Page 30 - Yogesh Kusumgar Flipbook

For Pappaji
‘The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires but, in his integrity, and ability to affect those around him positively.’ – Bob Marley.
Pappaji’s life has been a beacon for us. The simplicity with which he has conducted it has had profound impact
on all. I have been indeed extremely fortunate to have
a very close association with him by the virtue of being his youngest son-in-law. Our relationship started off with a formal induction in the family with marriage to Amita, but with the years passing by it blossomed into a friendship open to discuss and understand better, subjects very close
to my heart like technology, literature, and commerce and philosophy of life. In my brief 25 years of his connection, I have observed him and his life very closely, taking lessons from all his endeavours at every step in life.
‘The first test of a truly great man is in his humility’ - John Ruskin
Pappaji’s position as the ‘Director’ of Sasmira or
his eminence in the field of Technical Textiles have remained in the forefront of his business but have never deterred him to cook and prepare sumptuous food for all. It would be commonplace to see him go to the kitchen to
check the food being prepared in strict accordance with
his process and taste. It also reflects on his passion for cooking.
Being an educationist, he has always been concerned and willing to help his children and grandchildren in their curricular activities. Both Sachi and Saumya have been lucky to have him around to help them with their studies.
Lord Krishna in Bhagwad Gita says
‘प्रजहाति यदा कामान्सर्वान्पार्थ मनोगतान्|, आत्मन्येवात्मना तुष्ट: स्थितप्रज्ञस्तदोच्यते’
to describe the ‘Stith-Pragya’, a state of mind where both loss and gains do not affect an individual. We are happy to see things through, when the going is good. But in adverse and trying times, our happiness just disappears.
It is here that a balance is required to be maintained. Lord Krishna teaches ‘the process of maintaining ‘Equilibrium’ (Stith Pragya) in all situations.
Pappaji’s unique ability to maintain his ‘Balance’ at all times and in all conditions and spheres of his life is one of the most important qualities that inspires me and prompts me to emulate it.
‘ઉપવાસ કરવો સરળ છેે, ‘સયંં મ’ પવૂૂ કર્ર્ આહાર મિુુ શ્શ્કલ
છેે ’– Vinoba Bhave.
Pappaji’s passion for cooking is directly proportional to
his love for eating. But I am amazed to see his control over his diet. When we would be eating with our hands full,
he would simply taste the delicacy and leave it. This is not once but as a way of life since the past more than 2 decades!! It speaks volumes about his ability to maintain control over his desire to consume it.
This habit of moderation and self-restrain has percolated to all his other activities of his life.
‘Hands that give are better than Lips that pray’. – Mother Teresa
Being endowed with abundance by the almighty Pappaji has always helped the deserving and needy. He has preferred that his generosity always remained anonymous.
His thirst for constant innovation is the cause of the new and diverse products
in the Kusumgar umbrella. Path breaking technologies have been developed and implemented to achieve excellence and self-reliance.
His affinity towards Religion, Spirituality, Justice and Peace has given him a crystal-clear thought process enabling him to take judicious and equitable decisions (able to resolve issues between discontented and dissatisfied business partners and familial feuds).