My Super Hero

Who is your Super Hero ? A smart man like Iron man or a strong man like Hulk or a loyal man like Thor or a courageous man like Captain America. There are numerous superheroes in our imagination, but we all have that one superhero who holds a special place in our lives.

 Allow me to share with you the story of my superhero, who hailed from a humble village in Odisha. Born on the 5th of May in 1954, he faced the loss of his father at a tender age. Despite this early hardship, he excelled in his studies and carried the weight of his family's responsibilities with grace and understanding.

 He relocated to Ganjam and began working diligently in a private firm. His strong work ethic was truly admirable. He possessed a kind and compassionate nature, always ready to give and forgive others. He was deeply spiritual and had a preference for dressing in white kurtas. Engaging in kirtan and bhajans, he found immense joy in devotional singing. His unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna was evident as he would chant Krishna's name, completing 1 mala (108 beads) a remarkable 16 times each day.

 He was not only an avid reader but also a passionate writer. His room was adorned with shelves filled with books and diaries, a testament to his love for literature. He would intricately narrate the tales of Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Bhagavad Gita, with every sloka on the tip of his tongue. Writing became his medium to express his deep insights on Lord Krishna, karma, and life itself. In addition to his literary pursuits, he was also musically inclined, playing the flute and harmonium and even composing songs.

 This incredible superhero is none other than my beloved Daddy.

 He was a talented artist and painter. Today, our ability in painting and sketching is largely due to the artistic genes we inherited from him. In addition to his artistic pursuits, he was an avid cricket and WWE fan. He also had a passion for riding bikes.

 He was not only a great mathematician but also a champion in playing chess. During my school days, many of my friends would visit our home specifically to learn math from him. His expertise in the subject was renowned, and he generously shared his knowledge with others. While I considered myself an average student in math, I often wished I had inherited his mathematical prowess. 

 He was an exceptional cook. On every special occasion, such as New Year, Diwali, and Dusshera, he would prepare mouthwatering dishes for us. From Veg Pulao and Kheer to Lemon Rice, Biryani, Paneer Curry, and Dahi Pachadi, his culinary creations were a delight to savor. Whenever our friends or family friends visited our home, he would graciously cook non-vegetarian dishes for them, such as chicken curry, egg curry, and fish fry. His skills in the kitchen brought joy and delicious flavors to our gatherings.

 He was an incredible fighter. Starting from 2012, he battled against cancer with unwavering strength. He underwent two major operations in 2012 and 2017, which can only be described as miracles. His body bravely endured ten cycles of chemotherapy, three rounds of immunotherapy, and ten sessions of radiotherapy. The pain he experienced is beyond words, yet he never forgot to chant Krishna's name. It is heart-wrenching to see such a beautiful soul endure such suffering.

 During the lockdown, we would watch episodes of Mahabharatha together. The last three days in the hospital were incredibly tough for me, seeing him lying on the bed unconscious. Although I wasn't sure if he could hear me, I would continue talking and play his favorite Mahabharatha episodes on my phone. On one particular day, something clicked in my mind, as if he was silently expressing his desire to see my mom and younger sister. After an hour, around 6 pm on May 12th, he passed away, the same day he was discharged from the hospital. I believe he is still with us. We can feel his presence and his energy surrounding us. However, I can't help but wish I had more time to spend with him. He possessed all the qualities of a superhero, and he will always be my superhero.

 

A digital painting by my sister.