This piece is dedicated to “the other side of Ramesh” ...witty, great fun to be with, ‘the ultimate raconteur’.

The Analogy Man
There was a man we knew called Ramesh Thadani
Who let us all do a lot of ‘manmaani’
We loved him, fought with him, respected him very much
But his constant weight loss was making us ‘ghabrani’.

He waved it off, hitching up his specs and jeans
And told us we were being silly, bananas, nuts and beans
But then one day in August, out of the blue
He went away, leaving behind generations ‘nayi-purani’.

We miss you Ramesh, where ever you may be
Unlike you we cannot find the right analogy
That will tell you how much you meant to us, then or now
Except to say, your sudden departure has left us ‘hiljani’.

Managers’ meetings will not be the same any more
Where you enthralled us with tales of your travels galore
The mystery and suspense of those ‘fireside chats’...
You could have easily matched any Night Shyamalani

We will remember your stories, your laughter, your ready wit
And the market research you taught us, bit by bit
Your patience, your calmness, your unassuming stance
Will guide us to do our best, and carry on your ‘kahani’.

Neerja Wable
IMRB – Delhi

I have known Ramesh since he was heading IMRB. Before he could attend IMRB office regularly, for a couple of weeks he used to come in the evenings and take briefings from us (Thomas, Ganesh Kanhere...) on the work in hand. He would also give new assignments (of course with impossible deadlines!).

What I found most memorable about him was his style of explaining new techniques. He was so clear; I would always think of a crystal clear water pond with a small coin in it which was clearly visible; in short idiot proof instructions!

The best aspects of working with Ramesh was that he was such a wonderful:
Teacher: he would make the things very clear (media models, techniques, data processing).
Negotiator: he would always get a price (computer related items) which I would think impossible.

Ravi Bhandary
IMRB – Mumbai

You just slipped away...

...in much the same way as you did each day – silently, unknown to us. We never knew when you entered; we never saw you leave... but we knew you were there... by the warmth of the yellow glow which would light up your room when you were in. A light we had learnt to wait for; a light we longed to see – particularly when the going gottough and we floundered. Because at these moments you were always there.

You stood tall for us Ramesh.
And you made us feel tall in your shadow.
Today without the shelter of your protection, we hope we live up to your dreams.

Nita Gopal
PQR – Mumbai

It feels strange, kind of empty when I do the office rounds in the evening. His room is empty and you remember he’s not there anymore. I’ll miss the soft-spoken voice saying, “Please lock my room.”

Even in my brief interaction with him in the past three years, the simplicity of the man sparkled bright. Whether it was asking for some tea or checking for his car and driver. The only word to describe his nature is “superstar”. He never once made me feel that I was just a Security Guard. Always spoke to me politely, never an angry word. I’ve never met/known anyone like him in such a senior position. He was so simple, straight and good with us.

Rasam
Security Officer – IMRB Mumbai

I first saw Ramesh on 31st October, 1984, while my interview was going on with the then Commercial Head. Ramesh entered the cabin and took away the Commercial Head for over an hour. The first time I saw him, I could not believe that he was the Head of this organisation -- reason a simple, ordinary looking person and extremely soft spoken without any airs around him.

Working with him we learnt a lot. How to be systematic, meticulous, pay attention to minute details, etc. And what I will cherish most in my interaction with him is the human touch even in the worst situation. My description of Ramesh would be a brilliant, gentle and wonderful person with an elephantine memory.

A.R. Rajagoplan
IMRB -- Mumbai