I knew bits and pieces of my grandfather's life from what he and others told me. Now when I recollect stories of him, I realize how inspirational he was. He was born in Kerala, India. His warrior mother lost her life when giving birth to his little sister. Soon, his father departed as well. He became an orphan at a tender age of less than 5. To survive, he worked on a paddy field.
When he was 10, his uncle brought him to Singapore via boat, where survival was not guaranteed. They lived in muddy village where the bathroom was outside. He started doing all sorts of jobs to make ends meet - selling banana fritters, delivering groceries on a bicycle, working in a canteen , selling tea to travellers near the Singapore Port and the list goes on. Simply, he was part of the pioneer generation who built the nation.
After a few years, he got married. To build a family, he bought a house in Kerala, on credit. However, when he couldn’t pay his debt, threats of seizures were sent his way. He couldn’t go back to India. He tried to settle with his family in India after few years in Singapore. However, his attempt to start a bus company in India was not successful.
40 years of struggle passed by. In 1989, his life trajectory changed. He rented a shop in Serangoon to start the first Indian Muslim restaurant in the area. Business blossomed.Even though he received no formal education, he was very sharp and had an acute business sense. He learnt multiple languages, accounting and technologies, all by himself.He showed us he learnt to grow and learning is a lifelong process.
One day, there was an attempted armed robbery. My grandfather fought back, refusing to let go of the many years of hardwork.
Despite his success, he continued to lead a humble and simple life. He gave back to the community and helped many, many of whom are thankful to him for getting them where they are right now.
As much as he wasn’t very outwardly with his affection, I knew he still cared about us in his own way. He wanted us to be independent and carve our own way to success with discipline and never depend on anyone. He told me that there is never a right time to realize your dream and the time is now.
In his last year, he was sick with dementia but was still sharp and direct, and remembered all of us well. He lived his 81 years of life well. He struggled and succeeded. I’m sure his parents would have been proud of him.
Thank you for being part of our life AB upuppa. He was an exemplar of courage. His positive impact and legacy will continue to live with us. May his soul rest in peace and may Allah grant him highest place in heaven. Ameen.
7 KEY TAKEAWAYS :-
1. Find your motivation. It is this motivation that will continue to drive you even as you find yourself struggling.
2. On that note, don't give up. More importantly, don't be afraid of failure. As they say, failure is the best teacher. After each failure, reflect on it and identify learning points.
3. From each situation, identify the positive. Every circumstance and struggle is an opportunity for you to succeed.
4. Be disciplined and focused. Consistency is the key to success.
5. Live humbly. For all we know, we might find ourselves needing other people's help in the future.
6. Give back to others. Generosity is always rewarded.
7. Learning is a life long process and doesn't end with a degree.
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