LIVING IN THE MARGIN

An Unsung Hero Passes Away….
By Kishore Joseph

"When you were born, you were crying and people around you were smiling. Live a life such that when you are dying you must be smiling and the people around you must be crying."

On Saturday, Dob Srinivas was smiling in his last journey, while all of us, surrounding him were crying. Srinivas (Dob to his friends) was on his two wheeler on the way to his friend's house when the pulley of a crane carrying a stone gave in accidentally and fell on him, who died instantly.

Dob was all things to all people. If you are a long time resident of Jayanagar, chances are you know him. Dob dabbled in virtually everything and moved with virtually everyone. Real estate, politics, business, et al, he had a hand in it all, and counted among his friends, film actors (it was Ambareesh who gave him the nickname of Docket), politicians, media persons, celebrities, educationists, industrialists, and even some notorious names from the underworld. To his friends, there was nothing he could not do. Want a ticket to your favorite matinee show Friday? Or a ticket to the one-day cricket match at KSCA Stadium? Searching for a blood donor? A reliable tenant for your new house? Have problem with your pesky neighbour? Or some domestic or legal problem? Want a college seat for your son or daughter? Dob used to deliver, most of the time, and never let down people who trusted him. He had a tremendous network, mainly because he had no enemies.

People close to him describe Dob as a person who lived life to the fullest, never worried about tomorrow. He never chased money or any vice and had an easy going attitude to life, taking things as they come.

The tragedy occurred when Dob was on his way from his friend Vardu's house, a daily ritual. Recalls a teary eyed Vardu, "We can't believe he is no more available for us. I still feel like he has gone abroad and will return soon." On that fateful day, Srinivas as usual buried his head in a newspaper for a few minutes, sipped coffee, and shared half a cigarette with Vardu, before leaving. Vardu's house was the adda for Srinivas and all his pals. Now, the house wears a lonely look - despite the presence of everyone except Dob. Dob Srinivas was 43 and leaves behind his wife and only son.

If there was one thing Dob was very passionate about, it was cars. He drove all kinds of cars, like a thoroughbred racer. Speed was his forte, and first timers who sat next to Dob on the wheel, swore not to accompany him once more! Not that he was rash. Dob was safer than the best driver in town. He was as safe as he was fast. But he never took part in any racing event. "Driving fast in a dedicated lane empty of all vehicles is child's play," he used to say, ridiculing such car races. "The real test is how you can drive in the rough and tumble of daily roads."
It is said that Rebel Star Ambareesh was scared of his fast and furious driving and gave him the nickname, 'Docket Driver'. That's how Srinivas became Dob.
Now, his friends are planning to perform a Shradhanjali for Dob Srinivas. The message he has left for us is, you are remembered not for your wealth, fame or achievement, but by how many people you have touched. People like Srinivas do not die, they just pass on, and remain in your hearts for ever.