At the end, Raju spoke, acknowledging the felicitations and thanking every one.
"I am very happy to have got an opportunity to honour various kinds of people, who had contributed to the growth of this firm. But, I have not been able to honour some others, who had also played great roles in building up this firm. They belong to two categories. One category includes banks, various government agencies, industry associations etc. The second category comprises my relatives!"
People listening to Raju were somewhat surprised by his mention of his relatives. Though it was customary for people to acknowledge the support given by their family members, Raju's mention of his relatives was intriguing. The audience was curious to know whom Raju specifically referred to by the term 'relatives.'
"When I said relatives, I meant not only my family members, but also my relatives, both from myside and my wife's side.
"At the time I set out to start my own business, I was holding a good position in a large company. Generally, if someone got a job in a company like that, people would say that that person's life was settled. This was because that kind of a job was expected to ensure lifelong job security, growth and comfortable living.
"I was married and I had a five year old son. I didn't have my own house or any other property. I quit the good job I was holding and started this firm, using my savings as the capital. Both my wife and my mother were opposed to my decision. Their apprehension that I was putting the future of my family at risk was reasonable and understandable.
"Many of my relatives who learnt about my decision also thought that I was being reckless. Some of them, who had never visited my house earlier, came to my house and advised me to give up my decision. They narrated the experiences of people known to them, who had taken a similar step, but were ruined within a few years, by the setbacks they faced in their business. I was angry with my relatives who tried to dissuade me. I thought 'who are these people to advise me on my professional matters?'
Within a few years of my starting the business, I encountered several problems. At one stage, I even considered winding up my business and taking up a job. But my wife and mother, who had earlier opposed my decision to start my own business, encouraged me. 'You started the business with confidence. Continue to run it. You will be able to come out of the problems soon!' said my wife.
"There was nothing surprising about my wife and my mother standing by me and motivating me. What was surprising to me was that even those relatives of mine, who had earlier advised me against starting my own business, provided moral support and encouragement to me at that time.
On learning about my facing obstacles in my business, my relatives, rather than proudly gloat that they were proved right, encouraged me, saying, 'Don't worry. This is a passing phase. Things will become alright soon.' Some of them tried to boost my morale, by philosophizing about ups and downs being normal in a business. People who had earlier narrated the stories of those who were ruined by their dream of having their own business, now shared the stories of people who came out successfully, after facing what appeared to be insurmountable problems!
"While earlier I was angry with my relatives, for advising me on my decision to start a business, I was overwhelmed by the support and encouragement they gave me, when I was facing problems. I realized that on both the occasions, my relatives only acted out of their concern for me. I take this opportunity to convey my gratefulness to my relatives, who had kindness, concern and affection for me."
Section 2
Assessing Before Acting
Akkam palavum tharum.
Verse 521
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