“Happiness doesn't depend on any
external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude.” - Dale
Carnegie"
Once I presided as a judge for a conference
on paper presentation for a prestigious business school. As a judge I had
immense powers to shortlist the three best presenters. Along with me two more judges also
presided. Our role was to judge the
presentations made by students on various parameters, compile our assessments
and shortlist the top three winners for giving away prizes.
One of the presenters, Susan who was
my student in my previous educational institution came to me greeted with
excitement, “How are you Sir? After four years I am seeing you here as a
judge.” She was all smiles by seeing me as
she met me after four years. In fact, she was the topper in my previous
institution who won gold medal. I reciprocated her by controlling my excitement
and asked her to present her paper. All students in the conference hall including
other two judges came to know that we were known to each other much earlier.
Susan delivered her presentation
amazingly well covering the various aspects in length, breadth and depth.
Internally I was concerned if I gave her the highest rating my co-judges and
the students might think that I favored her. I provided my feedback for Susan and kept it
aside. All students presented their papers. We compiled, averaged and
shortlisted the best three students. But
Susan could not stand in the top three prizes. I was deeply upset within myself
for my inability to give her rating although she deserved to be one of the
three top winners.
After completion of the conference
paper, I was going with other judges to my car. Susan who was waiting for me came
forward and said, “How are you Sir? I am very happy that I met you here after
four years.” I said, “I am sorry, I could not give you any prize although I was
the judge with immense powers.” She
replied, “I came here with a sole aim of winning the prize for our educational
institution. Now I got the real prize - that is you. I met you after four years. I am truly
excited by meeting you! Every student wants to meet a passionate professor like
you. This is the biggest of all prizes any student can receive.” She added, “In fact, I made a mistake as I
failed to control my emotions when I saw you after four years and greeted you
on the dais in front of all students.” I said, “I am also excited by seeing you
but my hands were tied. And I am sure you will come up in your life with your
great attitude.”
The essence out of this story is to
have a great attitude whether you win or lose. In fact, the true character of
the person is known only when s/he loses. Susan presented a great character despite
not winning any prize. Above all, she demonstrated a great attitude to be
emulated by all students.
It's not what happens to you, but how
you react to it that matters." – Epictetus
Life is great!
Listed in Marquis Who's Who in the
World in 2013
Professor M.S.Rao Born for the
Students
Thanks for reading!
Kindly share your thoughts and
comments below, I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.
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