Gone, But The Tracks You Left Behind Will Never Fade Away

[desertdude]

Just out curiosity I decided to check into Carnity which I do once or twice a year to see what was happening and literally the floor beneath my feet fell away. I saw pics of a tribute drive to Gaurav. After a day of frantic calls and msgs I finally found out the worst. I only found out a few days a ago and I didn't have permission to post then. SO this is going to my way of paying respect and saying goodbye.

Some friendships are forged in offices or classrooms. Ours was forged in sand.

I knew Gaurav long before Carnity existed, back in the days of Dubai 4x4, two desert mad people found each other on a forum and realized they'd found their tribe. That's where I first met Gaurav Paa ji, used to drive a silver Land Cruiser GXR 100 series then. I think this was 2009 maybe. And from the very first drive, I knew he was one of those rare people, the kind who doesn't just love the desert, but understands it. Always willing to learn, asking questions non stop, Paa ji how does this work, Paa ji how would you attempt this dune, many days and evenings spent in the desert and garages. Most of you might know him as a seasoned off roader but I met when he was starting this journey and just a sponge soaking up every word, every action, observing closely and learning.

I had the privilege of introducing him to Lisaili, and watching someone fall in love with a place you already love is one of life's quiet joys. He took to it like he was born for it. Knowing Gaurav Paa Ji, maybe he was. Even though our first drive there was free from trouble. My sheep had to go home on the back of a recovery and me and the Mrs had to hitch a ride back with Gaurav Paaji and Soni Bhaabi. 

Dubai 4x4 came and went, then Emarat 4x4 came and went and then Paa Ji started his own. Carnity.

When he told me he was starting Carnity and would like me join and create some activity I gladly agreed and these were pre ChatGPT days and since I was good with filling up pages with useless information it was a good fit. I think the first few posts in the advice section are also written by yours truly. I believed in his vision because I believed in him. Life, as it does, pulled us in different directions and I drifted away from the community he built. But I never stopped being proud of what he created here. He built something that outlasted forum threads and fleeting trends . He built belonging and now more obvious than ever a legacy. 

Gaurav Paa Ji and I have so many miles of sand between us, dunes we climbed, tracks we conquered, Pops up we repaired, recoveries we did, moments that needed no words because the desert said everything for us. I carry every one of them.

I'm gutted I won't get to drive with you again. I'm devastated I didn't get to say goodbye properly.

But you'll always be Gaurav Paa Ji to me. And somewhere out there, there's a perfect dune with your name on it.

Drive safe on the other side, brother.

Good Bye for now. 

 

[Frederic]

Thanks for the beautiful message @desertdude. I only joined the Carnity family in 2017 and started driving with the club in 2018, and felt at home from the first drive. Gaurav played a massive part in that. Every drive I would ask for his feedback and i was in awe of what he could do with that Pajero, all the while I was having the same Pajero but hardly could make it up to Pink Rock. 

His passion for the desert was there from the start, but the concept of building a community around it was developed by him and we still bear the fruits from it every day, and everyone who drives with us understands that what we do in Carnity is not just off-roading, but trying to provide a platform and space where people can be just themselves, form bonds and friendships, and enjoy the wonderful nature that’s so close to our doorstep.

His trust in others and in myself brought me here, and the values we learned from him will be the same values we will keep instilling in every person we meet or drive with. This and this alone makes Carnity unique, and we have Gaurav to thank for that.

 

 

[desertdude]

I'm gonna have to stop visiting this site. Its my birthday today and I am sitting here reading as if someone cut a 100 onions in the room. 

1 hour ago, Frederic said:

Thanks for the beautiful message @desertdude. I only joined the Carnity family in 2017 and started driving with the club in 2018, and felt at home from the first drive. Gaurav played a massive part in that. Every drive I would ask for his feedback and i was in awe of what he could do with that Pajero, all the while I was having the same Pajero but hardly could make it up to Pink Rock. 

His passion for the desert was there from the start, but the concept of building a community around it was developed by him and we still bear the fruits from it every day, and everyone who drives with us understands that what we do in Carnity is not just off-roading, but trying to provide a platform and space where people can be just themselves, form bonds and friendships, and enjoy the wonderful nature that’s so close to our doorstep.

His trust in others and in myself brought me here, and the values we learned from him will be the same values we will keep instilling in every person we meet or drive with. This and this alone makes Carnity unique, and we have Gaurav to thank for that.

 

 

Oh he loved that Pajero. I remember he drove all the way down to sharjah to show it to me. My fat ass found it too tight but then we went ripping in Sweihan with it. I knew he had found his ride. Does he still have it? 

[Frederic]

13 hours ago, desertdude said:

I'm gonna have to stop visiting this site. Its my birthday today and I am sitting here reading as if someone cut a 100 onions in the room. 

Oh he loved that Pajero. I remember he drove all the way down to sharjah to show it to me. My fat ass found it too tight but then we went ripping in Sweihan with it. I knew he had found his ride. Does he still have it? 

Happy Birthday Junaid!

Yes the Pajero is still around.

[desertdude]

12 hours ago, Frederic said:

Happy Birthday Junaid!

Yes the Pajero is still around.

Thanks man, and glad to hear he kept the Jero till the end. But also sad at the same time knowing no one else can love it and treat it like he did. The Jero also lost a dear master.