Friday Reflections

The Best Kind of Bosses

Story Line:

It was late evening of December 24, 2003. We were travelling in India with our friends Rajni and Asha in their car. After a long and exhausting day we reached the ethnic village resort they had booked for the night.

When Rajni had made bookings at that place, he had booked a room for the driver as well. The resort people had mentioned that they have separate arrangement for them, including blankets and other things. So, when we reached there he asked for the dorm for the driver. They said that all rooms were fully occupied due to a sudden rush and they could not oblige. They said all drivers usually sleep in the vehicle. Rajni offered to pay extra but they said they had no space. After a yelling match, finally they relented and said they will offer him space in a dorm. He went and told the driver that they are supposed to put him up in a dorm and give blankets and if they don't then go to his room and inform him. Jasbir, the driver, waited near a bonfire trying to keep warm.

Rajni went again after half an hour to verify. Jasbir was still outside near the fire. Rajni stormed inside the resort lobby and told the manager to refund money and said that that we would go elsewhere where drivers are considered as human. So, they finally opened up the dorm and not only Jasbir but all drivers of other guests also got in. He waited outside till late night until he was convinced that they were OK.

Reflection:

What I witnessed the next morning has stayed with me for the rest of my life.

After checking out from the place we were walking to our car. Several drivers of other resort guests were waiting to meet Rajni. They said that because of him they had a place to sleep, otherwise they would have frozen at night in their owners’ cars because the outside fire could not have been on the whole night. One driver also mentioned that people don't care for poor people like them as much and they appreciated what had happened the previous night.

When I looked at Jasbir, our friend’s driver, he had a glow on his face and watery eyes. When we parted ways, I remember Jasbir’s goodbye to me, with that glow on his face he said, “I am proud to work for your friend.”

It was in my heart to help a little because I was helped much.* On 33rd anniversary

 

Khalil Gibran memorial across Boston Public library

I met Louis Liang in October 1983 while working at Fairchild Semiconductor. He has been my friend and mentor since then and he has helped me in many ways in career and life. 34 years later, I still enjoy listening to his perspective on various issues on our Tuesday morning coffee chats. Many years ago I asked him what could I do in return for his guidance and help through the years. His reply was “Help the next generation. Pass on what you gain to them.” 

Story Line:  This is the story of my first 2 years in the USA (1974-1975). Most of you do not know the individuals I have mentioned but you may have similar experiences of your own with the people you have met on your journeys. Those people we cross paths with play a significant part in what we become.

My Japan Airlines flight was delayed due to mechanical troubles and arrived late in the evening at Los Angeles International Airport. The shuttle service to USC was already gone for the day. Worried and confused, I pulled out an SOS instruction sheet (given to me by my parents when I left home) and called a distant uncle; one I had only met two or three times in my life and asked for help. He stayed in Anaheim, quite a distance from LAX, but ended up coming to pick me up. For the next several days, Gautambhai gave me an orientation to America and helped me settle myself into campus life.

That semester USC EE department had launched a special program for an MS Degree with a specialization in Semiconductor Physics and Processing. There was a growing need for this rapidly emerging Industry. The prerequisites were a bachelors in Physics or EE. Even though I was admitted for the four year program for a BS in EE, I asked Professor William Steier (Head of EE department at the time) and Mr. Khetrapal (Head of the foreign student’s office) if they would let me go for an MS since I already had a BS in Physics. They gave me a chance. 18 months later I graduated with a masters degree instead of doing an additional four years to attain a bachelors degree.

A quarter before graduation, I had attended an event at UCLA with guest speakers who were executives from Silicon Valley in Northern California. I took their business cards and kept in touch by phone. After graduating I went to San Jose and contacted the two speakers I had met. Both were gracious and invited me to their offices. One, Francis Azariah went above and beyond, calling me and giving me tips on possible job opportunities. Not only did I land an interview at one of those companies, but before they could make an offer they needed local references, and he gave them a very honest review about me. 

When I had moved to Silicon Valley I met a nice man at Girish’s place where I was staying. He had immigrated from England with his family and bought a motel for business. We connected and he offered me to stay with his family until I felt comfortable in my new environment. Naranbhai and Shantabhabhi treated me like their own son and provided great emotional support in settling down in the new area.

Reflection: I have been incredibly fortunate in my journey in USA and prior to have met so many kind, caring and helpful individuals; most of whom I have met through chance encounters. They have all played a significant role in the wonderful life I've led.

They have enriched me with an enormous wealth of experiences and stories that have been shared in Friday Reflections through the years and also helped in assistance and encouragement to the new comers to the country or the company, The Young and The Restless and listening to people wanting to share their experiences or ask for an opinion. The doors were always open in office and have been open at home.

For things that are given away are never lost.

*Part 2 covering other years and experiences to be published in November.