Most of us talk about living our lives on our own terms, doing what makes us happy, and enjoying every second of it. But how many of us actually adopt these clichés in our lives? We still see people ruining their mental and physical health doing jobs they don’t like, living with people they don’t love, and following a mundane routine that they hate.
But this man, who passed away a day before turning 72, believed that “life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.” Hence, he decided to pen down his own obituary to give us all, an important life lesson, reports News18.
Ejji K Umamahesh, hailing from Chennai, wrote his own obituary and handed it to his family before he left for his heavenly abode on October 16th. The “religionless citizen of the world” used several synonyms to best describe himself and the life he lived.
“Congenital Sybarite, Recycled Teenager, Rat-Race Runner (Retd.), Whole-time Househusband & Homemaker, Compulsive Party Host, Theater & Movie Actor, International Car Rally Driver & Organiser, Omnitarian, Rationalist, Humanist, Atheist, Free Thinker, Hasher, Past Rotarian, Past Round Tabler, 41er, Freemason,” he wrote adding that he had purposely left out other “interests, associations and occupations since they were never publicly disclosed!”
The man who was passionate about cars and racing also thanked his “friends, enemies, and those in-between” for sharing his life.
“Thanks for sharing my exciting life. My party is over, and I hope there is no hangover for those I leave behind. Time is running out for everyone. Live well, enjoy your life, and continue the party.”
He concluded by writing, “Cheers, and bye forever, and please, ‘Live, don’t exist!’.”
Here’s the original obituary:
The moment his beautiful and inspiring parting note made it to social media, his friends and family shared that he was a wonderful human being. Many also noted how he died celebrating his life.
'My party is over': Chennai man's self obituary is a life lesson for all of us. He must have been one fun-loving person. Our favoritte Ejji Umamahesh quote- "Skill is not just about repairing an aircraft. It is also about making a parotta." https://t.co/SZ6ssHbnSY
— Dhanya Rajendran (@dhanyarajendran) October 17, 2020
An uncle of mine! A guy who knew how to live life and lived on his own terms! Have a party up there on your budday today, Ejji! I promise you all that this is the best obituary you'd ever read! You were awesome! pic.twitter.com/rUTlkRp0HV
— DR (@dee_ravi) October 17, 2020
"Dear friends, enemies and those in-between" pic.twitter.com/p5KKvJ6ixW
— S Poorvaja (@_poorvaja) October 17, 2020
I love that he's put "please avoid condolence visits" at the end. The man truly was selflessness personified. I'm in awe. Be like Ejji.
— Neil Balthazar (@NeilBalthazar) October 17, 2020
He died yesterday. And today is his birthday. @Ejji15. He died celebrating Life.
— A. (@Aun_X) October 17, 2020
I've never read anything like this… it's unparallel description of life in the shortest possible way!
Legendary Ejji leaves us!— Shashank Pandey (@BatmannDarkk) October 17, 2020
The first ever that an obituary made me smile. He and his life should be celebrated. What a personality 🙏🙏🙏
— Prem (@premperspective) October 17, 2020
Seems that he truely lived his life…on his own terms!
— Vijay A M (@vijayam2137) October 17, 2020
Thanks for sharing… What a life! What an inspiration!
Keep rocking on the other side, Ejji 🤘🏾— Vipul (@vipuksh) October 18, 2020
What a jovial formulation!
— Supriya Rai (@Supriya59964398) October 17, 2020
Exit like an absolute King.
— Ganesh V (@ganeshkyaba) October 17, 2020
Rockstar!
— SUNIL SAMSON NADELLA (@sunilnadella) October 17, 2020
A life well lived, seems like- what more can one ask for!
— Ajay Kamath (@ajay43) October 17, 2020
The note by Ejji reminds us that life is too short to just exist. ‘Toh jeeyo, khush raho, muskurao, kya pata kal ho naa ho!’