502. Project Manager

"I have been running this industrial unit for the past many years. But what I am now taking up is my dream project. This project was conceived by me a few years back. But the time for implementing the project has come only now. And I have got a good engineer like you to bring my idea into fruition" said Paranthaman, the Managing Director of the firm.

"Yes, sir. We will plan well and execute the project in a good way" said Giri, who had just taken charge as the Project Engineer.

Paranthaman turned to the young man standing politely near him and told him, "Shankar! Bring the project file and give it to Mr. Giri."

Shankar went out of the room and returned after a couple of minutes with a thick file. He handed over the file to Giri.

Giri quickly browsed through the file and said, "Ok, sir. I will read the file thoroughly and then discuss the modalities of implementation with you." After a minute's hesitation, he added, "There are a lot of technical details in the file. It will take me a few days to read through the file completely."

"Take your time" said Paranthaman.

After a week, Giri came to meet Paranthaman, carrying the project file and a notebook in which he had apparently noted the points to be discussed.

"Have you gone through the file thoroughly?" asked Paranthaman..

"Yes, sir. You have already collected all the details and even prepared a brief project report. I need to discuss a few points with you" said Giri.

"Definitely. That is why I have asked Shankar to join us" said Paranthaman. 

Just at that time, Shankar entered the cabin, as if acting on a cue

Even as Giri was wondering 'Why do we need this person in this discussion?' Paranthaman asked Shankar to take his seat. Shankar sat next to Giri.

As if answering the question that arose in Giri's mind, Paranthaman said, "Mr. Giri! You are the technical head of this project. But Shankar will be the person in charge of the project. I have not given him any designation. If you want, you can call him the Project Manager. He will represent me. I have given him the authority to take all decisions regarding the project. He may consult me, if he feels the need. That is his discretion. You have to get all your decisions cleared by him. Is it clear?"

Not knowing what to say, Giri nodded his head in agreement.

"You should know about Shankar. His father worked for me. He was honest and trustworthy. After his demise, I asked Shankar to join my firm. He accepted my offer and joined my firm. He may look like an ordinary person. He is not highly educated. But having closely observed him for the past five years, I know about his dedication and integrity, his meticulous care and attention to see that no wrongdoing occurs even due to inadvertence and the sense of fear he has for even the slightest damage to his good name that may be caused by any mistake. So, I have decided that he will be the right person to play the lead role in the implementation of this project and given him the responsibility. I am sure that you will find working with Shankar a pleasant experience. Now, tell me the points you want to discuss" said Paranthaman.

Giri smiled at Shankar and began to discuss the points he had noted in his notebook.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 51
Assess Before Accepting

Verse 502 (in Tamil):

kudip piRandhu kuRRaththin nIngi vaduppaRiyum
nANudaiyAn suttE theLivu

Meaning:
Place your trust only in a person of good lineage, who is free from vices and has a fear of shame and infamy.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'project manager' by the same author.)

Verse 503
Verse 501