What is the Question – December

For the last What is the Question of 2020, Roland spoke with pharmacist Verinder ‘Bobby’ Mehta.

What is your name?

My actual name is Verinder Mehta. ‘Verinder’ comes from the ancient Sanskrit and means ‘chief of heroes’ or ‘brave king’. Unfortunately, I don’t have any royal blood, nor am I incredibly brave. It’s quite common for Indian parents to give their children nicknames, and I’ve been a ‘Bobby’ for as long as I can remember.

What is your occupation?

I’m a pharmacist by profession, but I’m also a radio presenter and an experienced educator/trainer.

What brought you to Ballarat?

An inextinguishable desire to break-free from what seemed to be a predictable and unexciting future in England, combined with a persistent, niggling itch to have an adventure. Ten years on, I haven’t regretted it yet. Life is too short and too precious to spend in just one place.

What do you like to cook?

I have a very creative streak. I take pride in attempting dishes that have a reputation for being complex or challenging. Recent conquests have included a traditional goat curry and Indian sweets, including jalebis and laddoos.

What building would you choose to be?

One which is interesting, a little mysterious, and which people really wanted to see. Perhaps the ancient ruins at Machu Picchu. Often, my joints are painful from old football injuries so it’s not uncommon for me to feel like an ancient ruin!

What is your most treasured possession?

I wear a necklace with a rudraksha bead and which my late father used to wear. The bead is the seed of an Indian evergreen tree and is thought to have health-giving pharmacological properties. The Hindus believe it provides the wearer with protection, and sanctifies the mind, body and soul.

What is the greatest love of your life – apart from friends and family?

My wife, Sheetal, will be horrified and disappointed in equal measures, but without hesitation, my beloved boyhood football club, Liverpool. I’ve been a passionate red for as long as I can remember.  I’d  planned to fly to the UK in May for the victory parade after winning our first English League Championship in 30 years; however, a virus didn’t stop me from celebrating with a few too many champagnes while belting out some club anthems in the back garden.

What or who inspires you?

No one particular person, object or event. I find inspiration in so many different places. I am continually seeking to develop as a person. We are surrounded by so many lessons. We need to be open. I’ve never met a person from whom I’ve not learnt. I’m inspired every day to do and be better. One day…

What is your favourite holiday destination?

I have very fond memories of annual trips to Snowdonia National Park, North Wales with my wife, Sheetal. It was before we were married and we stayed in a lovely stone cottage. Snowdonia is so rugged and raw. It always made me feel alive, but bloody freezing.

What person – living or dead would invite to dinner party?

It would have to be my father. He passed away when I was in my early 20s and before I was married. He never got to be a grandfather. He was a wonderful man – warm and funny. I would love to have seen him interact with my two children. I know I would have learnt so much from him. It’s a loss I will always feel.

What was your first job?

At the local supermarket check-out for two-and-a-half hours every Sunday, but that was enough. I stressed about not knowing the difference between conference and Peckham pears.

What scares you?

I think it’s almost fashionable to say you’re not afraid of dying, but the thought petrifies me. It’s too much for me to comprehend. I can’t imagine not ’being’. I try not to think about it too much and reassure myself with a self-talk about how, when it happens, I’ll hopefully be ready for it. There’s a certain degree of acceptance that comes with the inevitable.

What is the best parenting advice you could give?

Be consistent with your words and actions, and as parents don’t undermine each other. Kids have an exceptional ability to locate any chinks in your armour and are superb at exploiting any weaknesses they may discover. I always think back to my childhood and try to see through that filter whenever possible it’s important to allow kids to be kids. It’s meant to be a magical time in our lives, so don’t destroy that for your children.