It was the convocation function of a B-School in Chennai. The hall was colourful, filled with the outgoing students decked up in graduation gowns and caps, energetic teaching and non-teaching staff and excited parents.
The middle-aged COO of a reputed financial institution rose from his chair to deliver the Chief Guest’s address. He opened his speech saying, “I want to convey three things. Make your parents happy and spend quality time with them. Work with commitment in your job.” He briefly paused and resumed, “My third piece of advice to you, dear students, is on the importance of attitude in life.” He went on to narrate a personal incident that was the turning point in his life.
“Two decades ago, I completed my engineering degree, more out of compulsion than passion. My dad wanted me to take up a job, so I could support my family that was in dire need of funds. But I ardently felt I was not cut out to be an engineer and decided to pursue post-graduation in management.
“I applied to a well-known private institute in Mumbai where there was admission under management as well as university quota. Management quota was far too expensive and way beyond my reach. Luckily I was eligible for the university quota for which the annual fee then was Rs 7500. I applied under this category and was shortlisted for a personal interview at Mumbai. I travelled from Chennai by train and reached the institute with just enough money for my local commute and return journey.
As per their procedures, if selected, I would be given two weeks time to pay the fees and I was hopeful my dad could raise the needed money in this period.
“My turn came and I answered all the questions. The professor in charge of admissions offered me a seat but with a rider – that I had to pay the fees on that day itself before 5 pm. If not, his offer would lapse and the seat slide into management quota. No amount of pleading for time extension helped.
“My dream of a management degree crashed as raising 7500 rupees within the next four hours was impossible as I knew no one in Mumbai. I had not applied for other institutes and run out of time as well. Dejected, I aborted my mission and took an auto rickshaw to VT station for chugging out to Chennai by the next train.”
On the way, I shared my story with Ashok, my auto driver. He listened patiently and advised me , “Don’t judge Mumbaikars as a bunch of tough people to deal with.” He then took a detour, stopped in a lane, collected money from his friends and relatives and handed over 7500 rupees to me in a short time. With moist eyes, I thanked him, rushed back to college and secured my admission.
