At the beginning of my final semester of Engineering, I have written this letter addressing my father. This reflects my current state of mind, confusions around career choice and steps ahead.

I never knew, this would eventually be my last ever piece of writing, my father would ever read!

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Dear Beloved Baba,

I take it as a pleasure in writing this letter for you, almost at the end of my engineering journey. Although I’ve returned from the home just few weeks back, but felt like some conversations have remained unfinished, which can’t get executed over a call or WhatsApp.

Therefore, a letter stands strong in this regard to serve as the mode of communication. Kindly read this with an open heart and a jovial smile.

First of all, I stay concerned for your health since the time you’ve been under diagnosis by the abled doctor from the premier medical institutions like Tata Memorial Hospital and AIIMS.

I still remember that scary morning of September 2019, when Bhai had asked me to get back home as quicker as possible to spend some time with you, before you fly to Mumbai for the treatment.

Since then, there hasn’t been a single day, when I haven’t been in touch with Mama regarding the updates on your health and the medications followed.

Somehow, the courage and mental strength, which have been shown by you at this hour of need, is truly incredible! I take this as an inspiration to grow through the tough phases of life.

In the August 2016, I left home to pursue computer science studies in Burla. Although the regrets of not getting access to an eminent institution like IIT have moved out of mind and I’ve grown up in the last 4 years to stand strong in the face of adversity thrown by the corporate world.

I take complete responsibility for my low performances on the scale of grades during engineering, but that doesn’t make me a failure or looser by any means.

During this period I’ve polished my personality with many skillsets much sought after in the market and also enabled myself with the possibilities to subscribe into the bigger picture of life.

In fact, my fear of facing people has gone forever and now addressing a class full of students and teachers have turned my biggest strength.

I’m in the process of becoming a professional! I’d never let you and your trusts down. I no more dwell in the ignorance and delusion of knowledge like I used to do, during my medical preparation days.

I feel fortunate to have an exposure like the internship in Delhi last year, which was financially fuelled by you. This has equipped me with the strength of real world corporate cultures.

Although I’ve applied for Coal India this month and in pursuit of other placement possibilities, I’d be thankful at you for not overburdening me with the educational loans which could have been a hindrance on the path of my professional exploration.

Not appearing GATE exam isn’t something I’d regret ever, rather I’m striving for the places or the opportunities where I could meet the higher version of my existence.

Therefore, kindly do away with all of your worries regarding my career. My works have been proceeding at full swing and the right things would happen.

I understand that my habit of reading books outside the syllabus might concern you, making you worry that it could affect my future employment. But rest assured, that's never going to be the case.

Consistent reading have enriched my mind with proper nutrients and that could be easily reflected in my work ethics.

In fact, from the last semester, I’ve given engineering studies the top priority and yet maintained my creative pursuits side by side to lead a balanced life.

It’s you, who has taught us the significance of hardships and high dreams in life. Your journey, from a semi-literate remote village to the capital city of our state, throws the challenge at us to take the legacy ahead and move towards even higher versions of life.

With the right kind of support from bhai and moral lessons from Mama, my character has got shaped over the course of time, for which I’d remain indebted at everyone forever.

Without all of you, I’m nothing! I could assure you of all sorts of sincere efforts at my end and would urge you to take the best possible care of your health and everyone around.

Take Care, Baba!

With Love,

Sourav