Hope you like the inspiring story
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During Nelson Mandela's 19 years imprisoned on Robben Island, one particular commanding officer was the most brutal of them all:
“A few days before Badenhorst's departure, I was called to the main office. General Steyn was visiting the island and wanted to know if we had any complaints. Badenhorst was there as I went through a list of demands. When I had finished, Badenhorst spoke to me directly.
He told me he would be leaving the island and added: ‘I just want to wish you people good luck.’ I do not know if I looked dumbfounded, but I was amazed. He spoke these words like a human being and showed a side of himself we had never seen before. I thanked him for his good wishes and wished him luck in his endeavors.
I thought about this moment for a long time afterward. Badenhorst had perhaps been the most callous and barbaric commanding officer we had had on Robben Island. But that day in the office, he had revealed that there was another side to his nature, a side that had been obscured but still existed.
It was a useful reminder that all men, even the most seemingly cold-blooded, have a core of decency and that, if their hearts are touched, they are capable of changing. Ultimately, Badenhorst was not evil; his inhumanity had been foisted upon him by an inhuman system. He behaved like a brute because he was rewarded for brutish behavior.”
From Japan
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32_____________________
During Nelson Mandela's 19 years imprisoned on Robben Island, one particular commanding officer was the most brutal of them all:
“A few days before Badenhorst's departure, I was called to the main office. General Steyn was visiting the island and wanted to know if we had any complaints. Badenhorst was there as I went through a list of demands. When I had finished, Badenhorst spoke to me directly.
He told me he would be leaving the island and added: ‘I just want to wish you people good luck.’ I do not know if I looked dumbfounded, but I was amazed. He spoke these words like a human being and showed a side of himself we had never seen before. I thanked him for his good wishes and wished him luck in his endeavors.
I thought about this moment for a long time afterward. Badenhorst had perhaps been the most callous and barbaric commanding officer we had had on Robben Island. But that day in the office, he had revealed that there was another side to his nature, a side that had been obscured but still existed.
It was a useful reminder that all men, even the most seemingly cold-blooded, have a core of decency and that, if their hearts are touched, they are capable of changing. Ultimately, Badenhorst was not evil; his inhumanity had been foisted upon him by an inhuman system. He behaved like a brute because he was rewarded for brutish behavior.”
From Japan
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Dear Pawan,
Namaste. True, this is generally the case with most of our parents! I am sure you will agree. I am not sure if you have heard of this story.
The Story of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Stalin
During the rule of Stalin in the USSR, he was a terror. At this time, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was posted as Ambassador to the USSR. On the first day, he went to see Stalin and report his posting. At the appointed time of the meeting, Dr. Radhakrishnan went to the chamber of Stalin.
Upon entering, Dr. Radhakrishnan saw Stalin standing by the window with his back to the entry. This was his usual habit so that on entry, no one could see his face. Dr. Radhakrishnan, upon announcing his arrival, found no response and moved towards Stalin. As he approached Stalin, Dr. Radhakrishnan gave a gentle pat on Stalin's shoulder while inquiring, "How are you, Mr. Stalin?"
To his surprise, when Stalin turned towards Dr. Radhakrishnan, he saw the great terror Stalin was in tears. Bewildered, Dr. Radhakrishnan inquired why Stalin was upset. Stalin said, "Thanks, Dr. Radhakrishnan, you are the only person who saw a human in me. The rest all fear me and think I am a terror."
Moral of the Story
The moral is "We should learn to see the HUMAN in others," not just their deeds. Deeds are circumstantial or situational.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share what I know.
WISHING YOU A "HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR 2012"
Have a nice day,
With best regards,
Sarma Duvvuri
From India, Hyderabad
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Namaste. True, this is generally the case with most of our parents! I am sure you will agree. I am not sure if you have heard of this story.
The Story of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Stalin
During the rule of Stalin in the USSR, he was a terror. At this time, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was posted as Ambassador to the USSR. On the first day, he went to see Stalin and report his posting. At the appointed time of the meeting, Dr. Radhakrishnan went to the chamber of Stalin.
Upon entering, Dr. Radhakrishnan saw Stalin standing by the window with his back to the entry. This was his usual habit so that on entry, no one could see his face. Dr. Radhakrishnan, upon announcing his arrival, found no response and moved towards Stalin. As he approached Stalin, Dr. Radhakrishnan gave a gentle pat on Stalin's shoulder while inquiring, "How are you, Mr. Stalin?"
To his surprise, when Stalin turned towards Dr. Radhakrishnan, he saw the great terror Stalin was in tears. Bewildered, Dr. Radhakrishnan inquired why Stalin was upset. Stalin said, "Thanks, Dr. Radhakrishnan, you are the only person who saw a human in me. The rest all fear me and think I am a terror."
Moral of the Story
The moral is "We should learn to see the HUMAN in others," not just their deeds. Deeds are circumstantial or situational.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share what I know.
WISHING YOU A "HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR 2012"
Have a nice day,
With best regards,
Sarma Duvvuri
From India, Hyderabad
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