20th February 2003

The other day I was shooting at the Ramoji Film City for my new film and there was a surprise visitor on the sets. It was B Ramaliga Raju, chairman of Satyam Computers. Raju, who was holding a meeting with software professionals and other important people of his company, learnt that I was shooting there and came to meet me with his staff. When we decided to have a photo shoot, the group of nearly 50 people stood around me. When I looked out for Ramalinga Raju garu, I saw that the only place he managed to find himself was a corner! We all called him towards the middle where I was standing but when he stood beside me, he realized he was blocking somebody else. To my surprise, Ramalinga Raju, without any hesitation knelt down, like sportspersons do for a picture. He did not find it inconvenient to kneel like some of the others, even if it was for a photograph!

This incident floored me completely. In fact, it was a humbling experience for me when a person of that stature came to take a picture with me and the way he did it was a lesion. It showed he had absolutely no ego. Ramalinga Raju garu's humility will always remind me the virtue of humbleness. At times ego may show up in me then I will be reminded of Raju garu's humility.

I guess, apart from his hardwork, intelligence and vision, his humility and friendly nature has helped him to reach where he is today. It must have been a wonderful feeling for him when a person no less than former president of United States Bill Clinton, during his visit to Hyderabad few years ago, has appreciated and heard him with rapt attention at a function at hi-tech city.

Someone who does not recognize your importance initially will surely feel embarrassed when he comes to know how important you are. Recognition will inevitably come your way. Simplicity has been the hallmark of great achievers. Greatness does not lies in your simplicity.

So think great, act simple.

Article courtesy: Times of India
Photo Courtesy: Mohan Bezawada (a visitor of idlebrain.com).