Gopi was stung by the unsavoury comment of Doraiswamy, the Foreman. Containing the anger that surfaced in his mind, he cursed his fate for having to work under people like Doraiswamy.
Doraiswamy had done a diploma course in Engineering. He rose to the position of a foreman, after a few years of experience in the company. He resented Gopi, an Engineering graduate, becoming a trainee engineer, immediately after completing his studies. He was trying to put him down by using his authority, whenever he got an opportunity.
Doraiswamy was aware that a new recruit like Gopi, despite being an engineering graduate, would take some time to understand the operations and technical details of the working of the factory. But, he made use of any opportunity that came his way, to show that though less qualified than Gopi, he was more knowledgeable.
Doraiswamy repeatedly tried to show Gopi as ignorant. But, Gopi tolerated Doraiswamy's insults.
Murthy, a machine operator, who was working nearby and observing Doraiswamy treating Gopi shabbily, told Gopi, "Don't feel disheartened, sir. That is the way he talks."
Gopi looked at Murthy, with a feeling of gratefulness.
Murthy joined that company as a helper, after completing his secondary school education. He became skilled in operating the machines, through practical learning. A few years after his joining the company, he was promoted as machine operator. By virtue of his innate aptitude towards mechanical systems, his keen interest in the job and practical experience, he became well-versed on the nuances of the mechanisms of various machines in the factory.
Murthy joined that company as a helper, after completing his secondary school education. He became skilled in operating the machines, through practical learning. A few years after his joining the company, he was promoted as machine operator. By virtue of his innate aptitude towards mechanical systems, his keen interest in the job and practical experience, he became well-versed on the nuances of the mechanisms of various machines in the factory.
Whenever there was some glitch in any machine in the factory. Murthy would be called to address the problem. Most of the times, he would set right the problem.
Gopi thought of taking Murthy's help, to gain a better understanding of the working of machines.
He asked Murthy, "Mr. Murthy! I need to have a thorough understanding about the working of the machines. When you have time, please tell me about some of the essential things,relating to the working of the machines."
"Sir! You are an engineering graduate. I am not well educated. What will be there for you to learn from me?" asked Murthy, overwhelmed by Gopi's request.
"No, Mr. Murthy! You have a lot of experience in handling and operating the machines. I have observed that you have learned a lot about the structure and functioning of the machines. There are many things I could learn from you!"
"Okay, sir. Ask me your doubts about the machines. If I know about what you ask me, I will answer you" said Murthy.
After that, on several occasions, Gopi interacted with Murthy and learnt many intricate things about the structure and functioning of the machines. After learning several facts relating to the machines from Murthy, Gopi felt that what he had learned in the college was very little.
After that, on several occasions, Gopi interacted with Murthy and learnt many intricate things about the structure and functioning of the machines. After learning several facts relating to the machines from Murthy, Gopi felt that what he had learned in the college was very little.
Gopi connected several facts he had learnt from Murthy with his academic learning and gained a deeper knowledge about mechanical systems. After some time, Gopi was in a position to enlighten Murthy on certain finer aspects about the functioning of the machines.
Doraiswamy continued to speak derisively of Gopi, but Gopi decided to ignore his insults.
Doraiswamy was also critical of Gopi interacting with Murthy frequently.
"Don't move closely with the workers. You will lose their respect" he warned Gopi.
Gopi ignored that warning too.
After several months, Gopi asked Murthy "I have an idea for improving production. I want to discuss with you about the practical aspects of implementing it."
Gopi and Murthy had several discussions about Gopi's idea and brought it to a shape.
Gopi met the Production Manager and told him, "Sir! I have a proposal for increasing the productivity, by making a small change in the production line. If you give me thirty minutes of your time, I will outline my proposal."
Gopi met the Production Manager and told him, "Sir! I have a proposal for increasing the productivity, by making a small change in the production line. If you give me thirty minutes of your time, I will outline my proposal."
"Go ahead" said the Production Manager.
Gopi presented his proposal, using some charts and workings.
"We have to ascertain the feasibility of your proposal. I will ask the Quality Improvement Committee to study the proposal. You can also participate in the discussion of the committee and clarify any doubts they may have" said the Production Manager.
Gopi's proposal was approved by the Quality Improvement Team, after a detailed study.
"We have to ascertain the feasibility of your proposal. I will ask the Quality Improvement Committee to study the proposal. You can also participate in the discussion of the committee and clarify any doubts they may have" said the Production Manager.
Gopi's proposal was approved by the Quality Improvement Team, after a detailed study.
The Production Manager called Gopi to his cabin.
"Congratulations, Mr. Gopi! The committee has cleared your proposal. I talked about this to the Managing Director. He has given his approval for implementing your proposal. This is the first time a trainee has proposed an improvement, within a year of his joining the company, even before completing his training period. The Managing Director told me that you would be given the award 'First Year Achiever.' He will call you and personally inform you of this, in a day or two" said the Production Manager.
"Congratulations, Mr. Gopi! The committee has cleared your proposal. I talked about this to the Managing Director. He has given his approval for implementing your proposal. This is the first time a trainee has proposed an improvement, within a year of his joining the company, even before completing his training period. The Managing Director told me that you would be given the award 'First Year Achiever.' He will call you and personally inform you of this, in a day or two" said the Production Manager.
"Thank you, sir" said Gopi and added. "I have a request.
Please include machine operator Murthy for any award you propose to give for this improvement. He helped me a lot in understanding several technical aspects about the machines. He also collaborated with me in giving a shape to my proposal. I finalized this proposal, only after taking into account several suggestions given by him" said Gopi.
Please include machine operator Murthy for any award you propose to give for this improvement. He helped me a lot in understanding several technical aspects about the machines. He also collaborated with me in giving a shape to my proposal. I finalized this proposal, only after taking into account several suggestions given by him" said Gopi.
Thirukkural
Section 1
The Path of Virtue
The Path of Virtue
Chapter 13
Restraint
Restraint
Verse 130 (In Tamil)
kadham kAththuk kaRRu adangal ARRuvAn sevvi
aRam pArkkum ARRin nuzhaindhu
aRam pArkkum ARRin nuzhaindhu
Meaning:
The God of Righteousness will wait for the moment to adorn one, who controls anger, learns all there is to learn and exercises restraint.
(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'kaRRadhum peRRadhum' by the same author)
Verse 131 (Soon)
Verse 129
Verse 129
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