Your Attitude Matters Part 3: Real Stories

Your Attitude Matters Part 3

Real Stories from Early Mumbai Days

Opening

In mathematics, balance is everything. An equation collapses when one side tries to dominate the other unfairly. Human interactions follow the same rule.

Attitude is not about proving superiority; it is about restoring balance - between effort and reward, qualification and respect, words and responsibility.

These real stories are deeply personal. They belong to my early days in Mumbai, at my maternal uncle’s naturopathy centre. They are shared not to provoke, but to reflect how calm firmness, clarity, and self-respect quietly correct distorted behaviour.

Story 1: Fees, Fairness, and a Public Lesson

I was new to Mumbai but not new to understanding human and economic behaviour. Before arriving in the dream city, I had already observed how intelligence, over-smartness, and entitlement often wear the same mask.

Dr. Singh was known to my maternal uncle and frequently visited his naturopathy centre in search of patients and professional connections. When he learnt that I was a teacher and ran my own educational institute — Praxis Academy — he casually requested me to coach his two sons.

The very next day, the children joined my academy. A week later, the doctor also discovered that I conducted spoken English and personality development classes. Soon, his wife joined as well.

My practice was simple and professional: fees in advance. Yet, out of goodwill, I waited a week longer.

When I finally asked the doctor’s wife for the fees, she responded politely. The children, too, were sincere learners. The complication arose later.

One day, at my uncle’s Arogya Kendra, the doctor tried to publicly influence and embarrass me by saying:

“Why did you ask my family for fees? You should have asked me directly.”

He believed public pressure would work.

Calmly and clearly, I responded in the same public space:

“You are absolutely right. So I am asking you now - please pay the fees.”

He froze.

I repeated gently but firmly:

“Please give it now.”

People around us understood the pattern. They knew the doctor well. Support silently shifted.

When he hesitantly offered a partial amount, I accepted it with a positive expression and asked:

“Are you satisfied after paying this much?”

He had no answer.

Some people do not understand silence. They understand clarity.

Story 2: Qualification, Salary, and the Cost of Disrespect

On another occasion, a visitor arrived at my uncle’s Vedic Arogya Centre in his absence. During my free time, I often assisted with hospitality.

The visitor came with two others. Someone accompanying him introduced him as the owner of a junior college. From the beginning, his attitude leaned heavily toward self-promotion.

He proudly stated that many teachers in his institution were Ph.D. holders.

I asked a simple question:

“May I know how much salary you pay them?”

He answered honestly - and the amount was shockingly low.

I responded calmly:

“Sir, such qualifications deserve respect and appropriate pay. This amount is not even equivalent to a clerk’s salary.”

He did not appreciate the observation.

Attempting to assert dominance, he asked for my full name and compared me with a low-profile individual from his locality who shared my surname - a clear attempt at belittlement.

To restore balance, not to insult, I asked his surname and replied with measured composure:

“My grandfather once had a servant with your surname. He was an honest and hardworking man who collected cow and buffalo dung.”

His face turned red.

“That is not possible. My community does not do such work,” he argued.

I replied softly:

“I am speaking about my grandfather’s household. Who would know better - you or I?”

The conversation ended. The topic changed.

Sometimes, disrespect retqreats when confronted with its own logic.

Reflections

These moments taught me enduring lessons:

• Intelligence without ethics becomes manipulation

• Qualification without respect becomes exploitation

• Silence without clarity invites dominance

Attitude, when grounded in fairness, restores equilibrium.

Key Takeaways

• Professional boundaries protect dignity

• Calm firmness is stronger than loud resistance

• Respect must accompany qualification

• Economic behaviour reveals moral character

• Correcting behaviour need not be aggressive

Disclaimer

These narratives are shared for reflection and learning only. They do not promote humiliation, personal attack, caste or community-based insult, threat, or misuse of authority.

The intent is to highlight behavioral economics, power dynamics, and ethical decision-making in everyday life. Readers are encouraged to engage with others lawfully, respectfully, and with emotional intelligence.

From the Desk of the Author

These stories are close to my heart because they shaped my early understanding of professional ethics in a city that tests ambition daily.

Education is not merely a service; it is a responsibility. Respect - economic and emotional - must travel both ways.

At Mathivation HUB, lived experiences become mirrors for learning.

An Honest Question to Readers

When fairness was challenged in your life, did your attitude restore balance - or did silence speak for you?

Rakesh Kushwaha

Educator | Writer | Founder – Mathivation HUB

Where Mathematics Meets Mindset