The Sparkling Taste of Benevolence

Asia PlateauEffective living in the midst of challenging circumstances draws the best of our inner resources and exerts the sinews of our commitment.

20 participants from Tata Toyo, Kolhapur Steel, Kehin Fe and Kaymo Fastners were glued to the graphic presentation made by Datta Damanskar, a captivating trade Union leader whose heart is as large as his eloquence, at an Effective Living and Leadership Programme held in Asia Plateau, 17th February 2009 to 21st February 2009

Formica India ranks amongst the largest manufacturers of Decorative and Industrial laminates in India. Datta Damanskar and Thomas Abraham were the elected Secretary and President of the Trade Union in the company.

The organization was going through a phase, where tough decisions had to be taken by the management to streamline the strength of the work force and ensure that there was optimum productivity.

The situation came to a head in the mid 80’s. Much to the credit of the management, they called in the Union representatives and laid the “cards on the table“.

The “Head count” had to be reduced and 18 employees were picked to be axed. The General Manager emphasized that they were zeroed in after a careful look at their track record which had a litany of alcoholism, & absenteeism.

Listening carefully to this rationale, the Union Leaders countered “what guarantee is there that the new recruits would set an example of integrity and flawless performance.“ There was an intense moment of silence.

Datta thought of 18 families that would face the trauma of unemployment. He requested for 6 months to enable him do his best to institute a turn around in attitude and bring in fresh perspectives among the “die hard “employees.

Datta working on the shop floor has experienced the pressure of targets to achieve and deadlines to meet. This taking a heavy toll on energy levels and sapping enthusiasm in the course of a fair days work. Home is where the “hearth fires burn “. Children skipping with joy and the warmth from one’s life partner bringing in much needed succor and emotional strength.

This ideal, an aspiration for many a layman visualizing dreams of bliss and never ending happiness.

The day’s toll takes a heavy price and the practice when reaching home was to seek an escapist interlude ‘to put in ones boots and cushion oneself in front of the TV “. Cares of the home, bills to meet, and children’s progress in studies are concerns that are furthest from one’s mind. A constant refrain itemizing these issues from one’s better half swirls in a din of reaction and moody response.

Datta shared with his wife the situation of the 18 workers in his company. He suggested that they visit their homes, listen to their problems, be compassionate and give them much needed counseling.

This he believed could change the life styles of these families. There was initial skepticism but they decided to venture forth.

Every day his wife was ready and waiting, accompanying Datta, visiting every family. There was questioning resistance but that soon melted in the face of deep understanding and friendship.

At the end of 6 months there was sweeping change with 17 of the earmarked employees.

Sharing friendship and bonding with genuine care brought in that “change from within “that the Management at the end of 6 moths reconfirmed the position of 17 persons in the organization.

The 18th person however refused to budge but left for other pastures to pursue.

A couple of months later Datta was surprised to hear that he had returned to the factory and was requesting that he meet with him.

Furious in the beginning, he however did go to see him and was heartened to hear from him that he now had a thriving food contract business. He had come especially to offer “sweets “ and express his gratitude.

The love we sow and the hand we extend in friendship brings in a harvest that extends far beyond our vision.

Vidya Patil with her soaring clear melody at the multi faith prayer meeting encapsulated the vibrancy that is ever present in our innermost recesses.

“Astho Ma Sadh Gamaya”
Lord take me to Truth from Untruth

“Tamso Ma Jyothir Gamaya”
Lead me from Darkness to Light

“Mrithyo Ma Amritam Gamaya”
Lead me from Finite to Infinite

“Om Shanti Shanti, Shanti Shatni”
Peace, Peace, Peace

Suresh Mathew