Ever so rarely or perhaps even once in a lifetime, we encounter individuals who make so profound an impact on our lives, the likes of which we never see again.Sarath Chandra Sathiamoorthy was one such individual. I first met Sarath, close to three years ago during one of my first visits to Coco Veranda. I was at the counter placing an order, when suddenly the kitchen door opened and out walked this shy, but pleasant man who smiled politely and shuffled out through the main door as quickly as he came. It never occurred to me at the time, that he would soon become one of my closest friends. And he did. Not a day went by where we would not speak to one another. At times, if I’d been occupied with work, he’d ring me up and ask me if I was mad at him. The aftermath of which usually involved me reprimanding him for being silly. But he wasn’t being silly. He was actually, genuinely concerned. “Vannakam Saar” that’s how we would begin. And we would talk… about everything. From Coco Veranda to Kopi Luak, cantankerous customers to twitter tactics, life, our families, our way of living, religion; even switching from English to Tamil (depending on who was around so that we could have a private chuckle to ourselves) and he was a man for a good laugh, as I’m sure all of us who knew him would confirm. But that was Sarath’s greatest asset. He excelled at building relationships, nay friendships and above all, fostering them; between family, friend and associate alike. And in so much as he was committed to his friends, he was also selfless in his treatment towards them. This was particularly evident in his treatment of his staff, who he’d always care for as though he would care for a member of his own family. Remarkable you might say, not really. Not if you knew the man. It’s just the kind of man he was. The good and decent kind. Honest, sincere, respectful, kind, obliging and painfully polite, he always gave a hundred percent and never, ever asked for anything in return. I think back on him every day and I don’t imagine I can ever forget the smile, nor the infectious laugh or the infuriating practical jokes. What amazes me is that I never thought he would have made such an impression on my life as he did; that I would miss his company, his counsel, camaraderie and above all else, his mischievous smile and infectious laugh as much as I do now. Such a man, in such times as today, we hardly ever see and probably will never see again. Here’s to you, my friend. Rest in peace. You are missed by us all. Salut!
Posted on: Mon, 20 Jan 2014 04:27:52 +0000
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