Daily writing prompt

Share a story about someone who had a positive impact on your life.

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Hello dear friends,

I hope this blog finds you in good health and a cheerful spirit. Today’s writing prompt truly touched a chord within me:
“Share a story about someone who had a positive impact on your life.”

The story of one such person

As I sit by the window, sipping my favorite green tea and listening to the gentle rhythm of the rain,

I find myself reflecting on the many people I’ve met over the years. Some pass us by like passing clouds, while others leave an everlasting imprint on our hearts.

Today, I want to share the story of one such person — someone whose words changed the direction of my life.

Let me take you back to the beginning of my professional journey. I was a young man, freshly posted in Bank of India, at none other than Jhumri Telaiya — a name that still echoes humorously across social media platforms. But for me, it was the start of something very real.

like a stranger in that world.

I was new to the world of banking — unsure, hesitant, and struggling to mold myself into the routine. Numbers and financial statements weren’t my best friends.

Though I wore a smile at work, deep inside, I felt like a stranger in that world. Something inside me yearned for more — for meaning, for creativity, for self-expression.

And that’s when I met Mr. D. Ekambaram, my first branch manager.

At first, he appeared to be a typical senior officer — serious, meticulous, and deeply committed to the profession. But as the days passed, I began to see another side of him.

He had an extraordinary ability to see beyond formalities — to truly observe people. He cared, not just about our performance, but about our potential.

He wasn’t merely a manager; he was a mentor — someone who lit a quiet flame in those around him.

One day, after reviewing a report I had drafted, he called me into his office. My heart pounded — I thought I had made an error. But instead, he looked at me and said gently,
“Verma ji, your writing is different. It reads like a story, even when it’s about numbers. Have you ever thought about writing beyond banking?”

His words were more than a compliment

I was taken aback. No one had ever acknowledged that side of me — not even I. His words were more than a compliment. They were a revelation.

Encouraged by his sincerity, I began writing small reflections and shared them with him. He read each one with genuine interest, often adding thoughtful comments and always encouraging me to keep going.

One afternoon, he told me something I’ll never forget:
“Don’t bury your creativity under ledgers and balance sheets. Let it breathe. Even a banker can be a poet.”

Those words etched themselves into my heart. Though my entire banking career offered little space for artistic expression,

I never let go of that dream. I quietly nurtured my love for writing in stolen moments. And when I finally retired, I didn’t feel lost — I felt liberated. His words came back to me, like a compass pointing me home.

I write poems, blogs, and create short videos

Today, I write poems, blogs, and create short videos — each one a piece of my soul, a celebration of my journey. And every time I hit “publish,” I send out a silent thank-you to Mr. Ekambaram.

He probably never knew how deeply he impacted me. But that’s the beauty of kindness — sometimes, we plant seeds in others without ever seeing them bloom.

Dear readers, if someone believes in you, hold that belief close. Let it water your hidden talents. And if you notice a spark in someone else, don’t stay silent — speak up. You might be the reason someone discovers their true calling.

Because life isn’t just about crossing milestones — it’s also about meeting people who become milestones.

Thank you, Mr. Ekambaram, for seeing in me what I couldn’t see in myself. Because of you, I now live a life rich with creativity, color, and purpose.

If by chance, this blog reaches you today, I hope it brings a smile and rekindles memories of those beautiful days in Jhumri Telaiya.

Dear friends,
I would love to hear your stories too. Who was that one person who made a lasting impact on your life? Let’s share, reflect, and inspire each other in the comments below.

Until next time, stay kind, stay curious, and keep believing in the quiet power of human connection.

With heartfelt gratitude,
– Vijay Verma
[retiredkalam.com]

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