KING OF SPADE
A Tribute to Comrade Kaka Samant
Doing all the spade work for the association, unions, clubs, trusts, and other organizations has always been Kaka’s priority. Keshav S. Samant, affectionately known as Kaka, believed in being thoroughly prepared. Whether it was for committee meetings or personal discussions, Kaka wanted to ensure everyone knew their part in advance. His approach ensured that those in power were alert and ready when a scheduled meeting with Kaka was on the horizon. Even if they agreed to his demands, Kaka would delve deeper, questioning how they would meet those demands and how the implementation would unfold. In some cases, he would even take the initiative to overcome obstacles himself.
I was always amazed by his enthusiasm, even for smaller functions, where he would ensure even the minutest details were addressed. This level of dedication was possible due to his brilliance, superb memory, and deep connections with people across various sectors.
His influence was not limited to the general insurance industry but extended to banking, life insurance, and many social organizations. Kaka was one of the active trustees of the Sharadshram Education Trust for many years and held responsible positions in many philanthropic organizations, leveraging his high-level connections to help them.
A Keen Sportsman
Kaka himself was an excellent athlete and took a keen interest in sports activities. During his tenure, the sports scene within the insurance industry flourished, with numerous competitions, tournaments, and events. Kaka played a key role behind the scenes, ensuring that these events were well-organized and successful.
Until the last decade, he was actively involved in the employees' unions at both the local and all-India levels for the general insurance industry. His encouragement brought new faces into the leadership, many of whom remained effective under Kaka’s guidance. However, as they strayed from the foundation he laid, their shine began to fade.
An Organizational Genius
Kaka often referred to himself as "a very good Record Clerk." He was meticulous about maintaining records, easily locating files, documents, and references whenever required. His diligence extended to ensuring all compliance requirements with the Registrar of Trade Unions were fulfilled. Under his watch, accounts were not only maintained properly but were also audited and submitted on time.
Being a voracious reader, Kaka was always well-equipped with knowledge from various law books and publications. He ensured that the organizations he was part of were affiliated with appropriate bodies and that relevant books and magazines were available for members to use.
Master of Human Connections
Over the years, Kaka honed the skill of connecting with people at all levels. He would regularly check on people, either in person or over the phone, to inquire about their well-being. One of the most profound things Kaka told me was: "I know so many secrets of so many people but I would never ever divulge them to anybody." This statement held true, as many confided in Kaka, sharing personal matters to gain his help. Kaka would offer his assistance and then simply forget the details, burying countless secrets deep within his mind. I believe this burden may have taken a toll on his health.
Despite suffering from illness in his final years, Kaka fought bravely. For the last two years, he was undergoing treatment, yet he never let anyone know about the pain he was enduring. Even while receiving treatment, Kaka attended numerous events. On August 29, 2024, after completing a radiation cycle, he attended a meeting at the GIPA office, maintaining a distance from others while still meeting everyone. Such was his dedication and love for people.
A Legacy of Leadership
Kaka, alongside comrades like Pillai and Kothari, led the employees' unions with distinction. In their absence, he continued their good work, laying the groundwork for the formation and prosperity of GIPA & GIPAIF. Thanks to Kaka’s spade work, these organizations now thrive across India. We, the next generation, are witnesses to his achievements, and with his exit from the stage, he leaves behind an impressive legacy for us to uphold.
Kaka once confided in me, saying, "I love playing cards, and I have a fascination for the 52-card game. But my senior leaders advised me that if you’re a leader of the masses, you must stay away from it. Now, after retiring from all organizations, I’m enjoying my hobby!" I was surprised because I had never seen him play cards, not even at picnics! That was the level of discipline Kaka maintained. His ‘Super Nine Club’ members, a select group of comrades from different companies, informed me that Kaka did all the spade work to organize their monthly card games.
This is why I call him the "King of Spade,” not just the king in a deck of cards but in real life. The sequences and trios of life are incomplete without him, but the game must go on. Filling the gap left by his absence will be our tribute to him.
Final Farewell
In these difficult times, we stand with his family in their grief. We are a part of them. Let us pray to the Almighty for the strength to bear this immense loss and to continue Kaka’s work and mission until our last breath.
From,
G. R. Saool
