Meeting my guru Sahadeo Sir

After 20 long years I finally had the honour and pleasure of meeting my first Art teacher from school who laid the foundation for me-not just professionally but as a person in whole.

He is now 83 years old and has survived multiple strokes. I had promised to see him this time even if that meant travelling 16 hours by road to his place!

I am writing this post with my heart filled with pride and humility both. Pride for- being his best student which he fondly calls me and humility for I truly don’t think I deserve all the love he keeps showering on me.

I met Sahadeo Sir at his Latur residence, a city in central India, and little did I know that he and his dearest son Vijay Sahadev – had organised a grand welcome at his Academy and School (called Manoj Academy after his late son) with felicitation and wonderful presentation along with the school staff.

Knowing Sir and Vijay-Da for years, I should have known that their only way of doing things is – the right way and in the Grand way!

I had the honour of inaugurating the students art exhibition with lighting the lamp as per the tradition. But the biggest ever honour and privilege for me was to launch the first ever autobiography of Sahadeo Sir in which he has put down his entire life journey in words.

He again fondly mentions that he has put my story as his student, in 6 long pages in the book.

I don’t know many who have so much to give and so much to part away-in terms of knowledge, wealth, respect and love.

When I think about all this, I feel I am the most fortunate one and I owe my entire life and existence to Sir-for if it was not him nurturing my little talent as a young 10 year old boy, I wouldn’t be writing this and would never have followed my passion for art.

Thankyou so much Sir for all of this and more. I see the world with your eyes and it’s such a beautiful world because of you.

Love and regards as always!