47. AN AMICABLE CONFLICT RESOLUTION (1988)

STRESS, SUCCESS AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN

The Highs and Lows of A Woman’s Journey in the Corporate World

CARE: This is Chapter 47 of my book Stress, Success and Everything In-Between. These are individual anecdotes but to understand the professional journey in totality, I would recommend reading the book right from Chapter 01 onwards.

Divisions simmer beneath the surface of our vast nation. North and South, sometimes defined by ancestry, language, or even food, can be points of contention. Yet, within our institute, a microcosm of India, harmony prevailed. Staff and trainees hailed from every corner, united by a common purpose.

One incident, however, threatened to ignite the North-South divide. We were to host a group of American dignitaries, taking them for sightseeing around Delhi by day and treating them to a celebratory dinner in the evening.

The Principal, a seasoned officer who had spent a few years in Washington DC and was quite aware of the American palate, proposed dinner in some five-star hotel. The Vice Principal, a proud son of Tamil Nadu, vehemently disagreed.

"Five-star hotels are their everyday reality. Let them experience the taste of India. Why not treat them to South Indian cuisine for a change?" He stated emphatically.

A clash appeared inevitable as all the faculty members observed the conflict in silence. They were at their wit's end, holding back their views diplomatically and seriously observing what was being discussed by the two top men. The fiery flavours and vegetarian delicacies of the Dasaprakasa, the Vice Principal's choice, were a stark contrast to the Principal's vision.

Before tensions could flare up, the Principal came out with a solution with a smug smile. The dinner will be arranged at the Dasaprakasa, a restaurant well known for its vegetarian South Indian food, as suggested by the Vice Principal. But he would host pre-dinner drinks at his residence. The Vice Principal, a teetotaller and vegetarian, happily agreed, and the Faculty Members nodded happily, breathing a sigh of relief. Thank God they did not have to express their views openly!

That evening, the Principal's residence was transformed into a scene out of a Bollywood movie. Fairy lights twinkled, a skilled bartender concocted exotic cocktails, and a live barbecue sizzled with an array of delectable kebabs, tikkas and vegetarian delights.

The guests, captivated by the vibrant atmosphere, enjoyed the evening much beyond expectations. Our teetotaller, vegetarian Vice Principal, though constantly checking his watch, could not help but be swept up in the soothing environment.

Finally, at dinner time, the guests were escorted to the Dasaprakasa. The waft of the incense, which greeted the guests, was met with polite curiosity. But as the South Indian delicacies were served, the excitement waned. The unfamiliar spicy flavours, a stark contrast to the earlier appetizers, saw most plates of the guests with leftovers. However, the hosts happily savoured both cuisines.

For me, it was a great learning process. The Vice Principal, basking in the satisfaction of showcasing the South Indian cuisine, seemingly won the battle. But the true victory belonged to the Principal. His tactful diplomacy ensured a memorable evening, leaving the guests and the hosts happy without ruffling any feathers.

As a novice, I observed all the developments astutely and learnt a lot from the conflict and its amicable resolution. 

(To be continued....)

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