholars but also stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. Their victory, an alchemy of knowledge and spirit, mirrors the very ethos of legacy and learning we hold dear. It is with immense pride and a soaring heart that we acknowledge and celebrate this grand accolade, as it adds a resplendent layer of glory to our narrative of gratitude.
In closing, let us navigate these winds of Gratitude and Glory not as forces that buffet us uncontrollably, but as currents that can carry us towards new horizons. May we embody the values that our loved ones have instilled in us, using our V.O.I.C.E. to echo their teachings and touch the future as profoundly as they have touched our past. Let us sail forth, not just in remembrance, but in the spirit of creation and contribution, for this is the truest form of homage we can pay.
Ready for transformation? Begin your journey with a #DISCoverySession. Amplify your voice, because every voice matters. Stay connected at www.joi4u.com or email ceo@johnsonodakkal.com. Today!
Comments