We
were watching an interesting programme in Tamil, compered by a famous actor.
One of the participant asked if he could
ask him a personal question. With the 'go ahead signal' he asked what he
thought was his special attribute or trait. Taking a few minutes before he answered
he replied "My father is an industrialist and going by Indian standards
the son naturally follows suit. But when a chance offering came across to act
in a movie I said I give it my full effort and I think I had succeeded. Take
for example this particular show. I don't have great proficiency in Tamil and
by nature I am a reserved person; look at me now....... I conduct the show
meeting and interacting with people who are fluent in Tamil. If I think I am incapable
of a particular job, I go with double vigour and determine that I should
achieve it by hook or crook!"
As I
listened, I remembered our dear friend who used to share his life events with
us. He was an eminent man holding high position in the government. A good
leader who led his team with aplomb. But come to the family front, he was a
zilch. It was his gracious wife who had to organise even his daily chores to
make sure that he had his pen filled with ink (It was those days of ink pens!)
his clean handkerchief was in place, he put the right shoe in his right leg and
doesn't forget his attaché case! If his personal life was so dependent on her
we need not go into the social front. Even after he retired as he was immersed
in his own books and writings and there was no respite in her assignments. The
man was as usual was living in cloud nine as a care free bachelor boy. But that
particular day dawned differently. She passed on to her next life and she was no
more there to run the errands. It hit him like a bolt from the blue. He so
dumbstruck that he couldn't even cry. The dazed look on his face made the
people and relatives who came over to pay their condolences think that he was
going go mad.
His
three sons and their families were
discussing about their dad's future. They tried to talk to him." Dad
please come and stay with one of us. Even if we cannot match mum's standard we
will try our level best to keep you happy. It is also perfectly alright with us
if you decide to stay alternately with us." At last the man opened his
mouth. "Can you give me some more time to think over?" They were
delighted that he had at last opened up a bit.
The
expectant family gathered again awaiting dad's decision.
"I
have decided to stay alone." These words from their dad's mouth "I
have decided to stay alone." shocked them beyond measures. Never in their
dreams they anticipated this answer. When he asked for time they were under the
impression that he was considering his choice of place. Now it was their turn
to think that he was going mad. He would definitely make a mess of himself. But
the man continued "I know the love affection you and your families shower
on me. But I would like to learn my
basics. Our gardener's wife had promised to take care of the house. I can help
in educating their children. I may not do a perfect job, I may falter and fail,
I may be gullible still I want to learn. When my gut feelings tell me that I am
a chaos I will not hesitate to seek your help.
"It
going to be a financial and psychological disaster I say....." one of the
sons commented
But
others wanted to give him a long rope. Keeping their fingers crossed they left
the man to his own fate.
That
ignorant man tabulated everything starting from his daily menu, the works to be
done with timings; an account book was created and each and every paisa was
accounted for; he made it a point that the servants' children read the English
newspaper for him daily morning to increase their proficiency in the
language. He knowingly or unknowingly
followed the Japanese quality way of KAIZEN (continuous improvement).
He
entertained his guests with fresh cool juice from his kumquat tree sprawling
over his front garden. One day he surprised his sons and their family by
inviting them over for dinner! It was indeed a revelation! In addition he threw
in a shocker too when he said that they were welcome to this house as if their
mother was alive!
This
was the man who was considered a dud in his brilliant family and his mother's
only prayer to God was that this son should pass his school final examination.
and get a clerical job in the government to have financial security in his
life. When he passed his school final and wanted to continue his higher studies
like his elder brothers, his parents obliged him. But once he was in college
there was no stopping him. He came out with flying colours and not just that
but won a scholarship to go US to further for his Doctorate!
That person is none other than dear uncle, B.W.X. Ponnaiah, whom we call our
"Morale Booster". We might
read many such wonderful things in news or in the media but when it happens
close to us it touches the heart and enthuse us to follow suit! Thank you
uncle!
