In Mumbai, a city where old traditions mixed with modern trends, there lived a man named Mohan. Mohan was a wealthy businessman who owned several high-end hotels and restaurants. His reputation for success was widely known, and people often showed him a great deal of regard. They would bow respectfully, compliment his achievements, and invite him to important events.
Despite this outward show of regard, Mohan somehow felt that what appeared outwardly was not what was circulating inside. While people treated him with courtesy, he sensed a lack of genuine warmth. His interactions with others often felt superficial, and he struggled to form real connections. It seemed that while people respected his wealth and status, they didn’t truly like him deep inside. For years, this realization tormented him in his public life.
One day, Mohan heard about a young woman named Akriti, who ran a small community centre in a less affluent part of Mumbai. Akriti was known for her dedication to helping others. She organized free educational programs, provided meals for the underprivileged, and always made time for those who were in need. Unlike Mohan, she didn’t have a grand reputation or expensive possessions, but she was loved and respected by everyone in her community.
Curious about Akriti’s popularity, Mohan decided to visit her community centre. As he walked through the narrow lanes and arrived at the centre, he saw Akriti surrounded by children, helping them with their homework and chatting with their parents. The genuine joy and respect she received from the community were palpable. People greeted her with warmth and affection, their smiles full of gratitude and admiration.
Mohan observed how Akriti interacted with everyone—always patient, attentive, and kind. It was clear that her respect was not tied to any external factors but came from her deep commitment to serving others. Intrigued, Mohan approached Akriti and introduced himself. Akriti welcomed him with a friendly smile and offered him a walk-through of her centre.
During their conversation, Mohan asked Akriti, “People show me a lot of regard because of my wealth and status, but I feel like something is missing. You seem to have a different kind of connection with people. How do you do it?”
Akriti smiled and replied, “Regard can be superficial, based on your status or wealth. But respect comes from how we treat others and the genuine care we show. When people see that we are truly invested in their well-being, regard flows effortlessly. It’s not about the external show but the internal sincerity.”
Mohan was deeply moved by Akriti’s words. He realized that while he had received regard because of his success, he lacked the respect that comes from a heartfelt connection with others. Inspired by Akriti’s example, Mohan decided to make a change. He began to volunteer at the community centre, not as a benefactor but as someone eager to learn and contribute.
Over time, the respect he earned from his efforts and genuine involvement transformed his public relationship. People gradually began to show him genuine respect, and he started to feel a sense of fulfilment and connection that had been missing before.
His new journey had begun.