An Old (??) Person in LIC office

Last Saturday, I went to LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India) office nearby to complete the formality of my insurance policy. The officer over there wanted to meet me in person, probably to see and checkout whether the person to be insured is really suited and eligible.

The appointment was scheduled at 10:30 AM, so I reached over there. I called the officer and asked for his place, but he asked me to wait for another hour as he was yet to start from his home.

I expected these things quite happening in all the Govt offices and had already carried the news paper with me and started going through it.

I looked around. Most of the staff over there was working and serving their clients. Then my eyes spotted an old person sitting around a corner and serving his clients. He was totally immersed in his work. His hairs were well combed and all white, reflecting that he was moving towards his retirement. He wore an old styled spectacle and was perfectly matching on his face. He had a broad smile on his face and was in his cheerful mood. He was prompt in his work and very polite while talking with people.

For me, this was something un-usual. Most of the working people I have seen usually are not in that happy and cheerful mood. And this guy touching 60 was so happy in his daily work. I felt amazed. I just could not resist myself to meet the man and went to him. He greeted me and asked whether he could help me. I asked him how he could manage his work with that much energy and enthusiasm. He smiled back to me and started telling about him. He told me that he is 78 years old and it has been 20 years since his retirement.

I was stunned. I just could not believe it. I asked myself, whether he is bluffing with me. He smiled again looking at my puzzled face and said he really meant it. I immediately asked him what the secret of his well being is. During the conversation, following things came out.

• He would never worry at all under any circumstances.
• Always wear a smile on his face, it costs nothing.
• Be optimistic about everything.
• Keep the things simple.
• He was vegetarian.
• He eats only twice a day and drinks lots of water.

I was amazed to see this 78 years old person sharing the wisdom which cannot be explained through any literature. He was a living legend. I asked for his name. He is known as Deshpande kaka in his office. Kaka in Marathi means Uncle.

I started thinking about him that night. Whatever he had explained was a lesson for me. Most of the things which seem complicated in our lives are actually the simplest one. Deshpande kaka lived his life with some good habits and that was secret of his ever lasting energy and enthusiasm.
The good habits are difficult to follow but are easy to live with. The bad habits are easy to follow, but are difficult to live with. But habits can be changed. Bad habits can be turned into good habits