Ramblings of a maverick

  The Whatsapp message on May 30 from a former Colleague brought the news of the passing away of Mr.Giridhar Patankar, the mentor and well wisher of scores of Colleagues, Vendors and Partners of the erstwhile Siemens Public Communication Networks Limited (later Noka Siemens Networks & eventually Nokia).  And to note that he passed away doing what he is known for, being physically active, on a treadmill at a ripe age of 83, in an manner of speaking, only befits his personality of never clam up and staying idle.  Mr.Patankar was your best supporter and well wisher at work or outside of it. He rarely raised his voice and his soft spoken and particularly calm behaviour with a smile that could disarm the angriest vendor or Colleague in a moment. I have probably shared the most of my business & personal life titbits with him during my work stint with Siemens. He was all ears, provding encouragement and never forced his opinion on me. He seemed to have endless patience and would do hi