Nitin Jagtap — A Little-Known Hero Who Made Better Our Everyday Life

I have never met Nitin Jagtap and scarcely heard about him. But when I started seeing many posts on social media from a wide array of people in Bengaluru and what Nitin meant for them, and why his departure so early was so cruel and unjust, I noticed.

We all feel loved and important, and for the most part, we maintain public silence about others. These along with the ego that feeds us almost always create a disproportionate illusion about ourselves, and the imprint we will leave behind. More often than not, but for a few members of the family, we exit without a collective whimper.

I am always curious about people who looked at life more as a set of jagged lines than a stairway. Nitin’s memories by a varied set of friends, colleagues, fellow enthusiasts, and civic society members followed the zig-zag pattern of life. So when I saw a post about a memorial meeting about him, I landed up at the venue.

And this is what I got. On a Saturday morning, there are more than 100 people in a room. So many of them spoke, all from the heart, with real stories, and real emotions.

And what a person Nitin Jagtap was.

An endurance cyclist, a marathon runner, and a triathlete.

A techie turned entrepreneur.

An investor of excellence, both in stock markets and startups.

A go-getter, who will support all who will approach him for help.

A person of absolute integrity and absolute considered clarity.

A social activist who worked across the spectrum — IAC, AAP, Kannada Vedika Samiti

A relentless crusader for engaging people in public life, and in the process helping thousands of voters to get registered.

And at the same time a quiet humble being, who was secure enough never to look for the limelight.

People who spoke included classmates, colleagues, friends, civic society members, triathletes, political party members, runners, cyclists, and of course family members.

But the portrait that came out was the same, told by people who are devastated by the loss.

We all have a life, but very few of us live.

I am happy that I could know about Nitin intimately, albeit I wish it was earlier than so late.

One of the speakers recollected, that Nitin always wanted to invest in India. He lived many lives, stretching his comfort zone and going into uncharted territories. And achieving the greatest payback — touching others’ lives.

Stars are not for ordinary mortals to reach, but they can guide.

Rest well — Nitin Jagtap