A Tribute to my Dad- Mr. Salamat Ullah
I Am Nothing Without You Dad.
What can I say about my Boss. I always say there is only one boss in my life and that was my dad aka Salamat Ullah and lovingly known as Donu to all.
Born in Sibsagar district, Assam on August 25, 1948. He breathed his last in Guwahati on August 10, 2020. He retired as Chief Personnel Officer in Assam State Transport Corporation. His tenure in office was marked with selfless service to the organisation and people.
He was a simple, humble and down to earth person. He led a life that was bestowed with dignity and self respect. A person who traveled extensively and was a true foodie. A person who led his life according to his own terms.
Well, to talk about his influence on my life, I guess I will have to write a book. He was more of a friend to us than a Dad.
Right from teaching us how to walk to watching my cricket matches in stadium without my notice. When I was bogged down and nervous during my exams, he would say, “don’t take exams too seriously, marks don’t matter much and you need to relax and chill”, I thought my dad, unlike other dads, is oblivious to our studies. Dad, you proved me wrong. Later in my life, I realized you were giving me life lessons- not to care for petty exams.
I still remember when you came to see me off to Pune for my studies in Law School, the last thing you said holding my hands, “Do whatever you want, enjoy your life but never forget your roots and be a good human being” Those words still echo in my ears and I tell the younger generation the same thing.
When I was about to start my professional life you advised, ” Don’t run after designation and money rather try to be a good professional, leader and a person whom all employees love”. I did not realise at that point in time that you were guiding me to be a successful leader. I am grateful to you for this piece of advice. I still strive to live by those words.
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My marriage which was really a difficult one (though not for you or I), but to the world. My inter-religious marriage, would not have been possible without your support and blessings.
I left home for my studies and profession almost 18 years back but you gave a telephone call twice everyday during this time. I wonder how you managed to call me everyday without fail. Someday you must have been busy or you must be engrossed with work but you still found out time. Now, I will miss those calls dad.
You were not only our friend but also our friend’s friend. Our friends often visited you to say a “Hi” and chit chat with you. This is how friendly you were.
I still remembered the carom games we played, you were the college champion and you taught me how to play. When I was defeated, I could see the childlike glee on your face. Dad, you know what I would intentionally lose all the matches to see that smile. You were a true champion.
One thing I also remembered when you said,”never take shit from people. When you are right, just give it back but when you are wrong, there is no harm in apologizing. I have always lived by this rule in my life till now and shall never change.
You were a loving husband to mom, caring father to your sons and daughter in laws. You were a person whom everyone loved. Your life is an inspiration to us.
You have helped people out in difficult times, a quality that both your sons have acquired. So that good deeds continue in your name, we are planning an initiative, a foundation of sort. We will proudly call it “Salamat Raho”
At-last, I will say you were the coolest dad, you lived life like a boss, even fought cancer like a boss, and went away in your sleep without even letting us know like a boss.
See you on the other side, but in reality you will always be with us. I am nothing without you.