He gave Hyderabad its intellectual watering hole, was mentor to many businesses

When Ehsan called on Thursday evening to deliver the devastating news, it felt like the Hyderabad that we lived and thrived in had suddenly darkened. It felt horrible that the promise of the man — I knew for the last 39 years — and who had kept discovering new things and wanted to do even greater things going forward, was not to be.
Though many know of Ajay Gandhi as the man who transformed Manthan and the Hyderabad Literary Festival (HLF), fewer know that he was also a mentor to many businesses, including mine.From the first time I walked into the offices of Gandhi & Gandhi as a 16-year-old, selling PCs (Yes, I walked out with a client) to the last month when I sought his advice for my new venture, he was ready with considered, informed advice. Several chartered accountants owe their careers to him, several businesses would never have seen the light of day without his advice. From Dr Reddy’s to Lamakaan, he was the advisor we all sought.
When he and Mamidipudi R Vikram started Manthan (they were co-founders) in 2005, they didn’t know what they had unleashed. Over the years, it grew in intellectual strength. It provided speakers with a chance to talk, without any constraints or fear of reprisals. This in itself was a big deal. As for the curious and inquiring people of Hyderabad – they found an intellectual watering hole.
Manthan then launched the Samvad — a one-day event that drew people from across India and the world. It blew Manthan sky-high. With complete freedom, Supreme Court judges and rebel activists, writers and businessmen, athletes and scientists followed each other in quick succession to talk, educate and inform us and each other. It was the biggest day in the cultural calendar of Hyderabad.
At this point Ajay (I called him Ajay bhayya in private) turned his attention to the HLF, where he brought together diverse groups, people and resources to deliver the most independent, unencumbered literary festival of India that continued to speak Truth to Power. Under his guidance, it became the most sought-after festival for writers and performers as an alternative to the more conventional and conservative festivals.
What made Ajay achieve all this in his tragically cut-short life? I can only delve into my personal space and answer this – he had my back as he did everybody else’s. He made us fearless and ready to tackle the most ambitious of projects. From launching satellites to setting up businesses to organising protests: he was there, helping, building teams, resolving arguments, bringing in resources. With him gone, emptiness that resounds in our personal, cultural and social lives can easily cripple us.
The conversation must continue, the microphone must be kept turned on. Our greatest tribute to him will be to nurture and build on what he has founded. We must do it not just for him but for ourselves.
(The writer is co-founder, Lamakaan)