They Don't Make Em'Like That Anymore.

It was September 2015 and we were in Jodhpur for the annual conference of Asian PaintsPPG. After a long and exhausting day of the conference, I decided to have an early dinner. The only other person present was another gentleman with whom I had never had the opportunity to speak before that day. I took my plate and was a bit unsure regarding what should I do-so greeted him and then went to a far corner and sat down to have my dinner. The gentleman walked up to me and asked, "Is anyone joining you?" I half stammered, "No Sir", I am alone. "Then let me give you company". He pulled up a chair and sat down." I really enjoyed the afternoon session. It really left an impact. Well done." I blurted out "Thank you Sir”. A surreal conversation ensued. "Have you been working with large groups","Who all are there in your family",...As the conversation continued I also took the opportunity to understand the person's interest and what kept him interested in this business even after so many years...even in those few minutes I could see the twinkle in his eyes when he narrated his passion for paint technology and innovation....all of a sudden he stopped.." Have you tasted the Mirchi Vada here"...I said, “No Sir" You must have it". Before I could react, he personally called the chef and instructed him to prepare a special plate of "Mirch Vada" for me. He continued, "How can you come to Jodhpur and not have Mirchi Vada, it’s like committing a sin". In no time a plate containing 6 steaming hot Mirchi Vadas arrived."There you go ..Have these"."Sir I mean, I can't have all of them". He smiled at looked at me "I will take one and then I will give you company". He picked up one and I had no choice but to gulp down all of them. The Mirchi Vadas tasted wonderful, and I thanked the gentleman for his suggestion. As he got up, we shook hands and he remarked , " Good night. See you in Mumbai. Keep doing such good work". I was left with a deep sense of gratitude and tasted what humility and grace meant....Mirchi Vadas were bonus for sure...During the conversation ,not once did I get to experience his position or seniority in the organization....it was a conversation of equals...I reflected -during the afternoon session, this gentleman was like any other participant in the group and did whatever was expected from a participant...no special treatment ...his words of encouragement left an indelible impression on me and a deep sense of connect ...as the gentleman sauntered off..I couldn't help but think.,.perhaps this is what humanity and connection was all about.After this incident I must have bumped into him at least a dozen times during my decade long journey at Asian Paintys,each and every time there was an acknowledgement and a warm smile...sheer grace and dignity....in a fancy business school case study what perhaps would be known as #LeaderhipClassics...#AshwinDani Sir or as most liked to call him #AshwinBhai left for his heavenly abode on 28th Sep ..but before that touched many lives in a way in which only he could…as they say, “They Don’t Make Them like That Anymore”.Rest in Peace Sir!