Divya Salaskar has a keen interest in languages and has just finished her diploma in French from the Alliance Francaise in Mumbai.
"I was very keen on learning different languages. However, my father wanted me to finish my MBA first and then pursue my interests in languages. But I convinced him that I would learn languages first," says Divya.
No sooner does she finish the sentence, her bubbly voice becomes serious. "But now that he is no more I am determined to finish my MBA first and then pursue my interests in learning different languages."
The father and daughter shared a very special relationship. "For me the equation was very different. While people may believe he was a tough man, a tough cop, but as a father he was exactly the opposite. He never scolded me or even raised his voice at me."
When she was pursuing her graduation in economics she always discussed her career with her father. "I used to talk to him about what's happening in my life, what's happening in my friends's live sand about future career options and what was being taught to us in college," she adds.
It was the friendly banter she would have with her father that made her name him 'Superman' and 'Control Room' in her phone book.
"I used to call him Superman and Control Room because I was very sure whatever my problems in life, my Superman and Control Room would take care of it in five minutes," she says proudly.
"He would never discuss work at home, forget about the quality of bullet-proof jackets. He would be a different man; no more a cop, but a complete family man. We would play cards on holidays and on Sundays we would play football together. Considering his busy schedule he would be with us only on Sundays. The rest of the week he would be very engrossed in his own world."
"He was very fond of exploring forts. He had seen all the forts in Maharashtra as well as a few in the neighbouring states. He would visit abandoned forts first, understand their histories and was a very good authority on the history of forts in Maharashtra."
At this point her mother interjects: "He was very much inspired by Chhattrapati Shivaji Maharaj."
"He was a great lover of the book Aad Vatevarcha Maharashtra (Maharashtra that is off the tourists' map). He was perfect at map reading and before visiting any place, would first read the map of that area thoroughly," his daughter recalls.
Her world has changed now that her Superman, her Control Room is no longer around. Despite that Divya is unfazed.
"I think he is watching over me. I can't see myself crying and pitying myself for what has happened to my father. He wouldn't like me doing that at all."
"He would want me to be strong and be at a place where he wanted me to be ten years down the line. He wanted me to do my MBA not for getting a good job, but to enhance my knowledge about the world."
"It's difficult to study now as memories keep coming about the time we spent together. But I am confident I will manage."
Image: From left: Divya Salaskar, Smita Salaskar, President Pratibha Patil, Hemlata Salaskar and Vijay Salaskar's younger brother Dilip Salaskar.
Also see: He held off terrorists for four hours
Advertisement
Divya Salaskar has a keen interest in languages and has just finished her diploma in French from the Alliance Francaise in Mumbai.