There are some people who live life on their own terms, not out of arrogance, but from inner self-confidence and understanding of life that their security does not come from the opinion of others, but from their own integrity. Dad was one of them. As I reflect on the person he was, I can see shades of me that are deeply influenced by him. His life has been a learning for me.
He was an amazing businessman who understood the value of being fair. The dealership relationships he set up over sixty years ago still continue in our business. The first thing I remember him telling me when I started work at the age of sixteen was – ‘Never avoid a customer when there are quality issues, and never dodge a creditor if you have a cash flow problem. No matter what the pressure, always be available and work towards solving it. People will support you if they see you are not running away.’ He taught me how to build a strong company.
He was resilient and tough. He shared his stories of being disrupted at the age of nine during partition, starting a factory where he himself worked on the machines, managing a crisis when his raw material was seized in Karachi port during the ’71 war, and navigating through several unforeseen situations, including a near-death illness, which needed an emergency operation in Srinagar and left him recovering for two years when he was just 40. He taught me how to truly live the maxim he oft quoted – ‘this too shall pass.’
He knew how to charm people. He never missed an opportunity to tell me about his handsome looks and his girlfriends in college. Age never stopped him, he charmed the nurse who vaccinated him a month ago, making her blush by telling her what an angel she was. He had a way with people. He taught me how to build relationships.
He was a paradox. He was more liberal than most and yet steeped in tradition in his own way. He would never start a venture on a Saturday, though I would often argue that every day is as good. And yet when I discussed my marriage, having prepared myself for a long discussion, given that it was inter-faith, the entire conversation lasted all of two minutes. His love and acceptance were unconditional. He taught me how to live and let live.
He let go of the reins of the business and allowed me my mistakes. He allowed me to learn the hard way but made sure I never broke. He guided me without interfering, and yet held me when I was shaken. He taught me what it meant to be there for someone, no matter what.
He was a father who became a friend. There was an unwritten bond of complete trust and understanding. On matters of money and property, we would decide in no more than three minutes, and yet as friends, we could differ for hours on politics and convention.
Passing away is inevitable. Some gaps cannot be filled, and yet he has filled my life with so much love, learning, and gratitude that he will be missed and cherished at the same time. Love you Dad !
(Picture- Gul Asrani : 6/11/38 ~ 24/7/21)
❤️
Truly someone who guided and mentored whoever worked with him. I am blessed to be one among those fortunate who got this opportunity. Some people who often did mistakes found him to be very agressive but those who understood his nature quickly learnt how to navigate. This was one of his way to teach. Very passionate about what he did and got into the minute details of things. If he saw someone trying to learn on his own and making mistakes he would quietly allow to do so that when the person learnt by himself that would be the best learning of his lifetime.
He is not there physically but is always guiding us and making sure we do our best.
Thank you uncle for the all the time we spent together and teachings that your gave me….
Miss you the most…
Vivek ,Rashida
There is Peace of mind as your father has earned his place in the
highest abode of Hari.
The article you wrote on your father is inspiring.
He was a man of high character, wonderful husband, a successful loving mentor and father , indulgent father in law , grand-father, friend and business person !
On the few occasions we had good fortune to meet him, I found him to be very charming, fun-loving , humorous , friendly and warm ! These traits are gifts that you have all inherited from him and built up. Truth is so much of you father lives on in you and your children!
Stay Blessed , Stay inspired!
Vivek ,Rashida
There is Peace of mind as your father has earned his place in the
highest abode of Hari.
You are Blessed to have had father, who was mentor and friend !
He was a man of high character, wonderful husband, a successful loving mentor and father , indulgent father in law , grand-father, friend and business person !
On the few occasions we had good
fortune to meet him, I found him to be very charming, fun-loving , humorous , friendly and warm ! These traits are gifts that you have all inherited from him and built up. Truth is so much of you father lives on in you and your children!
Stay inspired!
Beautiful words Vivek- it’s is with much sadness I learnt of your Dad’s passing but what beautiful memories you share and what energy he had . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time . Hari Om 🙏
What a beautiful tribute for a beautiful soul. Gul was such a relaxed person that he could ease out any stressful situation. His love for his grandchildren was evident in his conversations.
May he rest in eternal peace with the Almighty.
We are very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. You have great memories and there forever. May your dad rest in peace. John Lily.
So beautifully expressed 🌹🌹life does not end His Blessings will always be with all of you 🙏🙏Ganga
Please accept my condolences for your father passing away. 🙏
Sounds like he lived to the fullest and will live on in many ways. The form has ended the consciousness lives on!
Vivek, one of the best… directly touched the core of my heart. You recreated Gul bhaisaab for me…all the shades of personality that I knew of plus a few new ones. And in the process of your sharing I am discovering you. Words fail me in describing my joy and elation.
Vivek, you have taken me back on a memory trip….it was just yesterday that we were one family. Many evening tete a tete filled with warmth and sweet nothings with Dadaji and later with Gul bhaisaab.
Cheers Gul.
An astonishing, charming, frank n fearless person. A person who meant much to me. Being a competitor in business made him our friend. We would talk of n on n meet casually at the CCI club. Never grudged me for being a competitor. He leaves for a better place to be in , now beside The Almighty. God Bless his pious and noble soul. 🙏🙏
Extremely sorry for your loss dear Vivek.
Is there something I can help you with or through at this time, just shout.
What a beautiful tribute to your dad! What a lasting impression of a life well lived in serving others. 🙏
RIP…His smiling presence shall be missed….Living LIFE always to the fullest…… LOVE and RESPECT..
Beautifully expressed Viv!
I can relate in some small way, in a much as he chatted with me often, in those days soon after I lost my dad early. Always teaching, without preaching.
He will be missed.
RIP Gul uncle. 🙏
Amazingly expressed Vivek Bhaiya!!
Sorry for the loss, his memories will be always in our heart , love you always Gul Uncle …
Simply lovely
Such a touching tribute Vivek. May his soul rest in peace.
What a beautiful tribute to your dad, our dear Gul Jiju… Vivek ❤️❤️
You have summed up his entire persona and characteristics in this very touching and beautiful reflection!.
He was indeed a man of superr strength of character and conviction,combined with unmatched leadership qualities!
Together with your dear mom, they raised the most grounded, and beautiful children in Ritika and you!
She contributed by inculcating sound moral values and spirituality in the two of you and her mild, loving and kind disposition kept you humble and grounded!
This upbringing was complemented by dad’s dynamism, his sharp intellect
in helping you solve any problems and guidance in overcoming hurdles you have encountered in your lifetime.
His loss is tremendous for our family and we will miss him sorely.
He left behind a great legacy and responsibility for you to step into his shoes
and continue to love , guide, nurture and look after the entire family ..
We love you Jiju ,miss you and will ever cherish memories of all the happy tines spent with you!🤗🌹💕
Beautiful !
Vivek
You have expressed this beautifully and taken us down memory lane to recall all those special moment os joy and pain but i will remember him as the singer with a passionate voice and lots of warmth and love . RIP Gul uncle
Beautiful tribute Viv!
Truly a lot to learn from the way he lived his life, his beliefs and his values (including his ability to charm virtually anyone and everyone).
If we could all emulate some of these, we would have lived a meaningful life
Beautiful tribute.🙏May he rest in peace.
Beautiful tribute – love you both & here for you
What a lovely tribute! He was a very gentle and affable soul. Though we meet rarely, whenever we did it was a pleasure. Many years ago he would occasionally drop in at my workplace and, being an audio buff, spend half an hour with me over a cup of cutting chai and discuss audio equipment. I would look forward to his visits but did not see him the last few years.
Rest in peace my friend.
Beautiful eulogy Vivek. ❤️
Wonderfully expressed, Vivek. Your intense respect and love for your Dad’s values, qualities and affection, and as your Guru in your path of life, are beautifully captured in your writing. I am sure Gul’s blessings for you will guide you throughout your life. Take care.
Thanks for sharing such wonderful moments, Vivek. Your friendship with your dad was super special.
A beautiful tribute!!
May God give you all strength to bear this loss and peace to the departed soul.
In few words you bring out with great beauty an indescribable bond
Om Shanthi ❤️🙏
It was almost surreal to read this. My mother is reading your book and enquired about your father on the day he passed away
♥ Lovely Vivek, your Dad lives on in you and the countless lives he has undoubtedly touched. My loss entirely to not have met him.
Prayers and hugs 🙏🏼
A wonderful person to have been associated with. When I started my car rental business, the banks did not finance me. He came to my rescue and funded my cars. From one to half a dozen. We had a lot in common whether about life or politics. He will be missed by all.
Lovely piece Vivek. The words that flow from your mind and heart through your pen is like a river moving majestically towards her ocean with grace dignity and serenity. Your source of inspiration was and is your father and you are the source of inspiration for hundreds who read your blogs. So your father (and mother) continues to be the instrumental cause for inspiring hundreds. Let his memory continue through your writings
What a lovely tribute to your Dad, Vivek.
His legacy lives on through you and the lives that you are impacting.
May your Dad’s soul Rest In Peace !
Beautifully written Viv!
I remember him chatting me up often, soon after I lost dad early… always teaching, without preaching.
He will be missed.
RIP Gul uncle 🙏
Beautifully expressed Vivek!
Like you said, some voids can never be filled…
May uncle find peace on his onward journey. My love and prayers are with all of you.
An amazing tribute to a very special father from a remarkable son. I now understand and appreciate the special upbringing you have been blessed with. God Bless and give you strength.
He was my favourite- his live for music and my father was something else. I will miss him dearly.
Great tribute !
RIP sir !
Cherish the memories !
🙏🙏
Deepest condolences on your loss . May his would be in eternal peace.
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So beautifully expressed, Vivek! He will live on through you, Ritika and the boys, in all the little things. Much love to Vji and to all of you ❤️
So touching! N so lovely!
Straight from your heart! 💕
A well-loved father. What more could he have needed?
A well-loved father. What more could he have needed?
Few are lucky to have such a wonderful father whose son is the proof of his greatness.
Beautifully written Vivek! My thoughts and prayers are with you and all at home…. Much love ❤️
Lucky son; Lucky parents.
Very nice words. Your father still alive in your heart. These words demonstrate it.
Beautiful words that express pure emotions of saudade, Vivek.
I didn’t get the pleasure to meet Mr. Gul Asrani in person, but can see just the kind of positive impact he had on the ones around him as well as the wonderful legacy he left behind.
Our heart goes out to the Asrani family for its loss. and may Mr. Gui Asrani rest in peace.
Lester and Andy Chuang, on behalf of Team EVERWIN