Page 49 - #letter to son

#SangamNiti MIDDAY WARMTH
a particular amount as my due. I had to chase them constantly and
remember spending twenty precious rupees in making telephone calls
to them. Finally, I got my dues and the accountant said the payment was
shagun or good luck for the future.

Having been in business for a long time now, I have often thought how
money could change someone’s status and standing in the society. Are
we only chasing wealth and fame to catch-up with the Joneses? Are we
only earning for a perceived standing in the society? If so, then one’s
reasons are only external and such people will go to great lengths to
preserve their bourgeois status. But what is the use of money after
a certain point? One cannot eat money! Then what’s the point of
hoarding it? This is directly in counter to money’s true worth that can
only be leveraged if it is circulated for the dispersal of benefit. Just like
centrifugal force.

Today, I know many who have hoarded wealth and now find it of no use.
They thought that a healthy bank balance can change everything. The
reality is that it has changed nothing. They seek peace and contentment
from their money. But money cannot give it to them. They seek warmth.
But it only gives them emptiness.

Rarely have I kept money above the threshold of my expenses. Hardly
have I kept a surplus in the corporation banks of the world. I’m proud
that I improved the living conditions of my sisters by buying them a
flat each. The surplus bought them immense joy. I’m happy that I
contributed to the higher educational expenses of my nephews and
nieces. The surplus gave them a strong foundation for the future. I’m
content in knowing that I gave seed capital to someone who wanted
to start a garments venture. Though it failed, it gave that entrepreneur
precious learning with the result that he is a successful businessperson
today. I’m elated that I gave funds – and confidence – to my old friend
who wanted to start a television channel. Today, that business has found
its own feet.

It is indeed gratifying that my support system has played a stellar role in
my life to enable me to create a ‘wealthy’ lifestyle for my family and my

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