In remembrance of our father
Recent high-level summits have amplified the Global South’s voice in a changing world, while testing India’s diplomacy in different ways. Amit Agnihotri, reports
My father was a remarkable man whose strength, determination and passion for life touched everyone who knew him. He was a headmaster, radio presenter, journalist, newspaper editor, the founder and managing director of this magazine and, in his later years, a passionate advocate for democracy and public debate.
But beyond all those achievements, he was simply my dad.
Dad was also a man who broke boundaries and was never afraid to think differently. He had the courage to challenge convention and, perhaps most importantly, he gave his children the freedom to do the same.
He understood that his children would have their own ambitions, choices and ways of living, even when those choices might have been difficult for a more traditional South Asian parent to accept. Rather than holding us back, he encouraged us to find our own path, to question what was expected of us and to have the courage to step beyond the boundaries others might have placed around us. That openness and acceptance was one of his greatest strengths, and it is something I will always be grateful for.
He will always remain in my heart as the silent warrior he was, a man who carried his battles quietly, stood strong through adversity, and taught me that true strength doesn’t always need to make a noise.
Pablo
I the middle mirrored child
A silent yawn
My father, my friend, my confidant
So proud to be your daughter
You touched
Countless hearts and minds
You overcame obstacles with grace and guided us with profound insights
You built remarkable triumphs
A life of purpose
Relentless drive
Incredible achievements
Your charismatic personality
Quiet sacrifices
Your steady guidance and loving support
As the saying goes
A life well lived
A soul well loved
Always in my heart
Malbinder
One of the most profound things about dad was his passion for words. He only needed to speak a few for an individual or crowd to understand the full story, or see the whole picture. This was something I observed many times, and also experienced when seeking his support and guidance in challenging times. He taught me the power of fewer, stronger and kinder words.
His passion for imparting knowledge and giving others a chance through education would be the thing that bound our relationship later in my life.
What was so wonderful to learn about dad was how, in 1967, he became a pioneer in helping to establish a school in Nairobi,which opened its doors to boys and girls from all backgrounds. The Ofafa Jericho school is still standing today, a testament to dad’s work and values, and a true inspiration for my own purpose in life.
My work in the field of social impact would further unite dad and me in helping to create opportunities for women and children in our village in India.
It is a true privilege to be part of his legacy.
Nishy
Amit Agnihotri is a Delhi-based journalist who has worked with several national newspapers and focuses on politics and policy issues

