15/10/2020
In 2013, there was a fraud in the accounts of Karippatti Post Office. I was appointed as enquiring authority to verify all the pass books pertaining to that Post Office.
I had an opportunity to visit my school, St Mary's Hr Sec School, to verify the RD pass books belongs to school teachers.
As I was asked to meet respected Vincent Sir in this regard, I visited him and introduced myself as his old student. While speaking with him, he shared his bitter experience occurred with postal staff in connection with his insurance policy. My colleague who accompanied with me started to blame Vincent Sir in return, to defend the department staff.
At that time, I interrupted and politely said, "Sir, in every department there are some persons who are not doing their respective duties with due responsibility. They are being in our department also. It's not fair to blame the whole department for the mistakes done by one employee. However, I feel regret for your inconvenience and I beg your pardon on behalf of my department".
Upon hearing my words, with a glittering face, Vincent sir said, "Though I have a bad experience with your department, I'm happy to see you as to how diplomatically you are speaking and how empathetic you are. Keep it up".
Further he advised my colleague to read a quote, "Put yourself in someone else's shoes" which was written in the notice board of the school. On that day I was profoundly affected by that quote.
Since then, I used to imagine myself in the situation or circumstances of another person so as to understand with their opinion or point of view.
"Before being quick to judge someone for their actions, we should always try to put ourselves in thier shoes".
This is the very important education one should learn and to teach one's children.
-Positive Prabhu