Grace Beyond Position
Priyabrat Biswal
There are moments in
life when positions change, but people reveal their true character.
After resigning as
Deputy Resident Editor of an English daily on December 31, 2025, I found myself
at a crossroads. It was a difficult but necessary decision, as self-respect
mattered more than designation. For a while, I distanced myself from mainstream
media, uncertain about what lay ahead. Fortunately, a journalist friend from
Delhi offered me a fresh beginning by inviting me to join her digital media
venture and, in an extraordinary gesture of trust, making me a co-owner.
As I resumed work, I
began reconnecting with public relations agencies and corporate communication
professionals across Odisha. The responses were mixed. Some graciously
remembered our long association. Others, perhaps seeing me as a relic of the
past, chose silence over courtesy. Their indifference stung, but I understood.
In professional circles, relevance often dictates relationships.
Recently, after
sharing a feature on the mining industry, I received a message from a senior
corporate communications leader at a reputed multinational company. I had known
of her for years, though we had never met, and I wasn't even sure if she knew
of me. She was aware that I was no longer part of mainstream media.
When she invited me
to her office, I accepted gladly. What followed was an experience I will
treasure for years.
She welcomed me with
remarkable warmth and grace. For nearly an hour, she spoke with sincerity,
listened with genuine interest, and made me feel valued — not for my
designation, but for who I was. In a world where professional equations often
shift with titles, her courtesy shone like a beacon.
Her words were simple
yet profound: believe in your Karma;
everything happens for a reason.
As our meeting
concluded, she presented me with a beautifully crafted pen. For someone who has
treasured pens and diaries since childhood, it was far more than a gift. It was
a gesture of recognition, kindness, and encouragement. I was deeply touched.
On my way home, I
reflected on life's quiet ironies. Some professionals, with whom I had shared
nearly two decades of association, could not spare even a returned call once my
designation changed. Yet this gracious lady, who barely knew me personally,
gave me her time, respect, and encouragement without expecting anything in
return.
That day, she taught
me a lesson far greater than any professional insight. True greatness lies not
in how we treat the powerful, but in how we treat those who seemingly have
little to offer.
To this exceptional
lady, I offer my heartfelt gratitude. Your kindness arrived when I needed it
most. Your words restored my faith. And your gesture reminded me that while
positions may change and identities may evolve, humanity remains the finest
credential of all.
***
