Criticisms

That tells more about the one who criticises…

- Kavitha Kumaran

In 1998, I joined my first job in Chennai in a technology company. One fine morning, I reached my office quite early. The phone next to my desk started ringing. Not used to answering phones, especially onsite calls, I was reluctant to pick up the phone initially. But after a few rings I picked up the phone. As I suspected, it was an onsite call and the speaker at the other end asked for someone from the Chennai team; since that person was not available, I wanted to know who is calling so that I can pass on the message, when that person comes. I asked, “Who are you?”; I didn't know that I should have asked “May I know who is this?” For the next couple of weeks, whenever I stepped into my office, someone or the other will shout “Who are you?” I didn't even have the courage to look up and find out who is teasing me. I was so upset that I was even thinking of quitting my job and going back to my native village.