Tribute
Summer of 1995: He arrived in Hyderabad, from Chennai, to take up the assignment as Assistant Regional Manager, Advt, at The Hindu.
I had a new boss – Solomon Prabakar!
He was new to the twin cities. I was his first friend. To begin with Solly, as we called him, stayed at YMCA, Secunderabad, until we found a rental house. It was more than a month, daily picking up and dropping Solly at YMCA. A ritual that was fun because we spoke a lot about not just work but cricket, politics, and above all would subvert the ‘prohibition’ in the state on the sly.
When his family arrived a month later, I was there to receive them at the railway station. They had a new home in Sitaphalmandi and Solly, his wife Suganya and young Eunice and infant Hazael were a happy family. It was less than a year before the calling from Head Office took him back to Chennai. My “friend” was now my dotted line boss in HQ.
Solomon was the brain behind the redesign and revival of the brand “The Hindu Opportunities” – the recruitment pages. He envisaged a whole new path to recruitment advertising forming a 'task force', team of trusted lieutenants, across the branches, no wonder, I was one of them at Hyd. Giving his team a free hand to get creative with the brand and brought forth innovate concepts including the highly successful job fairs.
Over the years, in his various travels to our offices, we found Solly to be a jovial person with a tremendous sense of humour. His PJs had us in splits and he was always at hand to help in any situation, never thought twice to lend the helping hand.. Truly a mercurial genius with a penchant for pulling off pranks at the drop of the hat. His humanness touched many lives. Mine was one!
June 2012: With changing times and changing responsibilities, Solly moved from “Opportunities” to a different vertical. It was on his recommendation, I was considered for the elevation from my regional role to the national role, as I took over from him, the mantle of the Recruitment Pages, rechristened then as Empower.
I moved to Chennai and Solly was my friend, mentor, family, and everything during the time I was in Chennai. He continued to guide me at work and off it too, I travelled with him to office and home daily, till I got my car to Chennai. Together with Siva Kumar (a.k.a Joe), Solly and I formed an inseparable Trio.
Early 2013: I left Chennai and The Hindu (after almost 2 decades), it was also the last day of Empower. The recruitment pages again became “Opportunities”, sans Solly & Venkat.
Soon, Solomon Prabakar, General Manager, The Hindu, moved on too!
The career paths had changed. We lived in different cities but always stayed connected. I made it a point to meet him whenever I was in Chennai in the last decade. I even attended the wedding of his elder daughter.
We exchanged calls and messages on Birthdays and festivals. Last, I heard from him was on Pongal – a nice video WhatsApp message from him.
Jan 24, 2024:
Today morning, as I heard the sad news of his passing away, I was moved to tears. I have lost an elder brother, a close friend, a mentor, guide and above all a great partner in pranks.
Words can't describe the grief of losing someone so dear, who cared for a friend like his own family.
Farewell Dear Brother, Solly! Travel well mate! We will keep you in our hearts, forever.
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Post Script: Here is a fictional story featuring the three of us Ronnie (Solly), Joe (Siva Kumar) and Sam (Me), in The Hindu Chennai in 2012: … And thus the World Ended on Doomsday December 21st!
16 comments:
Extremely focused guy and firm in his thoughts. No wavering whatsoever. Solly - An excellent human being and a wonderful person. He will remain in my mind & heart forever.
It was shocking to hear the news that Solly was no more, though didn’t work directly with him and used to have some great conversations with him and as Venky said it was not about work but everything around. You will be missed dear friend, Rest in peace Solly
Thank you Partha and Grover for your remembrances.
Very Sad..Indeed.
I can feel your loss Anna.
Stay strong.
Om Shanthi.
Wonderful words about a fighter and a decent soft spoken Solly. A perfect tribute and he will live in our hearts forever. Rest in peace Dost
Very nicely written bro 👍👍 a perfect eulogy 🙏🙏
Thank you Ajay
Thank you Partha
What a nice way to pay Tributes to A Friend and Colleague. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanthi
Solly, an exceptional mentor, skillfully guided me in selling the "Opportunities" brand. As my dotted line manager, his profound business acumen and diverse skills were a source of invaluable learning. A true leader, he advocated for my needs, being the first to champion a mobile phone for me in satellite centers, even though he didn't possess one himself. His advocacy secured my first mobile in the early 2000s. Upon rejoining the organization alongside Natarajan, I recently had the privilege of reconnecting with him. Solly played a pivotal role in fostering unity within the Opportunities team. His leadership, knowledge, and wisdom will be deeply missed—a tribute to an outstanding individual.
Very well written obituary venky. #RIP solly
Extreme shocked to hear about Solly’s passing. When I joined The Hindu, he received me with warmth. He took me to the canteen and over coffee he enquired about my role and provided many ideas. A good friend, peer and above all a fine human. Venkat: very well written and befitting farewell to Solly. Can’t to know about your relationship with him.
Venky, you have described Solly so completely that there’s nothing to add. Indeed a simple, god fearing and focused person he was always ahead of the curve. Kept a low profile, head firm on his shoulders, never made a big show of achievements and went about his work quietly and very methodically. RIP Solly
I first crossed paths with Solly during the early days of his career at an advertising agency. He was a fresh face in the industry, yet his approach to work was remarkably seasoned - hands on value driven. Solly was not just an employee; he was a craftsman, meticulously honing his skills and embedding value in every task he undertook. This dedication wasn't a mere phase but a steadfast characteristic that defined his entire career.
Solly possessed an effortless charm that seemed to light up the room. He was deeply tuned into his work, always focused, always striving for perfection. He had a passion for Recruitment Advertising, not just as a profession but as an art form. He spent countless hours discussing it, his eyes alight with the excitement of a new idea or strategy.
He was a thinker, constantly churning out innovative ways to make Recruitment Advertising more than just a business venture, but a profitable and impactful endeavor. His enthusiasm was infectious, often sparking creativity and drive in those around him.
But beyond his professional acumen, there was a depth to Solly that made him truly special. Conversations with him didn't just revolve around work; they delved into dreams, aspirations, and sometimes, the simple joys of life. He had a way of making every individual feel seen and heard, a rare quality that endeared him to many.
Solly's journey through the advertising world was not just a career path but a canvas where he painted his legacy. He left an indelible mark on the industry and in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Summarised as Hands on value Driven
Extremely shocked to hear the news. Solly always supported, guided and gave a free hand to take decisions. I reported to Solly and was always learning a lot from him, very humble and always helpful. Very sad to have lost you Bro. RIP
Solly was a good friend and we shared cabin for many years, till I moved to Pondy. We had many sweet memories and chats. Miss you Solly. See you on the other shore.
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