Ravi Babu S

 So seems this is happening for sure now.

Where do i start. There are so many things....

I first heard of you back when Gopi was completely in charge of GCC-Networks along with Rupam. We had just started with the SDWAN project or maybe a month in. Every now and then, there were talks about you. "There was a guy called Kunal in WM sometime back. He designed the DC. Technically very sound" and things like that. Sure we were eager to meet you. And one fine day Tejesh got you to our floor and introduced you to all of us saying this "This is Kunal. He was WM to us once upon a time and was the main pillar. He was extensively involved in building the WM network. Clear anything you have with him when you have the chance". I dont even know if you remember that day. And then the hype surrounding you only increased as there were rumor's going around that you will get into WM again as our Manager. I believe Gopi and Rupam knew this but for us it was rumor's and then it did happen. And whoever made it happen, a BIG THANK YOU to them. 

Today after 2.5 years i can honestly say that the hype was not even close to what you actually were/are. You are much more than what was portrayed. Technically sound, an approachable manager, an encouraging teacher, a supportive colleague and most importantly a beautiful Human. There are very few people with whom i can talk openly without any kind of filters and you have always listened and provided guidance, for that i am very thankful.

During frustrating times you have always supported like a brother and never once i was made to feel like i was talking to my manager. You have made sure we all have felt at ease when we talk to you and i can  tell for sure i have never had such a manager in any of my previous employments. When you told me you were on notice, the first thought that came to my mind was "what am i going to do now". I guess i was being selfish and thought only about me, after all i am only human. But as we spoke and when i started thinking of this decision of yours from your perspective, i was excited for what lies ahead for you. You have given a lot of time, patience, commitment, effort to this process and to this organization. And it would be very selfish of us to ask you to continue when you think its time for you to explore. I hope you find what you are looking for out there. And i hope someday down the line we will share a drink and talk about all the things you found out on the outside. I dont hope for good things to happen to you because i know for sure good things will definitely happen to you because you are the complete package. The people who hired you are in for a treat. 

I just want to quote something from one the of the greatest movies' i have ever watched. Its called the Shawshank Redemption. There is a scene where a character named Red thinks about his friend Andy who moved on to something great (he broke out of a prison).

"Those of us who knew him best talk about him often. Sometimes it makes me sad, though, Andy (Kunal) being gone. I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. 

And when they fly away, that part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. But still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess i just miss my friend."

This is probably some of us after you are gone. 😅

I wish you the best with all my heart.