“It's good to leave each day behind, 

Like flowing water, free of sadness.

Yesterday is gone and its tale told.

Today new seeds are growing.”

- Jalaluddin Rumi, 13th century Persian poet

The above poem was shared by Mr. William J. Dean, who wasn't my friend; he was a father-figure, a philosopher and a guide. Although he insisted, I call him Bill but he remained Sir. 

In his own handwriting he presented me this poem beautifully framed on my birthday, which still hangs in my study.

I miss my Sir.

When I was planning my own magazine, I wrote a letter to Mr. William J. Dean requesting him to write a regular column and in my very first mail I disclosed that it has to be gratis. 

I was surprised to receive his reply in no time. 

He was kind enough to come on board even when the magazine was in planning stage. 

We immediately clicked and friendship grew.

He wrote the popular column Letter From New York published in my magazine Indian Economy & Market from July 2016 to August 2020, the month he left this world. 

The wonderfully crafted pieces of wit and wisdom, sensitively written with a touch of humor as well as insight, provided the much-needed soothing hypnotic effect to the readers of a hardcore business magazine.