Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Tuesday, 20 May 2025

Graveyard shift

 

Notes from a graveyard shift

Extract from the article:
The article presents a poignant narrative interlaced with reflections on memory, legacy, and the intangible values left behind by those who have passed. Through the story of a man who died tragically in a car crash, the author and his wife visit a cemetery to locate the man’s remains, which serves as a meditation on familial ties and remembrance. The wife, an outsider to the family lineage, contributes a touch of compassion, acknowledging the goodness of the deceased, an aspect that transcends blood relations and emphasizes the human element in political or social narratives.

The deeper undertone underscores how political nomination dynamics are not merely about formal processes or party politics but are integrally linked to personal histories and intangible legacies. The remembrance of a life, especially through artifacts or anecdotes, reminds us that who gets nominated—and by whom—carries with it the weight of past connections, unseen influences, and the often overlooked humanity behind political facades. This article urges readers to look beyond procedural formalities and appreciate the personal stories that shape political realities.

My Take:

A. Re: Stay Connected
"Jack’s journey back to his hometown for Mr. Belser’s funeral reflected a timeless human truth: political and personal lives are interwoven. I wrote about Jack’s experience many years ago, highlighting how despite his busy schedule, he honored a relationship from his past. This piece parallels the recent article’s emphasis on remembrance and legacy. Just as Jack cherishes the old house and the box containing what his mentor valued most, political nominations too are shaped by these layers of history, respect, and maintained connections."

Reflecting now, I realize that political nomination processes often ignore these deeply human factors. When I discussed Jack’s tribute to Mr. Belser, it was a metaphor for how political aspirants might reconnect with grassroots stories and legacies instead of merely engaging in transactional party politics. The intangible 'box' is like the values and memories behind a nomination — often unseen but vitally important. That insight remains highly relevant, especially as political campaigns grow more impersonal in the digital age.

B. Re: Stay Connected
"In another section of the same blog, I noted how Mr. Belser, despite his quiet life and lack of direct heirs, left behind a meaningful imprint on Jack’s career and mindset. This reminds me of how political nominations can transcend immediate familial or factional loyalties, pointing instead to mentorship, influence, and shared values — elements that stand the test of time."

Revisiting this perspective, it’s clear that political nominations are often far messier and more human than the public perceives. Like the small funeral for Mr. Belser, nomination meetings may appear uneventful on the surface but are saturated with personal histories and unspoken debts. Political contestants, much like Jack, sometimes find themselves navigating these legacies to gain approval, reflecting an age-old dance of respect and political capital. This nuanced understanding can inform better democratic processes that humanize nominees rather than reducing them to mere players on a partisan chessboard.

Call to Action:
To all political party leaders and grassroots organizers, I urge you to deepen your appreciation of the personal histories and human stories that shape your nomination decisions. Look beyond resumes and vote counts—embrace the legacies, mentorships, and quietly influential figures who form the backbone of political communities. By honoring these deeper connections, you can nurture more authentic representation that resonates with voters and sustains democracy beyond ephemeral electoral cycles.

Take the time to listen to the stories behind every aspirant. Their pasts and values often hold the keys to a more empathetic, inclusive political future.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

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