it was one of those uneventful days when Mr. Shahul Hameed Mohammed Giado got a call from his daughter, Raifa, a student of Business Management at Garden City College (GCC). The latter had called to pass an important bit of information. At that moment, he did not think it would be anything big, but when she said that he had to come down to India 's IT capital, Bangalore, he sensed it must be something really big. According to Raifa, both her parents had been nominated by the college for the GCC Grand Parade as the Parents of Honour. Mr. Giado was delighted.

A Sri-Lankan national and hailing from Colombo, Mr. Giado had a long stint in the banking sector. He was the Manager at the Hatton National Bank, a leading bank in the Emerald Island where he rose through the ranks to become the Chief Manager prior to his retirement. Not one to remain idle, he accepted the offer to put things in place for the Islamic Bank where he currently heads the Internal Audit. Further, this doting father of two grown up children is actively involved in a host of social activities and often finds time in between his demanding engagements to give vent to his passion for writing.

When asked how it feels to come to GCC as a Parent of Honour, he replied that it was a proud moment not only for him but the whole family. “It is unfortunate that Raifa's mother could not make it but certainly it is a great moment for both of us as parents,” he said. “I am overwhelmed by the honour bestowed upon us because of the good deeds of our daughter. To make an impression in the minds of people in a different country is no mean feat.” Raising his eyes to the heavens, Mr. Giado, thanked God for making the family's upbringing a success. According to him, parents are the most important influence in a child's life.

“I am glad that our efforts have not been in vain. Still on her daughter's achievements on campus, Mr Giado believes it was a culmination of all the family's beliefs and hopes. “That she has made the family proud proves that she is on the right track and in very good hands away from home.” So had the decision to send her so far from home been his? Certainly not. Mr. Giado gives full credit to Raifa's mother. He had his inhibitions and misgivings in the beginning but his wife stood firm. When he met the staff and pleasure having you with us.

Pulkit Singh

BA (Journo, Psy & Eng)