My Father

The life of my beloved father, Dr. Vishwa Nath Tewari stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to education, language, and service to others. My father was an author, parliamentarian, and a devoted professor deeply devoted to enriching the Punjabi language.

I remember him as a gentle soul, with a passion for his work and his kindness infectious. He was a mentor, a guide, and a friend to countless students at Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Tragically, his life was cut short by an act of senseless violence. The morning of the fateful day, 2 assailants entered our home, claiming to be students seeking guidance. As my father welcomed them, little did we know that their intentions were far from honourable. In an instant, the tranquillity of our home was shattered, and my father fell victim to the bullets fired by those driven by hate.

But the horror did not end there. As my mother rushed to help, attempting to thwart the attackers, they turned their weapon towards her, only to discover that it was empty.

In minutes that seemed like hours, I rushed down from my room, the echoes of gunfire ringing in my ears like exploding cylinders. I found my father, wounded and bleeding, struggling to lift himself up from the floor.

In that moment of terror and chaos, my mother's courage shone brightly. A doctor by profession, she sprang into action, urging me to gather help from the doctor’s colony we resided in. But despite our best efforts and the tireless endeavours of the medical team at PGI, we could not save him.

The loss was profound, a gaping void that can never be filled. But amidst the grief and pain, my father's spirit endures as a beacon of hope and resilience that continues to guide me through life.

In honouring his memory, I carry forward his legacy, to uphold the values he cherished, and to strive for a world where senseless violence has no place, and where the pursuit of selfless service reigns supreme. My father may be gone, but his spirit lives on, forever etched in history and in my soul.

My Mother

My mother, Dr. Amrit Kaur Tewari, was a remarkable woman- a doctor, a mother, the former Dean of the PGIMER, Chandigarh, a member of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, and a Padma-Shri awardee.

Though she bid us farewell at the age of 80, her spirit continues to weave through the streets of Chandigarh- our home.

Much like my father and her own father, Sardar Tirath Singh Gurum, a freedom fighter, advocate, and minister in the PEPSU Government, she valued a life of selfless service and dedication to community welfare.

Amongst her professional accolades and public service, my mother remained a pillar of strength and guidance, reaffirming my deep connection to Chandigarh, a city where my heart finds its home, and where I am committed to contributing my utmost for its betterment.

Education

Having completed my schooling at St John’s High School, Sector 26, I pursued a B.A. degree in Economics from DAV College, Sector 10. I was privileged to hold the position of the College Unit President of the NSUI, Dav College, Chandigarh, post which I became the NSUI Chandigarh General Secretary, and the VP and Officiating President, DAV College.

Following my undergraduate studies, I enrolled in the L.L.B. program at Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, and later pursued an MBA.

During my time at Panjab University, I captained the swimming and water polo teams.

Marriage and Family

My journey with love began when I met Naaznin during her college days at Jai Hind College, Bombay. As the All-India NSUI President, our paths crossed often, deepening our connection. With our diverse backgrounds, her Parsi heritage and my own, we forged a lifelong commitment in March 1996, in our home in Chandigarh.

My wife, a dedicated soul, spent over three decades working with Air India, while also extending her kindness to caring for our community dogs, nearly 140 of them. Our beloved daughter, Ineka, is a political science and law graduate from Hindu College, and Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, and is now a passionate lawyer, with a keen interest in sports consultancy. Together, we share a home filled with love, 2 rescue dogs, and 3 rescue cats. Their unwavering support continues to be my anchor, guiding me through life's endeavours.