A Legendary Life: Lessons from Dr. Ramendra Kishore Roy

Early Beginnings: A Soldier’s Journey

My paternal grandfather, Dr. Ramendra Kishore Roy—fondly known to me as Dada—was a man of resilience, ambition, and unyielding determination. Born in an era when opportunities were scarce, he began working from a very young age to support his family. Despite the challenges, he rose to become an esteemed officer in the army. His dedication to his duty and his country was matched only by his passion for learning.

The Scholar in Uniform

While serving in the army, Dada achieved a remarkable milestone: he completed his Master’s degree in English. In those days, this was no small feat, especially for someone juggling the demanding life of an army officer. His love for literature extended beyond English; he was also a master of the Bengali language and a devoted student of the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. This dual expertise made him a man of profound intellect and creativity. His writings and insights were deeply influenced by Tagore’s teachings, and he often shared this wisdom with those around him.

A New Chapter at 58

After a distinguished career in the army, most people would look forward to retirement. But not Dada. At the age of 58, he decided to embark on an entirely new journey. He enrolled in a Homeopathy medical college, dedicating four years to studying and mastering this new field. His determination to pursue education and start a second career at an age when many settle down is nothing short of extraordinary. It wasn’t just a new profession; it was his way of continuing to serve others with his knowledge and skills.

The Healing Touch: A Legacy of Service

Once he completed his studies, Dada began practising homeopathy. For almost 30 years, he devoted himself to healing others, touching countless lives with his knowledge and compassion. He was not just a doctor but a pillar of his community, a source of hope and care for those who sought his help. People admired his tireless energy and the warmth he brought to his practice, always ready to listen and provide comfort.

A Grandfather’s Influence

When I was born, Dada was in the midst of his homeopathy studies. Growing up, he became my guiding light, especially when it came to my education. Whether I needed help writing essays or understanding complex English concepts, he was always there, patiently guiding me with his wisdom. His encouragement and support fueled my own love for learning and self-improvement. He wasn’t just a mentor in academics; his life itself was a lesson in perseverance and humility.

Lessons for a Lifetime

From Dada, I learned one of the most profound lessons of life: never retire from growth. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and his commitment to serving others taught me that age is no barrier to starting anew. He showed me that life is a journey of continuous learning, and every day is an opportunity to grow, evolve, and contribute. His example instilled in me the belief that challenges are opportunities in disguise and that true success lies in how we touch the lives of others.

A Legend Lives On

Sri Ramendra Kishore Roy was more than just my grandfather; he was a legend. To me, he will always be Dada, the gentle yet determined figure whose life’s journey inspires me to embrace challenges, value education, and never stop striving for excellence. His legacy is a reminder that our purpose in life is not defined by our age but by our passion and determination to make a difference. Even today, I find myself drawing strength from his story, knowing that the seeds of perseverance he planted in me will continue to grow and bear fruit for years to come. He truly exemplified the idea that life’s greatest adventure is the one we create for ourselves, no matter our age or circumstances.

Honouring Our Roots

As I reflect on Dada’s life, I am reminded of the importance of staying connected to our roots. His story teaches us to cherish the values and lessons passed down through generations. We should remember the goodness of our roots, learn from them, and let those lessons guide us as we keep moving forward in life. In honouring his legacy, I strive to embody the same resilience, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to growth that defined his remarkable journey.