-The inspirational life story of Dr P C Thomas
Life
is given on a platter. It comes in all hues. It is for the individual to sketch
it the way he wants. Here is a man who envisioned and redesigned his life
amidst adversities and built an empire of trust, love and knowledge. I was one
of the lucky ones to secure a copy of the book ‘An event called LIFE: Dr P C Thomas in conversation with Shobhana Kumar’
on the day of its release. And I spent the rest of the day reading the
inspirational memoir of this extraordinary individual who created wonders out
of the ordinary.
Born
of a perfectionist mother from an aristocratic family, Thomas was fortunate to
get educated in the best academic institutions. The teachers spotted his
academic calibre, leadership skills and creative spirit early in his life. He
stood unique among his peers because of his innovative thinking, distinctive styles,
drive and determination. Cultural and social upbringing greatly influences in
shaping the personality of an individual. This is very evident in the case of
Dr P C Thomas. The initial chapters of the book contain interesting anecdotes
of his life in the ancestral house, cultural and religious exposures, and
interaction with several persons who made lasting impressions on him. One such
interaction was with C Rajagopalachari, who was the founder of the SwatantraParty and later became the Governor General of India and the Chief Minister of
Madras State. After a short interaction with young Thomas, he remarked ‘I am
impressed with your attention to detail’.
He
was a passionate teacher all along. Though, as a strict disciplinarian he
earned the nickname ‘Pinching Commander’, he was (CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE -->)
