MB#65: 𝙃𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙀𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙋𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙡-𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙.

[MemoirBlogthon #65] Searching through my father's documents recently, I found an unexpected treasure: an intriguing script written in Telugu, simply captioned: "In Gratefulness: About my most memorable people in my life."

MB#65: My father with Sre (Late) Maganti Subrahmanyam (standing).

I discovered a profoundly moving, two-page script my father wrote detailing the eight unforgettable people who shaped his life—from the brother-in-law who funded his education to the Chief Engineer who mentored him for 30 years. This final, handwritten tribute is the ultimate lesson in gratitude, proving that for my father, personal legacy was measured not by achievements, but by the love and support of the people he chose to honor.

Using my smartphone and Google Translate, I transcribed the script. It was a stunning revelation—a rich tribute, written in his later years, acknowledging the eight individuals who had vividly shaped his life. This document was my father's own final ledger of human capital, and reading it was a profound lesson in gratitude.

The Eight Pillars of a Well-Lived Life

My father’s list, a moving testament to his lifelong journey, was divided into family, mentors, and lifelong friends:

The Family Foundation

1. My father, Sri Suryanarayana Murthy: A school teacher who placed immense hope in his eldest son. My father felt blessed to have served and managed our large family, which included five brothers and five sisters, overseeing their education and welfare.

2. My Mother, Sreemathi Mahalakshmamma: Recalled for her unforgettable affection and support until the very end, especially when she breathed her last, calling him by the beautiful Telugu pet name 'Abbayee' (a grand boy).

3. My Grandmother, Srimathi Chebrolu Seshamma Garu: Honored for her unique and unwavering love, which my father believed would **"endure through numerous incarnations."

4. Brother-in-Law, Mushti Rama Subbarao garu: The relative who provided full support for his educational development and progress, giving him a divine opportunity to learn life lessons by participating in his business in Kakinada.

   
   

   The Professional Mentors

5. Superintending Engineer P. Narayana Rao garu: The immediate mentor under whom my father shaped his career in the Roads and Buildings Department, who gave him "immense joy" in his role at every stage.

6. Chief Engineer Krishnamohanarao garu: The special person who supported my father's welfare and progress for about 30 years in the department, and who was the "first person that comes to my mind if I consider job development."

   
   

   The Sacred Friendships

7. High Court Lawyer Vinjamuri Jogayya Sarma garu: A trusted legal counsel who fought and won his petition before the Andhra Pradesh Administrative Tribunal after his compulsory retirement. My father admired his way of helping others with "selfless love and affection."

8. Industrialist Sri Maganti Subrahmanyam garu: The one last lived person on his list who provided unstinted support for over 25 years of retired life in Vijayawada, always available for lending a hand—be it for monetary matters, religious functions, or family events.

   
   

The Legacy of Gratitude

This document was not a professional bio; it was a philosophical statement. Many people come and go during our lifetime, but only a few "reside even in our eternal life." My father proved that paying gratitude to those who put their hand on our shoulder is a great virtue.

The ultimate validation of this list came hours after my father passed away. Sri Maganti Subrahmanyam garu (Point 8) rushed to the hospital. As the only surviving person on the list present, he consoled all the siblings and paid a tribute by reciting sacred Sanskrit slokas. He declared in our presence, "Sri Sastry garu is forever the greatest person and the first person who, whether in service or after retirement from government, kept an ethical way of life with high values."

Reading this handwritten note is a lesson for the next generation on the importance of relationships. It teaches me to not only appreciate individuals but to document their contributions lifelong, just as my father did. His note has become a cornerstone of his human legacy.

MB#65: Quiz

MB65: Question: Which of the "Eight Pillars" was the only person on the list who rushed to the hospital after the father's passing and paid tribute by reciting

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• A. Superintending Engineer P. Narayana Rao garu.
• B. High Court Lawyer Vinjamuri Jogayya Sarma garu.
• C. Brother-in-law, Mushti Rama Subbarao garu.
• D. Industrialist Sri Maganti Subrahmanyam garu.

MB#65: Quote

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main." – John Donne