Opening Doorz

By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | August 18, 2023

In Fond Memory of Nitin More

His designation was a peon. He rose above his designation. He was always a step ahead, willing to help, even before you could ask for it. There was never a dull moment with him around. Sometimes, to break the stress at the workplace, we would crack jokes. He had a pleasant, infectious smile. Nitin More was more than a peon; he was a colleague, to all of us in The Independent, and later Bombay Times.

This morning I woke up to read a message from another colleague (Nilesh) in the Bombay Times 28 WhatsApp Group. This group was created last year as a few of us ex-staffers got together to celebrate 28 years of Bombay Times’ existence. The message was short: “Sorry to inform you guys, Nitin More, Bombay Times staffer with who we must all have interacted at some point is no more. He passed away last evening due to cardiac arrest.”

My association with Nitin More dates back to December 08, 1993, when I first walked into the old Lady of Boribunder as a sports journalist at The Independent. Nitin More was already employed with Samrat Properties, a few years before me. On a rough guess, I would say he worked with Bennett, Coleman and Company Limited for over 30 years. Dedicatedly.

He Did Everything With a Smile

Nitin More’s journey with Bombay Times was one of dedication, commitment, and unwavering camaraderie. His presence transcended the confines of a mere peon’s role. He was a companion, a helping hand, and a radiant soul. No task was too small, no request too trivial for him; he approached every responsibility with a smile and a sense of duty that inspired us all. Even if he was asked to cut our articles and paste them on an A4 paper, he did it with a smile. That was before we could save our bylines in PDF.

Even after I left BCCL in 2006, we stayed in touch. I would always call the extension he would be on (whenever I wanted to connect with an old colleague) knowing I would get to speak to him. Sometimes I just called him to say hello. His English was impeccable. He excelled in whatever he did in his role. He knew his boundaries, never tried to outsmart anyone, and had respect for everyone.

As we journey along life, we meet individuals who leave an indelible mark, not through grand gestures, but through the gentle ripples of their kindness, warmth, and unwavering dedication. Nitin More was one such gem. He was a joy to be around. His friendly demeanour and approachable nature made him a magnet for camaraderie. He was a good singer too.

True Greatness Does Not Lie in Designations

He leaves behind his college-going son and wife, both of who he fondly spoke about, whenever we exchanged notes. Nitin More will be missed by his present colleagues in Bombay Times, as well as those whose lives he touched by simply being good at what he does best—doing his work to the best of his ability. 

He was just 52 years old. A few weeks ago he was admitted to hospital after a mild heart attack. He had three stent insertions. Last night, at home, a week after his discharge, he complained of chest pain and breathed his last.

His designation was a peon. He demonstrated that true greatness lies not in titles or positions, but in the way we touch the lives of others with sincerity. Nitin More possessed a kind heart and an open spirit. His short life is a call to us all—a call to be more generous, more supportive, and more present in the lives of those around us.

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