Appreciations
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He
was a beacon who showed the light and path to success
Shabbir started his garment manufacturing business, at the age of 19, having turned down his university acceptance in the USA. With 20 machines and 40 workers, he ran his business out of a disused cinema hall in Dehiwala. Even in this unglamorous setting, the factory was neat and orderly without a chair out of place. From here on, Shabbir's business grew by leaps and bounds. Although the reasons for his continued success are best known only to him, we can learn from his inimitable style. Shabbir was a rare blend of humility and steely determination. He was never ashamed to admit his mistakes and apologize when he was wrong. He always sought advice, not just from business consultants and those he admired, but also from his team and even his junior employees. Once, a young graduate employee asked him, “How did you become so successful at such a young age?” Without hesitation he replied, "By being totally focused on what I wanted." Shabbir never wavered in his single-minded determination to achieve the dreams he had for his company and himself. Those who knew Shabbir would say that he never stopped. He was always in a hurry and wanted things done in record quick time. Once, when asked why he never rested - he smiled and said, "Life is too short to take naps." He expected others to keep pace with him, which was like running an endless marathon - especially as he was always quite a bit ahead of you. Together with his focused determination and boundless energy, Shabbir also had a tremendous amount of discipline. Whether it was to complete his gruelling work- out sessions, his strict diet or making it to a meeting on time despite feeling sick, he never wavered, once a decision had been made. As a leader, he evolved into being a motivator and mentor to his team. It was difficult to work for him and not be influenced by his strong leadership style. Although theories and abstract concepts bored him, when faced with problems, employees knew he would help them find a way out or come up with a completely unorthodox suggestion that was previously inconceivable. He was quick to make decisions - mostly relying on the facts at hand and his uncanny gut instinct. This perceptive side of his character was unique to him. Before an issue surfaced, Shabbir had the ability to anticipate it and act accordingly. While making tough business decisions, Shabbir's compassionate nature would become evident. The employee's needs, his family considerations and emotional well-being were always considerations. When people were in trouble, he would help them out quietly, without saying much. Some of his magnanimous actions came to light only after his death. Shabbir was always known for his honour and integrity. Over the years, he built up so much credibility with those he worked with that deals and transactions were purely based on his word. If he committed himself to something, however small, he made sure that he would deliver, as promised. At work and play, Shabbir was passionate about anything he took on. He constantly urged his team to "stretch" themselves. All goals had to be beyond the "comfortable" range for him to be pleased. Generally shy and never boastful, Shabbir was really an introvert who preferred to spend time with those he was comfortable with. However, when his work required him to head a team, to be a presenter or a host, he did very well. Maintaining balance in our lives is something we all strive to do. Shabbir seemed to have it down to a fine art. Somehow, he did it all -spent time with his family, worked 12- hour days, exercised vigorously, travelled extensively, had daily dinner meetings and never cancelled a planned meeting. He always made his family a priority. Although he never spoke about his own successes, Shabbir took immense pride in his family's accomplishments. Finally, one cannot complete a profile of Shabbir without acknowledging the risk-taker that he was. It is fair to say that Shabbir thrived - and died - pursuing risk. It was the uncertainty, the fear, the challenge, and eventually the thrill of conquering the seemingly impossible that propelled Shabbir on. Shabbir's tragic and untimely demise has left a void in many hearts. His death is a loss to his family, his group of companies, the apparel industry and to Sri Lanka. In life, Shabbir was a beacon showing us the light and the path to success. In death, we hope that he will continue to guide us towards achieving what we have set out to do…. "The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high as to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down upon us." A friend A
courageous man Mr. Pathmanathan was a cricketer of repute and represented the Royal College cricket team that toured Australia in the late 1930s. Born to a family of eight children, he was the second son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Sundaram who were held in high esteem in Cinnamon Gardens. At the time he migrated to London, he was the Assistant Secretary of the Ceylon Cricket Association. He also officiated as an umpire in the Sara Trophy matches in the late 1950s. He faced every situation in life courageously much to the admiration of many. He was Chief Shroff at the State Bank of India and later was an Executive in the American Embassy in Colombo. It was during this time I came to know him more intimately. His sense of humour and endearing ways earned him the respect of all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Bala We
will meet someday You
thought you were a worry to us all. To
repay her generosity somehow My
lingering years in the same boat am I Son,you
will always be remembered with devotion Nirosha, you remember that by a sudden decision on June 23, 2001, we visited the famous Shiva temples in India, Chithamparam, Thiruvannamalai, Seerkali and Kanchi and you were happy about this visit which was two months before your final M.B.B.S. exam. Furthermore you and I drank the milk from the milk abishekam of Lord Shiva at Chithamparam.Later on July 1, 2001 you visited Gayathri Temple and Hanuman Temple at Nuwara Eliya. On our return I gave you a coconut to be broken in front of Lord Ganesha, which you did, and I mentioned that you should get a Distinction in Medicine. But on July 6, instead of this distinction in Medicine, you received a higher status in the celestial divine world. But why should this happen? Nirosha,
I believe that only you are aware that I have lost all my happiness
and mental peace, since you left me. Bindu Mandala Vasini Nama!!! Loving Dada, Dr. Srideva With
a gentle smile you helped us all Diploma
in Bible studies you did obtain, Your
daughter and son-in-law, specialized as general physicians, |
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