Sampati's Observations

“I don’t believe in God,” said Pramit as I walked him to the door. His response came after I offered my good wishes for his son’s recent academic accomplishment, “May God bless him.”

Pramit is my childhood friend. We went to school, college, and university together. For a long time, we even worked at the same organization. Eventually, our professional paths took different turns, but our personal bond has remained as strong as ever.

As I watched him drive away, I locked the door and settled back on the living room sofa. Then, it suddenly struck me.

“I don’t believe in God.” What did he really mean by that?

Pramit has always been someone who strived to stay ahead in life’s many competitions.

But like every successful player, he had the support of some remarkable mentors along the way.

During his student days, he often credited his success to the exceptional teachers and professors who went out of their way to guide and prepare him.

In his professional life, he attributed much of his growth to the outstanding leaders and colleagues he had the privilege of working with.

From the outside, it was clear to someone like me that these weren’t just one-way streets. Pramit certainly deserved a great deal of credit for his achievements. His sincerity, hard work, sharp thinking, and bias for action always stood out – it was only natural that support gravitated toward him.

Pramit never shied away from asking for help when he needed it.

His adulation, bordering on reverence for those who supported him, was unmistakable. To this day, he continues that.

Now you may begin to understand what struck me.

Can anyone truly not believe in God?

Or is it simply a disagreement with the nomenclature, the characterization, and the methods associated with that belief?

Sachin Tendulkar is idolized by billions for his cricketing brilliance. Some even place actors on pedestals of worship, and the list goes on.

Coming to our own lives – the parents who took care of us when we had nothing, the teachers who helped shape our knowledge and values, the leaders and colleagues who backed us as we found our footing in our work lives – can any of them be overlooked when we speak of gratitude and respect?

I can’t think of anyone in my circle who would disagree with that — not even Pramit.

So perhaps the real issue boils down to the nomenclature, the characterization, and the methods.

One may want to think, do these things really matter when it comes to acknowledging those who made us who we are, supported us in our life journey and are always there for us in a time of need.

I call them God. Others may or may not chose the same name, but the reality is unlikely to change because of that.

I won’t delve into the cosmic mysteries that surround us, the blessings of nature that protect us, or for that matter the unsolvable puzzles of the universe.

I would just say, “Thank you God!”