Dear Readers,
It has been a while since I stayed in touch with you through my blogs. It’s nothing but paucity of time. I will catch up.
This blog is going to be based on a speech I made to all my employees on July 16th, the “CHOICE DAY”. I will publish this in parts, and I am sure you will like it. I believe you could draw inspiration from this and use it for yourself. I have learnt so much from people who have contributed to my life in many ways.
Excerpts of speech given on Choice Day, July 16th 2023.
What do I say? You can see some tears in my eyes. But don’t look at that, I’m a strong man. That’s what has led me so far. There are witnesses here who will, probably, vouch for what went behind this, what we just saw. I have my oldest two friends here: Captain Jeff and Cheenu. The senior most Joan Mary and P Bala, who have been with me, have seen all this with their own eyes. I told my wife this morning, I have had 3 friends in the last 40 years. There are many people who think of friendship and sometimes confuse or mix it up with acquaintances and a true friend. When it comes to Cheenu and Jeff, I must tell you, they may not be millionaires, they don’t drive Ferraris and Lamborghinis and BMWS and Mercedes Benzes. Jeff is a person who I have been inspired by a lot. I used to bug him when he was the most handsome looking pilot. He has flown the best of terrains of this country, and I got attracted to him, because of his efficiency and efficacy and I wanted to become his friend. He did not want to become my friend, but I forced him, that is what Rachel said, I have a knack of getting through to people. Cheenu is the same. He used to buy me dinner at his home, and he used to give me breakfast made by his mom in Madras very frequently, because I couldn’t afford it. They are still my friends in spite or despite not having mega wealth or riches. And that is my gratitude to people who have worked for this organization, who have left this world, who have relentlessly worked with me, (most of them are here). I reminded myself, how all of this happened. There is somebody above me, and that’s my boss. I always, and even today wish, I had a boss as I would want to impress my boss. Today, I don’t get a pat on my back, to say you did a good job. When 100’s of you expect my pat on the back, I always wish, I was on the other side of the table as well. So, this morning, I started off with my most fantastic ritual, accompanied by my brother Tom, Cheenu and Jeff. I went to say hello to my boss, Mr. O.C Thomas, who is resting in peace. Right now, he is having a nice drink and enjoying and celebrating the success of his company. I was at the graveyard this morning and when I came in Cheenu, in all his honesty said, “Come Jose lets mourn.” I said “No! I am here to celebrate. I am here to celebrate his vision; I am here to celebrate his wishes.” And all I told him is this: “Dude, Have good time. Have an extra drink on me today in heaven” I did not say, Our Father. I did not say Hail Mary. But I said, “My father, You gave me this opportunity, you gave me the wisdom, you gave me the genes…have a good
time. Thank you so much dad. The job is still not complete. Long way to go.