Sega the sage

• An appreciation on Sega Nagendra Chartered Companion, Past President of the Chartered Management Institute and a Founder Member of TMC who passed away recently

By Fayaz Saleem and Murali Prakash

A sage we believe is someone who has attained wisdom, and Sega was just that. Be it a matter that needs exceptional judgment or a simple chat in the evening enlightening the realities of life, his knowledge and advice were just perfect and timely. Though he was a corporate giant, our close interactions with him were more during our involvement with The Management Club and The Chartered Management Institute (UK), Sri Lanka (CMI). 

Sega Nagendra was a stalwart, having been at the helm of CMI and designated as a companion member, a title bestowed upon a very few locally and globally. Seniority, stature, or status never stopped him from being a realist and humble personality. Time and again, we've sought his wise counsel to resolve matters, be it in policy or welfare. He was always there for you when you needed it the most. 

His humble demeanour would always check what we need to be taken up with the highest in CMI(UK) during his personal visits to help us locally. We recall with admiration the support he has given all of us in building these associations to what it is today. TMC has benefited immensely through his interactions, help, and advice.

Never failed occasionally, to inquire as to how we were getting along. Honestly, we have not seen him angry nor in a reprehensible mood. Always a great sport in encouraging and helping others while providing solutions to what moments ago seemed like complex issues to resolve. 

Ego, the bane of many problems, seemed to be never with him, making many envy him for the man he was. For him, the person's stature, age, social class, or other attributes were of little importance but the issue at hand and the thought of how best he could be of help. Wonderful personality to be around as there would never be a dull moment, but his wisdom in the most elementary manner thus others could be a part of it.

He moved with ease with anyone and in any situation. It was truly amazing how he could relate to the younger generation equally well. His excellent listening skills were something we always admired and perhaps why he was able to comprehend and respond to situations better than most rather than being reactive. He always had time for friends, family, and acquaintances, personal or professional. 

We've sought his intervention often at the last minute, only to see him being at it even before we could think of it. His humane qualities are well beyond the ordinary.

The professional world will miss his wisdom, humility, and generosity. Personally, some of us will miss a great friend, social mentor, and a giant shade when we need a rest. Sega has left a lasting impression on society. He has been a true gentle giant in all aspects, and this is write-up a small tribute to this larger-than-life personality. He may not be around us anymore, but his legacy will live forever.

The quote by Plato sums him up. "A hero is born among a hundred, a wise man is found among a thousand, but an accomplished one might not be found even among a hundred thousand men." Sega was one among a hundred thousand. He will be sorely missed.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Fayaz Saleem is CMI Past President and Past President and Emeritus Founder of The Management Club 

Murali Prakash is Past President of CMI and T