An Ode to the Master Innovator

It was around 415 in the afternoon on a regular office day. I got the call from a friend. Looking at the phone I wondered why was he calling me? We were just chatting a while back! I picked up the call and he said “Did you check the news?”

“No! what happened?”

“Check it”

I turned to my browser and clicked on the Google News link. It was talking about Sarah Pallins statement that she wouldn’t be contesting as a presidential candidate for the next general elections. I don't care! My friend knows that too. It has to be something else!

“What! I don't see anything.”

Then he said “Steve Jobs died!”

“What!!!”

The increase in my pitch didn’t go unnoticed. There were a couple of heads around that turned towards me!

He said “Check abc news!”

In a matter of seconds, i was looking at a red flashing banner saying “Breaking News: Apple co-founder Steve Jobs passes away at 56”

Indeed this is a big news! Within minutes everyone in the office was either discussing this or was on the net reading about it.I left my office later and it was drizzling. The news was indeed overwhelming. I am not related to Steve Jobs. I dont work for him. Why was this seem to affect me? While I walked in the rain and pondered about the legend, I noticed something around. Something which I have always noticed. Something which everyone knew. Along the way to my home, I saw myriads of people around walking with a small black device. I also saw some people  with the familiar and trendsetting white colored ear phones. There were some who were rolling their thumbs  on the shiny black screens. I did hear some murmurs around with the words Apple and Steve Jobs.It gave me a smile, a sad smile. This is the impact of Jobs. This is what he gave - connection! If there is a soul who has some interest in technology, he would know who Steve Jobs is. Innovation, Simplified Experience and Leadership - the three pillers that support apple, three aspects of defining a successful technology and three words to describe the legend that is Steve Jobs! He inspired me truly and made me a devoted ‘fanboy’. This is the reason it affects me!! I will miss the thin man, who stood strong (in his blue jeans and black turtleneck) and  changed the world. Steve you will be missed by me very very much.

I returned home to my old faithful “white device” with a illuminated apple at the back!

*****Ankur