The Power of a Response: An Ode to Graciousness

In my journey as a professional, I have had the privilege of interacting with numerous senior leaders and icons from various walks of life. Among them, a few truly stand out, not just for their accomplishments but for their remarkable humility and the simple, yet profound, act of responding.

I am not one to send unnecessary messages, emails, or make calls for no reason. Yet, like many, I have often encountered the silence of unreturned communications. It is disheartening when our efforts to connect are met with indifference. But it is here that the truly remarkable distinguish themselves: their unwavering commitment to acknowledge and respond.

The Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, despite his demanding schedule, makes it a point to respond to every message I send. His dedication to this small but significant gesture is a testament to his character. Similarly, the legendary cricketer Mr. Sunil Gavaskar responds to every single message and email personally.

I was deeply moved when I received a handwritten message from the Star of the Millennium, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, and a creatively personalized response from literary expert and actor Soha Ali Khan. The esteemed entrepreneur Mr. Harsh Goenka's personalized note and superstar Mr. Shah Rukh Khan's graciousness in keeping my book on his shelf touched my heart.

The late Shri Rahul Bajaj acknowledged my message, and I cherish the selfie I took with one of my mentors, the prominent industrialist Mr. Ravi Ruia. Moreover, I was honoured to receive a response from one of the most influential filmmakers, Mr. Shyam Benegal.

I mention these names not to boast but to acknowledge their graciousness and thoughtfulness. These icons exemplify the power of a simple response and the profound impact it can have. What makes their actions even more inspiring is that, given their immense responsibilities and busy schedules, it would have been perfectly understandable if they did not respond. Yet, they took a personal interest and found time to pen a few words. This simple act of kindness is huge, and it’s something every single person can do.

Conversely, I have also experienced the silence of those who do not respond, whether due to oversight, indifference, or sheer busyness. It is not that they are bad people or unprofessional; they simply may not realize the impact their silence can have on others. This is particularly hurtful when it comes from friends, family, or colleagues. A small change in our daily habits, such as responding to messages and calls, can bring a smile to someone's face and make a huge difference.

As Dr. Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Let us strive to make this small change in our daily lives. A response, even if not always what the person hopes for, is a sign of respect and acknowledgment.

Here’s to making the world a happier place, one response at a time.

A Simple Response

In the quiet of the night, a message sent, 

A reaching out, with hope that's bent. 

In the silence, there's a yearning call, 

For acknowledgment, a response, that's all.

Genuine kindness lies not in fame alone, 

But in the grace that's quietly shown. 

In every word, and every reply, 

There's a world of difference, we can't deny.

To answer, to acknowledge, a simple act, 

Yet it bridges gaps, and that's a fact. 

In the heart of compassion, goodness starts, 

With a simple response that touches hearts.

So let us vow, in work and play, 

To respond, to care, in our own small way. 

For in these acts, small but grand, 

We create a world where kindness stands.

By 

Dr Kaustubh Sonalkar