________________
IMPRESSIONS
137
As I discovered during our association, PB was a perfectionist to the core and expected perfection in others as well. He was a stickler for punctuality. I am very punctual too, but he always beat me to it by two minutes. PB was a meticulous organiser as I observed during the many trips we had been on together. After China, he organised a cruise to Alaska and then to Australia and New Zealand. I could spare as much time as he, but I could never organise tours like he did. He would do it all. Even at the age of 95. I am told, he is planning a cruise to South America and Antartica! Just amazing.
PB was a pillar of IMC and a great contributor. IMC is one of the most respected business organizations in India and being its President means ready access to the corridors of power in New Delhi.
o crisis with two factions vying for its control (I would not like to mention names).Dhirubhai Ambani generally did not take much interest in matters pertaining to any association. I went to him and in negotiations with the rival factions, PB was chosen to head IMC as President, as only he was acceptable to both the factions. Thus a crisis was averted. PB is the only person in the history of IMC to become President twice.
I was associated with PB in another matter where his intervention led to settlement between two antagonists in some personal matter.I observed, time and again, that he was very blunt in his speech, never tolerated nonsense even from high quarters. Thankfully, knowing his principles, people did not take it amiss. At work he was thorough. He always did his homework, studied relevant papers and worked out his questions before coming to meetings, and knew what answers to expect. PB held his father in high esteem and often talked about him with great respect. Both he and Bhagwatiben were always very affectionate towards my wife Ramila and me. Even though he had brothers, PB always treated me like his brother
Wealth is the ability to fully experience life - Thoreau
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org