“ED” as we called him

Eashwardas Nair’s editorials had a unique flair, capturing the essence of complex topics and making them accessible to all. He had a gift for simplifying the most intricate concepts without compromising on depth.

In addition to being a tech journalist, I somehow got into teaching IB and IGCSE English language and as a part of the curriculum, one of the text types that I have taught is to write a Eulogy.

Little did I know then that what was just a ‘text type’ for me will have to be drafted for someone I knew at work. When I was asked to write a tribute for ED (Eashwardas Nair) I had an avalanche of emotions and was not sure if I would do any justice to it.

He was the ‘go-to man’ for every single person in the organization, be it any department. He was known for not only being extremely hard-working and intelligent but empathetic and fearless. His colleagues have always appreciated him for standing up for his employees and for also being extremely kind.

No words, tributes or obituaries can match the gentle mammoth ED and hope through my few words I am able to share what most of the people who would know ED in any capacity would reflect and agree with. He was unanimously magnanimous and a happy soul.

August 2021, when the world was still reeling from the Covid-9 aftermath, we were burdened with the extremely shocking and disturbing news of ED passing away due to an illness he was struggling with. The loss felt personal.

Within minutes of the news getting out, obituaries started pouring in on all social media platforms. My LinkedIn feed was filled with posts from people from across the industry. All echoed one sentiment – what a loss to tech journalism and a loss of a good human, as they rarely make humans like him. Family, colleagues, ex-coworkers, industry veterans, PR, you name it, and all were echoing the sentiment of a grave loss. This was his popularity.

ED had joined CyberMedia on 21 February 1991 as the research manager and industry analyst at IDC. He later started to work as a senior correspondent for Dataquest. He was also awarded the Polestar Award in 1999, and was recognised as the Best IT Journalist in India.

He has held various positions with CyberMedia such as the Editor of enterprise computing, Group Editor ICT business, and Editor of global services media. He was also the head of the Mumbai bureau. After briefly leaving CyberMedia to pursue a higher education in the US in 2005, he rejoined the company in April 2012 and was the Editor-at-Large until August 2018. Nair is survived by his family, who currently reside in Mumbai.

I had the privilege of working alongside ED at Dataquest, a place he called home for many years. ED’s journey with CyberMedia began long before I joined the company, but his presence and influence were felt by all, leaving an enduring mark on our hearts and minds.

I got to know him as a close colleague when I joined the Mumbai bureau with V&D and then Dataquest. Coming from a sheltered environment of Network Magazine – BPD, I felt like a fledgling thrown to fend for herself in the jungle. And ED, as anyone would know stepped in to make the environment conducive and ensure your growth and delivery. There was no compromising on work and there are no shortcuts to fame but sincerity and smart work.

He was the ‘go-to man’ for every single person in the organization, be it any department. He was known for not only being extremely hard-working and intelligent but empathetic and fearless. His colleagues have always appreciated him for standing up for his employees and for also being extremely kind. ED was a mentor and a friend to many of us. He nurtured a sense of camaraderie within our team, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration. ED was never too busy to lend an ear or offer guidance, no matter how busy his schedule was. He was the epitome of approachability, and we often sought his counsel during challenging times. His genuine concern for the well-being of his colleagues touched the hearts of many and created a bond that transcended the boundaries of a professional relationship.

On the work front, ED’s passion for technology research was unparalleled. He had a knack for identifying emerging trends long before they became mainstream. His insightful articles and research papers enriched the minds of our readers and inspired us, his colleagues, to strive for excellence in our own work. ED’s knowledge was encyclopaedic, and he generously shared it with everyone, always willing to lend a helping hand or engage in thought-provoking discussions.

Those who had the privilege of working directly with ED in projects can attest to his exceptional leadership skills. He had an uncanny ability to steer projects towards success, combining his vast knowledge with innovative thinking. ED led by example, and his dedication to excellence motivated us all to give our best.

He never sought the limelight for his accomplishments, but rather, he celebrated the successes of others. ED believed in uplifting his colleagues, recognizing their efforts, and creating a positive work environment for all.

Would want to remember ED not with sorrow, but with gratitude for the time we had with him. As we celebrate his life, let us honour his memory by embracing his values of integrity, innovation, and collaboration. ED’s spirit will forever be a guiding light, illuminating our path towards excellence.

His role as Editor-at-Large with Dataquest and Global Services was more than just a title; it was a testament to his deep commitment to providing accurate and unbiased information to our readers. ED’s editorials had a unique flair, capturing the essence of complex topics and making them accessible to all. He had a gift for simplifying the most intricate concepts without compromising on depth.

When I am penning this piece, my heart is full and at the same time, I am privileged and honoured to share my thoughts. As through this piece we reflect on his life and legacy, it’s evident that we have lost not just a gifted writer, researcher, and editor but also a visionary leader whose impact on the IT industry was profound.

Beyond his professional pursuits, ED had a range of passions that made him a well-rounded and interesting person. An avid reader, he immersed himself in knowledge, always seeking to expand his horizons. His love for old Hindi music, particularly Kishore Kumar and Rafi songs, was infectious. ED’s enthusiasm for these classics often filled the office with melodies that lifted our spirits.

But perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of ED’s character was his ability to exude happiness and positivity. He had a knack for finding joy in the simplest of things and had a smile that could brighten anyone’s day. Despite our challenges, ED never fretted; he approached every obstacle with a sense of optimism and a can-do attitude that inspired us all.

We carry his legacy in our hearts. His unwavering commitment to business technology, global sourcing, and the pursuit of knowledge will continue to inspire us in our work. ED’s influence on Dataquest and the IT industry at large will be felt for years to come.

Would want to remember ED not with sorrow, but with gratitude for the time we had with him. As we celebrate his life, let us honour his memory by embracing his values of integrity, innovation, and collaboration. ED’s spirit will forever be a guiding light, illuminating our path towards excellence.

Rest in peace, dear ED Nair. Your memory will live on in the countless lives you touched, and the love and happiness you brought into our lives will be cherished forever. Thank you for being a guiding light and a shining example of the kind of person we all aspire to be. May you find eternal peace in the company of the music you loved so much. As you would find relevance in the lines –

‘Zindagi ke safar mein guzar jaate hai jo makaam

Woh phir nahi aate, woh phir nahi aate

Kuch log ek roz jo bichad jaate hai

Woh hazaron ke aane se milte nahi

Umra bhar chahe koi pukara kare unka naam

Woh phir nahi aate, woh phir nahi aate’

(By his favourite Kishore Kumar)

minus@cybermedia.co.in