My brother and I would like to thank you all for gathering here with us today, as we prepare our loving father for his final journey to the Lord.  

Over the past four days since Daddy peacefully breathed his last, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from so many people from across the world—family, friends, dad’s ex colleagues, our neighbours from Bombay, the wonderful sisters and staff at St Thomas Villa in Thivim, where he spent the last 1.5 years. Everyone who ever met him or even just heard of him, are all deeply saddened by this irreparable loss. They have only nice things to say about him. He brought so much joy to everyone around him. To know him, truly, is to love him.

Daddy lived a wonderful, fulfilled life, and his journey has been a rich tapestry of all of life’s joys and blessings, as well as trials and tribulations. He was a loving and devoted eldest son to his parents, a pillar of strength and support to his two younger brothers, whom he doted upon. He loved and adored all his nieces and nephews, and their children too. And to the three of us—our mother, my brother and me—he was our entire world. And we were his. Nothing was more important to him than family. He had all the qualities of a good human being—kind, compassionate, generous to a fault, always pleasant, co-operative, never complaining, hard-working, diligent and passionate. He had a large heart and an even larger appetite for life.

He worked hard to provide for his family, beginning at the tender age of 17, forfeiting his own education and professional aspirations to lovingly support his parents and siblings. Later, he did the same when he had a family of his own. Everything that he did was for us. My brother and I have grown up feeling so loved and fiercely protected by our caring dad. We watched him work hard, love gently and live life to the fullest, always with a bright smile on his face. Ask anyone who has ever met him, and the first thing they will remember is his beautiful smile. It can light up your soul.

Over the last couple of decades, Daddy had to face several challenges. In what he had hoped would be his peaceful, stress-free retirement years, he had to deal with a heart attack, followed by a quadruple bypass surgery, and then Parkinson’s disease. But he took it all in his stride, along with the love and care provided by our mother who focused completely on him. 

Six years ago, we lost Mummy in a tragic accident, just a few metres from here. The devastating loss of a spouse, coupled with the rapid progression of a cruel disease like Parkinson’s is more than anyone can handle. My brother and I attempted to pick up the pieces and do our best for Daddy. And Daddy lovingly put himself in our care. 

I had big shoes to fill as his primary care giver. Our mother was a professional nurse, after all. I did my best with the support of my brother. We tried to ease Daddy’s pain as much as possible, and make his life as comfortable as we could. We indulged him like a child, and he felt proud to be pampered by his two brats. 

People tell me I went above and beyond for my father, sacrificing my own dreams and aspirations. They say he was lucky to have a daughter like me. I’m sure my brother has received the same compliments for being such a wonderful son. But speaking for myself personally, I don’t see it as a great sacrifice. I did it because I chose to, because I wanted to, and because it came naturally to me. Caring for my father was my aspiration, even though it’s one of the most challenging things I’ve done. But what I’ve done for him is not even one per cent of what he's done for my brother in me. And he did it all with a smile, without any complaints. 

It's tough for me to be brief or even objective when it comes to my father, but I just want you all to know how truly unique he is. And thank you all for the comfort and solace during this difficult time. Every single message and phone call means the world. I feel like all the lights have been dimmed and the world has gone dark ever since my Daddy passed away. But I will find the courage to continue on this road called life—always remembering him, being inspired by him, celebrating his life and trying my best to follow in his footsteps. I was his pet and my mom always complained that he spoiled me and my brother. Daddy proudly accepted that accusation and would always say, “I want my children to have everything that I didn’t have.” And so, he gave us all that and so much more. Both our parents did. To honour Daddy is also to honour Mummy.

Daddy, I know you’re smiling up there, cracking your jokes, and making everyone in heaven fall in love with you, just as you did on earth.

Go in peace, my angel.

We love you, even more if that’s possible.

Thank you.

* The eulogy I gave at my dad's funeral on 7 February 2023. He passed away peacefully on 4 February 2023