Our Indian Partners, One Indian at a Time

Digambar Borkar

Aka. Digambarator, Diggy, Digs

I would like to begin my blog with some one Dave and I got to know really well while in India!  I think of him as Driver Extraordinaire!

Digambar is the best driver in India!  He takes great pride in driving the company van and treats it as his own.  No vaccuum?  No problem!  He actually uses the air compressor at work to clean the van. Digambar was there the day of the Pooja for the car.  Can you see the pride?!

Digambar created a driver evaluation form that he asks all his passengers to fill out.  I checked it out and..  the verdict!  Best driver in India!  Told you so!

Digambars Father was a driver before passing when Digambar was only 3 years old.  After his Father passed away, Digambar was raised by his Mother and 3 sisters.  He still lives with his family, which include his Mother, sister (Dhanashree) and niece (Pooja).  A quote from Digambar "I live for them, and with them".  Family is very important to Digambar!

Digambar did not finish schoool.  When he was in the 10th grade, his brother in-law passed away and Digambar had to take responsibility for his family and go to work full time.  This did not take away his love for learning.  In the year we spent in Pune, Digambar practiced his english every day.  He also has been learning to speak spanish.

Digambar came to work at Phillips when CNCSSIPL was purchased from Terrence.  He worked for Terrence as a security guard and then started cleaning the office building.  Since then, he has become a great driver, like his Father.  Under Haresh and Ujwal's wing, he is learning about machines.  Hoping to become an Engineer one day.  Going back to school is hard because being a driver, the hours are long and unpredictable.  This does not discourage Digambar, it will just make the journey a little longer.  I have no doubt that Digambar will continue to work very hard to acheive his dreams.  Another one of those dreams is to come to the US for a visit one day. 

Digambar drives his scooter to work each day  Though one day he would like to own a Harley!!

 
Once at work he picks up the van to drive any where the company needs him. Whether it be driving us foreigners around, or picking up and dropping off parts.  Other times he helps out at the office.  This is the time he gets to clean and learn about the machines.

Digambar loves to eat.  His favorite food is poli.  This is an Indian bread stuffed with lentils.  Very yummy!! He says that his sister makes the best!  Another favorite is going to Chili's and eatting fried jalapenos and onion srtrips.

Digambar fasts each Saturday for Hanuman.  This is the God that clears the path and protects.  That is why Digambar has him hanging from the rear view mirror in the van.  It is said that Hanuman flew to the Himalayans to retrieve the herb, Sanjivani, to save the life of Lakshmana. Lakshmana was the brother of Rama, whom Hanuman considered his true master and surrendered to him his heart and soul. Hanuman was not sure what the herb looked like, so he took the whole top of the mountain.  As you can see, Hanuman has part of the mountain in one hand and a mace in the other.  The mace is Hanuman's weapon for protection.

The home of Digambar, as well as most Hindu homes in India have a place to worship. Below is Digambar worshiping Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth and beauty, and Ganesh, the God that removes obstacles and brings success.

Digambar collects t-shirts with sayings on them.  He wears them every chance he gets.

He also enjoys listening to music.  Not just Hindi music.  He really like the theme from the Beverly Hillbilly's.  Oh and we can't forget... he really enjoys listening to "David Harris's" cd!

Digambar is single.  Ok, ladies, get in line, though he is not in a hurry to get married.  His sister, Mom, and every other female in his family are looking for the perfect match!  His marriage will probably be arranged but he is not opposed to a love marriage.

Digambar's Grandmother lives in downtown Pune.  She is a very sweet woman and Digambar loves her very much.  I had a chance to meet her, and although we could not speak to each other, you could feel the loves she has for Digambar.

If there is one word to describe Digambar it would be kind!  He is always smiling and would do any thing for any one. We feel very fortunate to call Digambar a friend.