Yog Rahi Gupta
It was a somber day in Winnipeg, Canada, as I made my way to the funeral of my dear friend and community leader, Ramesh. News of his tragic car accident had shaken our close-knit community to its core. The funeral hall was packed with people whose lives Ramesh had touched.
As I entered, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of mourners. It was a testament to the incredible impact Ramesh had on our community. A hush fell over the room as one of his close associates began to speak, recounting Ramesh’s remarkable journey.
Ramesh had arrived in Winnipeg in 1969, a young immigrant with dreams of a better life. His early years were marked by struggle and hard work. He took on physically demanding jobs, including working in the machine shop at CP Rail. Despite the hardships, he never lost his spirit or his drive to help others.
In the late years of his career, an opportunity arose, and Ramesh started his own business. His dedication and entrepreneurial spirit led him to success, but he never forgot his roots. He was a generous man, always ready to lend a helping hand. I remember the countless times we volunteered together at the soup kitchen, serving meals to those in need. His generosity and kindness were boundless.
The speaker continued, highlighting Ramesh’s numerous achievements and his unwavering commitment to the community. His tireless efforts in charity work and volunteerism had earned him the respect and admiration of many.
For many years, it was a cherished routine for Mr. Ramesh and me. Every month, we would visit No Frills together to purchase dry goods, canned beans, and boxes of cereal. These essential items would then be delivered to Harvest, a charitable organization headquartered off McPhillips in Winnipeg. Our monthly trips not only strengthened our bond but also reaffirmed our commitment to supporting those in need within our society.
Then, the priest conducting the funeral prayer stepped forward. His voice was calm and steady as he shared a few valuable insights about life’s journey. “Ramesh’s life teaches us that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the love and kindness we share with others,” he said. “We are all travelers on a path, and our time here is fleeting. We own nothing in this world; we merely rent it for a short while.”
The priest continued, “Think of a house or land you may buy. You’ve only paid rent for the years you have left on this earth. None of it belongs to you. The car you drive is merely transportation for as long as it lasts or as long as you live. Marriage gives you companionship, but no one owns each other, and children are the continuation of life, not possessions. Even money, which many chase after, is just a medium to buy what you need during your time here. The currency belongs to the central bank, not you. When you retire, your pension supports you until your time ends, and the food you eat is disposed of back into the earth.”
He paused to let the words sink in. “Our very bodies, which we cherish the most, do not belong to us. The earth will reclaim them when the time comes. Life itself is borrowed, and it will surely be returned. So, let us not be afraid of losing anything, for we own nothing here.”
As I listened, I couldn’t help but reflect on the profound truth in those words. Ramesh’s life had been a shining example of selflessness and compassion. His grown-up children, both successful professionals, stood nearby, their faces a mixture of sorrow and pride. They looked around the crowded room, seeing the countless lives their father had touched, and felt an immense sense of pride in his legacy.
After the service, I found myself lost in memories of the times Ramesh and I had spent together. We had shared so many values, dreams, and moments of joy and sorrow. His friendship had been a cornerstone of my life, and the thought of moving forward without him was heartbreaking.
As I left the funeral, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose. Ramesh’s life was a reminder that the true measure of a person is not in what they own but in how they touch the lives of others. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to the community would live on in all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
Moral: True wealth lies not in material possessions but in the love and kindness we share with others. Life is fleeting, and what matters most is the legacy of goodness we leave behind. We own nothing on this earth; we are merely stewards of borrowed time and resources.
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