KISSA KURSI KA

One of the very first examples of Kursi (chairs) was the seats Egyptian artisans sat on to carry out their work. It seems the wooden arm chair on wheels was created by Charles Darwin in early 1840s. Since then the evolution of the chair has been a remarkable journey showcasing human creativity, ingenuity and adaptability. Over the years the chair’s symbolized a throne, a seat of authority, a seat of judgement and power, not only resting of the body but also focusing of the mind. Each time a large corporate/public institution/political changes erupt there is the requisition for new chairs. On one such occasion a requisition was placed to go select ideal chairs.

A large furniture store operating since Independence was the choice of one youth among them. An elderly man welcomed him and understanding his requirement bypassed all other chairs in the main hall and took him into a small room. These are the behavior chairs for the purpose you are looking for.

The old man putting his hands on the 1st chair explains this one is busy judging others. It keeps gossiping, complaining, blaming, indulges in verbal attacks and has little control on its misbehavior. It sees what is wrong with others than what is right. Mother Teresa had said “the more we judge people the less time we have to love them”.

The elderly then explains the next chair which mercilessly judges, doubts itself and its intelligence. It fears rejections and disappointments. It plays the victim card as an easy way to justify failures and wrongs. The inability to identify self-weakness it’s unable to ascertain what to do, when to give up, give in or work harder and perform.

Sitting upright on the next chair the old man moves his head around says this is a vigilant chair. It is mindful, observant and very conscious. It is a wait chair with patience, careful in what he thinks and what he tells himself on seeing challenging situations. Shows interest to know why the other is angry, but does not agree easily and is quite manipulative for self-advantage.

The next chair exhibits detective instincts both on viewing itself and others behavior. It calculative with its moves and makes good impressions. Being a good planner knows who it is what it wants and where to go. Reaches out to others well not afraid to speak the truth, is powerful and creates its boundaries ensuring its gains and does not give away control. It surely is a multi-task handler often assertive but not aggressive.

Patting the next chair the old man says it’s my favorite has incredible vision. This chair exhibits empathy, compassion and understanding. It keeps its ego out, holds audience and listens with care, concern and is tolerant. Influenced by Abraham Lincoln who said if I don’t like that man I must get to know him. Embraces others realities, it is a team player and if one in team fails considers it as his failure. Respects environment and restricts human unhealthy interventions.

Looking at the youth the old man says Kissa Kursi ka is choosing a seat which is a excellent facilitator, who makes everyone feel confident and safe, dares to implement better initiatives, a good listener, challenges the views of others, and then reach a joint decision. To stay connected whatever happens and being prompt and conclusive is very important. While the old man was talking there was a commotion outside in the hall. The youth recognized few others from his institution also here for the same purpose. They randomly purchased attractive looking chairs placed in the first rows of the hall and left immediately.

The old man smiled at the youth and said you are late. There goes an opportunity again for making quality choices but senselessly exercised. India the largest youngest population in the world, it must be in awareness, connected, united and responsible.