We met first at Omana and BK Menon’s. In Jumeirah. 1985. I was told he was a high-profile businessman. And a Khaleej Times (KT) supporter. As the newly minted editor of Gulf News, I remember teasing him about how he would now have to change his morning read. Little did I realise that in the future I would spend 15 years plus at KT.
Ram was truly a man for all seasons, bringing deep meaning to being a good husband, a doting father to three highly accomplished daughters, and a patron of the arts and sciences. He made friends for ever. Whether I was in a chair or jobless the texture of the relationship never changed. That was his strength and his forte. It was you for being you, not your status.
One day he said he had written a book and would I be his editor. Fastidious to the core he tore into his own writing, fine-tuning it till it became a bestseller in several languages. At the Dubai library, while attending Tariq Chauhan’s book release ceremony recently, Ram and I counted 27 copies of the book on the shelves. “Taking the high road” was not just the title of his book it marked the story of his life and certainly the 65 years in the UAE.
[Also read: ‘In today’s world, objectivity is up for grabs. We have too much opinion being shoveled as news’ – THE NEWS PORTER]
A happy wicked sense of humour that many Sindhis possess marked him; he could always see the lighter side of things and laughter was always invited to our sessions. Devout and reverent every morning you could not get him for he was in communion with his pantheon.
No major function was called major if Ram wasn’t there. Unable to hurt anyone’s feelings he accepted even the low-profile events because, in that distinct voice, he would say, “Bhai unho ne bulaya hai, thho jaana chahiye, na kehna achha nahin lagta.”
He was on so many committees that he must have lost count. He gave to many causes but did not like talking about it.
What a successful army. Vasu Shroff, Muraj, Manu Chhabria, Bhagwan jethwani, Mohan Valrani, Khushi, and Ram himself, just to name a few.
I will miss our long calls, our exchange of jokes, and his profound insights into the human condition.
Many will write about his business acumen, how he pulled ITL COSMOS by the bootstraps and was a millionaire. So be it. More importantly, he was among the first liberals, putting all his confidence in his three girls and giving them the right to chase destiny on their own terms.
Today the torch has been passed and the family will raise it even higher in his honour.
Dubai without Ram Buxani. Just rings so hollow. That’s why the empty space will endure.
Go with God good friend. I am sure you have taken the high road up there.
Picture of Dr Ram Buxani courtesy ITL COSMOS
