From Jaitewali to the halls of academia : odyssey : roots to heights a village boy's unlikely rise

I never imagined that my life was worth a book. As an ordinary person, I thought my story could only matter to me; assuming it would not inspire anyone, beyond myself. Yet, my family: wife, our sons and their wives kept urging me to share it, and their steady encouragement turned my fear of blank page into a quiet resolve.

Yet, the question lingered: what is the point of sharing a common life? My wife reminded me that the most relatable stories are those that echo with people navigating similar ups and downs in their respective lives. It is not about becoming a global icon; it is about leaving a legacy for family and anyone who might find a piece of themselves in my experiences.

Our discussion continued, at home and on tours. During a morning walk in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, my wife gently pointed out that this rare tour of ours might inspire someone to cherish their own post-retirement travels. Surrounded by the island's breathtaking beauty, I decided it was the time to put pen on the paper. The result is this autobiography, born from a promise made in paradise.