It is with great regret that I write this Tribute to Bhaskar Dasan extraordinary individual whose life was a shining example of humility, kindness and boundless curiosity. His passing has left a void that words cannot fill, but his legacy will continue to inspire all those who were lucky enough to have known him.
Just a few days ago, Rafael Malcolmmy friend and one of BD’s former TOI colleagues and I visited BD’s house to present him with the prasad of a special Mritunjaya Homam that I had organized at the Sri Ayyappa Sangham temple for his well-being.
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Shoma, his kind wife, accepted it on his behalf as BD was under heavy sedation due to the pain of his advanced cancer. As much as I wanted to see it, a part of me felt relieved. It would have been heartbreaking to see the vibrant, energetic BD I had known for over 25 years in that fragile state.
This photo, taken by Impact 13 years ago, perfectly captures the BD I admired: a man full of life, always eager to learn and deeply committed to helping others. When I started out as a young media planner and buyer, the Times of India was a powerful force in the industry and BD held a senior position within its ranks. However, despite his stature, he was always willing to guide and support me without thinking twice about titles or hierarchies. That generosity became the first strategic pillar of our long and significant relationship.
Even when I ventured into entrepreneurship, BD’s humility and curiosity stood out. I remember a conversation where he expressed his desire to be a part of the projects we were working on, not for personal gain, but simply to learn and grow. That was the essence of BD: a man who believed that the greatest richness in life lay in knowledge, relationships and contribution.
Shoma shared with me that even on January 6, BD was writing work notes, determined to stay connected to his passion. His ambition to work until his last breath speaks volumes about his dedication and purpose. At 72, BD lived a life that Shoma described as “worthy of celebration.” It’s a feeling I resonate with deeply.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, what made BD truly extraordinary was his ability to connect with people. He listened attentively, shared generously, and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He showed us that leadership is not about power but about empowering others, and that success is not measured by accolades but by the lives you touch.
As I reflect on his life, I am struck by the profound lessons it holds for all of us. BD reminds us to embrace life with purpose, remain curious no matter how much we have accomplished, and find joy in the journey. Her story is a testament to the fact that a life lived with humility, grace, and intention can leave a far greater impact than we can imagine.
Although BD is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the memories and hearts of those who loved and respected him. Let us honor his memory by striving to embody the values he espoused: humility, kindness, lifelong learning, and a commitment to uplifting those around us.
Rest in peace, Bhaskar Da. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on, inspiring us to live fuller and more meaningful lives.
(This Tribute to Bhaskar Das has been written by Yesudas S Pillai, founder of Y&A Transformation and strategic advisor of Channel Factory.)