Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?
The narrative explores the nature of fame and influence through the story of an encountered actor and an industrialist during a flight. It emphasizes humility and genuine actions over status, highlighting how true respect is earned through significant contributions to society. Famous individuals like Narendra Modi and Ratan Tata are mentioned for their impact and dedication to people.
During one’s life journey, one meets many people, but before proceeding further, a small story must be told. It pertains to two illustrious personalities belonging to divergent walks of life.
The Story
Two gentlemen met on a flight. One looked serious and humble, while the other appeared gaudy and self-pampered. After some time, the second one, who looked eager to self-boasting, tried to attract the attention of the first gentleman, who was reading a newspaper. After a while, the second person tried to start a conversation.
“Hello!” the second one said in a rather arrogant tone, “How are you?” He did not realize his tone as it was his usual mannerisms.
“Fine”, the first gentleman said smilingly lifting his eyes from the newspaper and looking at the speaker who was trying to impose himself on him. After exchanging pleasantries, the second one said, “Do you watch films? I am a film actor.” The gentleman politely replied in negation. They talked about many things, but the gentleman did not ask about the actor much. After the flight landed, both shook hands. The actor introduced himself saying he was a celebrity actor. The gentleman smiled and said, “Glad to meet you.” He picked up his briefcase and smilingly said, “I am an industrialist. The airplane we were flying in, belongs to my organization. ” The actor was shocked to see the simplicity and humbleness of the gentleman who taught him a lesson by his decency.
Moral of the story
The story tells about the fleeting nature of life, position and status which are nothing more than a soap bubble. People earn money, status and position but fail to win hearts which is important and long lasting.
Who is Influential, who is Not
So far as meeting an influential person, it can’t be said who is influential and who is not. It is a subjective outlook that depends upon perception. A person can be Robin Hood of folklore who, though a criminal in the eyes of the law, was a hero for some. The public figure often interacts with people through physical presence and meticulously painted figures of a noble person to people. It is, but one aspect albeit. People construct an icon. Tagging a person with a superlative degree of an adjective is like judging a person based on the ostensible trait. We know, people who had been good and law-abiding turned out to be a dreaded criminal because of adverse circumstances despite having a simple heart were tagged as a notorious one.
Being Famous Means
Being famous means people are talking about him/her. Groups of people are naturally in favour of or against the celebrity. Meeting in person with a famous (or infamous) individual is obviously difficult. Stories start brewing around such a person making him/her a known personality to the extent of God having more than a life-size personality with immense potential. People want to connect to that personality for a reason. In today’s world, media plays a role in perception building and casting an icon.
Luminaries Loved by People
While talking about meeting a famous or infamous personality some illustrious people come to mind who, by their deeds, have left an indelible mark on society and people. They are from any field – art, craft, politics, science, spirituality or anything. People often go behind a personality who is often in the media glare and is working on something worthwhile or significant thing. It is a method of self-presentation performed by professionals who do it with great care to enhance one’s personality.
(A) Modi: A Man Who Rules Hearts
A well-known world personality is Sri Narendra Damodar Das Modi, who is the third-term Prime Minister of India. He commands the respect and love of millions of people in the country and outside. He, nevertheless, has earned his reputation through his hard and dedicated service to humanity and love for the country and its people. He stands way above other leaders of the world in international ranking. Despite all, he is the one who has ever since been the center of abuse, scathing and laceration by his opponents. For his opponents, he is not a deserving one. I meet Sri Modi several times a day, not personally but through media and his NaMo App. He is a visionary and means business. He doesn’t belong to the school of thought who believes in fake promises and assurances. He works diligently for the advantage of the country and its people. This makes him most respected world leader, not the mere media hype.
(B) Ratan Tata: A Billionaire, A Saint
Some people commanded respect, love and fame because of their tireless work for the good of people or through their philanthropic deeds. Late Ratan Tata was the person who will be known for his kindness, love for the nation and empathetic attitude towards the common people of the country. He recently left for his heavenly abode. They are the luminaries who are heroes of innumerable people whose emotions of respect and prayers, raised in a symphony of their deeds resonate to reach the hearts of people.
(C) Lal Bahadur Shastri: Simple and Firm
Among the saintly leaders mention of late Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri would be apt and proper. He became the second Prime Minister of India after the death of Nehru does not live long to serve the nation. He died in Tashkent after the peace accord was signed in 1966. He was the leader who rose to fame and power, though was unaffected by its glitter. He will be remembered for his simple living and strong decisions.
(D) Indira Gandhi: An Iron Lady
People remember late Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi as well with respect and honour. Being a political figure, she took decisions considered not very good, but as a leader, she too commanded confidence and love of the country.
People’s Personalities
The personalities mentioned above were people’s leaders. Fame and love do not come easy. It is not because of the profession one is in, nor do they get it merely because they are in the glamour world, politics, or a field that attracts public attention. It can’t be that because of the nepotic attitude, some get a berth in the compartment. It is more than that.
Hard Work and Dedication
For recognition, one has to do something extraordinary. The character of a film actor in the story narrated above shows that getting some recognition is not a guarantee of popularity. It has to be supplemented by a nice disposition, humble psyche, and willingness to do extraordinary. There is a plethora of film actors, but all are not celebrities. Barring of few all others are struggling hard to get noticed. A few people have managed to impact the steel framework of a system run by individuals who are not only arrogant, deceitful, and haughty but also consider themselves gods. People with a narcissistic mentality can disturb and confound a genuine person but can’t suppress good deeds. This is bound to bloom.
Respect Does Not Come By Meeting Personally
I have not met any of them personally, but they have touched the hearts of millions with their determination, missionary zeal, and wish to do good for the masses. I heard them speaking from public platforms and watched their demeanour. They ruled the people’s hearts.
In The End
Listing learned luminaries in a country like India is quite daunting. Mentioning one and leaving the other, even though by mistake, would do injustice. I respect all those who contributed their bit for the welfare of people, the nation and society. S/he is a scientist, a player, a philosopher, a poet or a person of literature.
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