Miracles, Milestones, and Traditions...

Transworld: Valli and Sivaswamy Memorial event at Mumbai...

Miracles, Milestones, and Traditions...through the eyes of a classmate and a friend.

Some events are very well-organized. Others very heartfelt. Rarely do both come together so emotionally and seamlessly. At Mumbai’s Jio World Centre, under what I’d simply call “Miracles, Milestones, and Traditions,” Transworld host a celebration that offered something far more personal than a corporate milestone. My jetlag took a backseat and Rameshs tribute took front stage as I entered the venue.

Ramesh Ramakrishnan duo (Geeta and Ramesh, just two awesome people) the hosts: My dear friend and classmate from Harvard OPM, Ramesh chose to dedicate the evening to his parents...the two people who shaped his life more than any title or milestone ever could. That choice said it all. That evening on July 24th, I didn’t just see Ramesh as a business leader. I saw him as the son, the father, the friend and the keeper of values passed down across generations.

His son, Ritesh Ramakrishnan, delivered an energetic, crisp, clear and thoughtful message on legacy and work not as entitlement, but earned responsibility. His words reflected a quiet confidence and clarity that stuck with many of us. Oh dear he can be a star podcaster with his wit, depth and grace (more on that chat with Rahul Dravid later!). The way he congratulated and seated his sibling back after she finished her talk, really touched my heart. The small things, are the big things that show real class.

Ramesh's daughter, Anisha, spoke about her mission to save the turtles... with a strong emotional maturity and a reminder of how businesses carry a responsibility to serve not just shareholders, but society. Her message was direct, sincere, and stayed with the room. The anecdote of her kid at home remembering the turtles they save, was simply soul stirring.

And then "Miracle on Wheels" performers took the stage....by storm! Their performance didn’t ask for sympathy. It earned admiration. It reminded us of what human potential really looks like when spirit leads the way. MIND BLOWING in every sense!

That brought the GREAT WALL, Rahul Dravid to spotlight...more reflective, casual, anecdotal gem of strokes than formal style. He didn’t lecture, nor played expert. He shared lessons about failure, successes, balance, staying grounded, and doing the work even when no one’s watching. The applause was real, but the laughters in the room said even more. His stories are as masterful as his legendary defense on ground and guidance as coach.

The evening ended the way it began...warm, authentic, gracious and generous. Ramesh and Geeta personally thanked each guest, never once drawing attention to their own journey. That kind of humility leaves a mark of individuals and the organization they run, Transworld.

In a world often chasing visibility, this evening was about something quieter, but deeper. That tradition isn’t just about looking back. It’s about carrying something forward, with intention.As I left, I wasn’t thinking about logistics or business. I was thinking about values. About what we inherit and what we pass on. About how the most meaningful events don’t just impress you. They stay with you.

— Shailu Tipparaju

Friend. Classmate. Witness to a legacy well celebrated.

The origins : Sivaswamy @ Transworld circa the 70s