Oh my love...

Whenever we talk of role models and ideal examples, we always imply achievers in the real world.. Its always patriotic heroes, sportsmen or actors and sometimes even authors, poets, artists.. A few here and there talk of their folks at home, maybe parents or siblings closely followed by cousins and aunts and uncles, etc.. Post 26/11 Mumbai attack, the NSG commandos have made it to the most favored list too!!

I do not say that is wrong nor do I wish to say what I say next, because I consciously choose to be different from everyone. Yes, I hate to be a part of a crowd or one in chorus.. I like being in the limelight and I'm not ashamed to say that!! As for being grouped into a category, I detest it unless I myself approve of the folks already present in that so called category.. A certain “Nam Gang-u” and “d3musketeers” for that instance, I’m involved there by choice..

But this question of choosing a role model, I must confess I’m yet to meet someone who has similar view point to mine. All I want to say is this…

How do we define a role model?? My definition is that of a person who –
Has absolutely no flaws
Is passionate for a cause, come what may
Is practical yet sensitive
Is the epitome of integrity and responsibility
Is strength of character personified, yet bold enough to accept when wrong

I can probably add a few more qualities but these five points are enough to show how idealistic the whole issue is. Also, I’m surer that sure that there is/was never a person ever in this whole wide world who can fit the bill!!

So after a rendezvous with many people who marginally fit the role by meeting one or more of the listed qualities but never all, I saw what I wanted.. He was there all the while, in my very vicinity but never considered.. I’d seen him but never noticed..

Most people who know me, are aware of my obsession for the works of Ayn Rand and Atlas Shrugged being the top favorite. A few close friends also know that I treat my copy of that book like its my baby.. In that regard, I want to say that Francisco d’Anconia is my perfect role mode!!!!

I know folks who have read and got carried away by Atlas Shrugged claim John Galt as God.. The fanatic followers of Objectivist philosophy are great admirers of John Galt and also Howard Roark who is apparently the “incarnation of the perfect man”. I do not oppose their views but its just that it was Francisco who appealed to me more than anyone else!! John Galt and Howard Roark stuck me as the perfect protagonists but somehow Francisco came more alive and seemed more real.

When Francisco said he would do something, he meant doing it superlatively. His passion to stick to what is right, his sensitive yet practical nature, and just about everything is worthy of appreciation. He loved and lived life.. He is everything I have looked for in a role model and which is precisely why I wouldn’t be wrong in saying he is the perfect love of my life!!

Francisco is a fictional character and therefore his qualities are definitely exaggerated!! It is not possible to live life the way Ayn Rand describes that Francisco did. To even try with such intensity is preposterous; one cannot survive in a real society with such ideals or morals. But if anyone can take a few leaves by his example and learn to love and live life that way it ought to be loved and lived, their life by all means is a success.

I now realize how I can love my life and make every precious minute of it worthwhile. I’m thankful God has given me the opportunities I now have and I realize there are folks without that also. I realize that to do something means to do it superlatively and nothing can compromise that!! I understand that every single choice I make, no matter how trivial, echoes what kind of a person I am. I declare that all relationships in my life are the ones I make consciously with my full judgment, and not merely due to forged bonds, though I’m polite enough to acknowledge all acquaintances, blood related or otherwise. To directly quote Ayn Rand, I will say “I think, therefore I am!!”

To have made all this possible, I’m eternally indebted to Ayn Rand and of course, the particular character of her magnum opus, Francisco d’Anconia.

You, who is so deeply engraved in my heart and soul, in my senses and emotions, in my choices and decisions, in my work and in fact, in my whole personality.. My friend, philosopher and guide.. My role model.. My biggest challenge.. My greatest addiction.. My baby.. Me, myself..

You are the perfect love of my life!!!