Celebrating Dad’s 75th Birthday: A Life Steeped in Tradition, Resilience, and Family

A Fortunate Beginning:

We celebrate my father, Bhagchand Darda, on his 75th birthday. Born in January 1950 in the quaint village of Dabha Pahur, Maharashtra, his name carries a beautiful meaning – “fortunate” or “blessed moon” in Sanskrit. As the eldest son of Tarachand Darda, a respected and educated figure in the village, and Chenbai Darda, Bhagchand’s life unfolded amidst a close-knit joint family with an elder sister, a younger sister, and two younger brothers.

Early Challenges and Education:

Bhagchand’s early education in Pahur and Dabha presented its own hurdles. The lack of a dedicated English teacher significantly impacted his studies after 10th grade. Demonstrating his resilience, he ventured beyond his village to Warora and later Nagpur to pursue his B.Com. Here, he thrived under the guidance of his maternal uncles, highlighting the importance of family support in his educational journey.

A Shift in Focus: Family First

Fate, however, had other plans. While pursuing his B.Com, a family situation called him back home. Upholding the strong value of family commitment, Bhagchand took on the responsibility of supporting the family’s cloth shop in Pahur. This marked a turning point, putting his formal education on hold but igniting a lifelong dedication to his family’s well-being. He embraced the world of business under his father’s tutelage, even honing his salesmanship at Sunday markets.

Finding Love and Building a Life:

In 1975, Bhagchand’s life took another beautiful turn with his marriage to Rekha. Their love story holds a special charm – Rekha being the sister of his cousin’s wife. After a few years in Pahur, they embarked on a new chapter in Yavatmal.

Here, Bhagchand ventured into his own wholesale cloth business, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and simplicity that resonated with both the business community and social circles.

Beyond Business: A Tapestry of Experiences

Bhagchand’s life isn’t just about business. He possesses a treasure trove of stories – tales of his struggles, daring acts, experiences in farming, and glimpses of his early life. These stories, shared with warmth, offer a window into his multifaceted personality. Additionally, his faith in Jainism has likely shaped his values and outlook on life.

A Milestone and a Lifelong Commitment

The year 1984 marked a significant milestone for Bhagchand. His travels to Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia broadened his horizons and offered a glimpse of the world beyond his village. He even brought back one of the first televisions to Yavatmal, a symbol of his forward-thinking approach.

For the next 40 years, Bhagchand’s dedication to his business flourished. He not only expanded his venture but also prioritized the well-being of his family and employees. Education remained a cornerstone of his values, ensuring his relatives and friends received both moral and financial support when needed. He instilled in us the importance of hard work, ethical conduct, and giving back to society. Leading by example, he embraced a life of simplicity, finding contentment in what he possessed.

Embracing Life at 75

Even at 75, Bhagchand’s zest for life remains undimmed. Now residing in Bangalore with us, he continues to explore new hobbies, proving that age is just a number. He enjoys the serenity of gardening and the spiritual connection of temple visits. He has even embarked on a creative pursuit – stitching bags and bedsheets. (Stay tuned to see his Instagram page soon)

Bhagchand’s life is a testament to the power of family, resilience, and ethical living. He has taught us the value of simplicity, ethics, dedication, commitment, humility, and community contribution.

Happy 75th Birthday, Dad! We love you and thank you for everything.