Paranthaman's participation in seminars on topics relating to Economics became a regular occurrence.
Very soon, Paranthaman was recognized as one of the leading experts of the country on Economics. He found a place in various top level bodies of the government, like the Planning Commission. He also received invitations from foreign countries, for participating in international conferences.
Paranthaman's contribution to the field of Economics and his recognition reached such a level that any discussion on Economics would invariably have a reference to Paranthaman's views on the subject.
After reaching the age of fifty, Paranthaman got his involvement in the field of Economics gradually reduced and began to involve himself in spiritual activities.
He identified himself with a reputed organization involved in rendering services to people and participated in their activities, in the area of administration.
The editor of the magazine I was working for gave me the assignment of writing an article about Paranthaman, on the topic 'A Holistic Personality,' by spending one full day with him and observing his activities.
When I went to Paranthaman's house at 7 am on the day of appointment and rang the doorbell, he himself opened the door for me.
After I had introduced myself, he welcomed me into his house and offered me coffee.
He then told me, "Mr. Mani! I will be doing my activities as I normally do. Just observe me, by sitting near me. At any time, if you have any question, you can ask me. Whenever possible, I will answer your question immediately. If I am very busy, I will answer it later" he told me.
"Sir! I find that you have taken your bath and got ready for your work so early in the morning. At what time, do you get up in the morning?" I asked him.
"4.30 am."
"And, when do you go to bed in the night."
"As per my time table, I should go to bed at 10.30 pm. But, on many days, it will be past 11.00 or 11.30, by the time I sleep."
I began to observe him, making note of his important activities.
I was astonished by the sharpness of his intellect, his briskness, his interest in and knowledge about a wide variety of topics and his productive use of time by getting involved in some work continuously, without getting fatigued or bored.
Not minding my sitting near him and observing him, Paranthaman did things as per his schedule. When he was engaged in activities like reading newspapers, magazines or books and noting down something in his diary or notebook, I watched him silently.
Whenever he began to speak on the phone, I would go out of the room, respecting his privacy. But, sometimes, he would ask me to stay. If his telephonic talk was on Economics or other professional topics, he would signal me that I could take notes.
After the breakfast, I accompanied him in his car to a few places he visited, places like the service organization he was associated with and some other offices.
Except for the times during which he was talking to someone in private, I was with him.
In the evening, he delivered a lecture in an event. I sat among the audience and listened to his speech.
After returning home from the meeting, Paranthaman engaged himself in reading, writing, speaking over the phone etc.
I took leave of him at 9.00 pm, after having dinner with him.
"Did you feel terribly bored?" he asked me, when I started to leave.
"No, sir. By being near you for an entire day, I learnt a lot of things about you" I said.
"That could be dangerous" quipped Paranthaman, smiling affably.
I received a phone call from Paranthaman the evening my article about him was published in our magazine.
"What have you written, man!" he complained, angrily (I noted that the respect he had showed while addressing me during the day I was with him, was missing this time.)
"Which part of my essay are you referring to, sir?" I asked him, politely.
"Don't act innocent. You have written that I am short-tempered, discourteous etc."
"Sir! I have not used such words. In fact, I have written appreciatingly of your intellect, your knowledge about a wide range of topics, the incredible efficiency with which you manage time without wasting even a single minute, your selfless services etc."
"Yes, you have. But you have also portrayed me as an irritable person, having no patience, empathy or tolerance towards other people!"
"Sir! I have narrated the incidents I witnessed. I have not tried to judge you. You expect perfection in all matters. When you find it is missing, you become irritated and vent your anger on people around you. When the cook served you breakfast, you shouted at him because he had omitted to keep the glasses filled with water. During dinner, you slammed the cook again, because the dosa was not crisp enough.
"While traveling by the car, you faulted the driver for not setting the temperature of the air-conditioner correctly, which resulted in your feeling too cold inside the car. When you were speaking in the meeting in the evening, there was a problem with the mike. You turned to the organizer sitting on the dais and yelled, 'If you can't even ensure that the mike works properly, why do you invite me to the meeting?' Everyone heard your remarks, even without the aid of the mike!
"I have narrated incidents witnessed by me, without commenting on them. Please correct me, if there are factual inaccuracies in my reporting."
There was no reply from the other end. I heard only the sound of deep sighs.
*dosa - a South Indian dish made of rice and gram flour
