At 1.30 am, i heard a car starting. I woke up to see whether any theft was being attempted. What i saw was my neighbour's daughter getting into the car (after closing the main gate). I immediately knew that her dad, who was hospitalized, must have had some complication. He took his last breath today . His age must be around 75.
We have heard of lots of rags to riches stories. He lived through one, being the protagonist himself. From a penniless child to a multi - millionaire, his life has been an inspiration to the people around here. Many have sought his blessing while starting new ventures. I remember even an autowala's family taking his blessings while their son was embarking his life as an auto owner & driver. Yet few people outside Dombivli know him or his journey, for, he always liked to keep a low profile.
Normally when we think of any person, we always get a mixed baggage of feelings. There are some good impressions and then there are some bad impressions. However Mr. Natu is a man who has always evoked only positive feelings. It is amazing. But this is what comes out of a life lived to the fullest.
After my first year of MBA in 2008, we chanced to meet on the stairs. While moving down, he gave me two points of his business values, which have become a part of my own consciousness.
1. Always think big - He said that he was always amazed at how people think small and live small, worrying incessantly about EMI's, rejected loan applications,security etc . They never get out of the trap. So always think big. Don't live a hand-to-mouth existance.
2. Keep a very low profile and build your inner strength- This is one value which i espouse myself. He said we need to keep a low profile. He himself kept such low a profile that even his relatives/neighbours didn't know about his meteroic rise. Also people won't feel threatened and so they won't try to bring us down. While maintaining a low profile, we need to grow strong from within.
A life so successful is unfortunately not documented (to my knowledge). His daughters who run & grow the businesses now may take time out some day to pen his life. And even that will inspire many. As in life, so after.
May his soul rest in peace.
Amen
