NOT THE CHINESE WALL... BUT THE CHINESE BAMBOO
M any years ago, a 17-year-old girl was speaking in one of our Public-speaking sessions. She hailed from a family that ran one of the well-known hospitals in Mumbai. So, while introducing her, I, unwittingly, made a remark without a hint about what I would have to hear after that. I said to the audience, “They own one of the top hospitals.” The girl felt a lot embarrassed on hearing my words, “No sir… That’s my dad’s hospital. I have to earn my own place.” Mr. Ramakrishnan, our senior trainer, was so impressed by what he had just heard, he asked the audience to give her a standing ovation… The girl was even more embarrassed… When the ovation ended and all sat down, she said with equal grace and confidence, “I would rather earn a standing ovation for my speech than for that one remark I just made.” I do not know where this girl – now, a full-grown lady – today is… But, I do know this: wherever she is, she must have earned her own place und...