A tribute to Amma

Oct 6, 1927 – Mar 31, 2007

By an Incomplete son

• Amma used to say that if life had given her the opportunity she would have been a very successful CEO.

• I agree. Apart from being a tribute to Amma, this presentation will also talk about the lessons we all can learn about Leadership, Management etc. from a high-achieving Family CEO

Faith can move mountains… To put it mildly, Amma had to face a lot of trials & tribulations during her long and hard journey. She put up with it all and some more with a smile on her face...and...

lost faith in God .... she never Lesson 1 – Trust in God

It is more blessed to give than receive….

- Acts 20:35

Amma was the epitome of selfless service.

“ What should I be doing today to brighten other’s lives?” -I imagine this is the question Amma would have been asking herself first thing in the morning while waking up.

Lesson 2 – Put others first

And miles to go before I sleep…

• Amma was very clear about her aims and would never lose focus.

• With an iron will power and courage to match she battled hard and long to ensure her loved one’s success.

• Of course, as is usual in Life, her plans would go awry but she would restrategize and carry on.

Lesson 3 – Stay focused on the Goal

Glass is half-full….

• Whatever tragedies befell her she refused to be put down. She used to focus on the positive side of it all and carry on….with a smile.

Lesson 4 – Stay positive

Be a disciple of discipline

• Amma was very process oriented • Everything was done in an orderly and timely way • Thus excellence in execution became a part of her nature This required self discipline and she had it in ample measure Lesson 5 – Discipline will always get you there

The early bird….

• She was up before sunrise..always

• She would have already planned the daily tasks the previous night • She would plunge into her daily duties – starting from lighting a deepam to God – with an energy only an early riser will possess Lesson 6 – Take an early start and finish before others

Watching the watch…

• Amma was very time conscious and every task she undertook had a deadline which she adhered to • She was punctual and took care not to keep others waiting Lesson 7 – Time is precious – yours & others

Take a breather…

• While she was conscientious about carrying out her chores of the day she used to set aside sometime for quiet contemplation Lesson 8 – Give yourself time for introspection

Grace under pressure…

…

• She had a quiet dignity about her which no one failed to notice • Even under the most trying circumstances she conducted herself with Grace & Poise Lesson 9 – Stay cool – be graceful

Protocol prevails…

• She strictly observed the protocols laid down by tradition & society • She knew when to speak up and when to listen • Guests and elder family members were always given absolute attention and care Lesson 10 – Know your station in Life

Let’s get fiscal…

Consider this...5 children to be clothed, fed, educated and settled ..with a meager income.

These days, when even “double income single kid” families find it tough to cope, you can imagine the tremendous fiscal discipline Amma would have had to exercise to successfully raise her family!

This she did with extra-ordinary money management skills without depriving any of the members their due. Lesson 11 – Be a student of Prudence

Extend a hand….

• Amma’s organizational skills were very much sought after by the family members • Be it a wedding, a festival or some important occasion people used seek her help & guidance – and she would readily go to their assistance .

Lesson 12 – Persist in assisting

Don’t hurt hearts…

• Amma would never say an unkind thing to anybody • She was very sensitive to others feelings and would always take care not say things which might cause heart-burn • She was compassion personified

Lesson 13 – Be mindful of others emotions

Kindred spirit…

• Amma was a very spiritual person • She derived her strength from her unwavering faith in God • She never missed her puja sessions and writing of “Om Sai Ram”s • One could tangibly feel the spiritual power when in her presence Lesson 14 – Be a spiritual force to reckon with

Lead, Kindly light…

• Amma was a friend, mentor & guide to all

her children & grand children

• She was genuinely interested in their lives

and the progress they were making

• She was very approachable and always

had a few kind words to tell them

• Amma was a motivator par excellence Lesson 15 – Have a passion for compassion

Creative cultivation…

• Amma had varied talents • She was a wizard in cooking up mouth-watering dishes • She read voraciously • She was a good classical singer • She used to be good in crafts like knitting etc.

This is a trait we can all learn – it is a good antidote for workaholism Lesson 16– Have hobbies - do not let life hobble you Lesson

Say cheese!!…

Finally and most importantly…

• You could never find Amma glum –faced • She always used to remain cheerful and had a great sense of humor which endeared her to the younger generation • To continue to keep smiling in the face of adversity was a special trait of hers Lesson 17– Smile & chase the blues away

A few closing remarks…

I have tried to convey, to the best of my abilities, what a fantastic force she was in shaping our lives. I am sure I have missed out mentioning a few more of her positive values - but it has to be that way – because I was still learning from her…..

…… and now she is gone!!!

- avalok