How I met Ashok Soota

Interesting thing happened to me this morning ...

I had noticed the sign board of "Ashok Soota" at the gates of the house just adjacent to the park where I jog. Always wondered if this the Ashok Soota of Mindtree Consulting. Many a times thought od asking the man at the gates about the same but never actually did. No particular reason.

As always, today also I went for the jog in the morning. While completeing the first lap a person coming from the opposite side captured my attention. Blue tee-shirt, grey trousers, black shoes and a wrist watch. Fair skin, the glasses. He was accompanied by a taller and younger fellow in slacks. The man looked strangely familiar. Could it be Ashok Soota, I wondered. Crossed him few more times as he was walking in the opposite direction. No one else was taking any note of him. Ashok Soota is a well known man I expected him to be with some security, expected other people to recognise him. I was now sure that he was Ashok Soota indeed, but the low profile was nagging me. Thought of asking him, but hesitated.

But curiosity got the better of me. Waited for him at the park's gate after my jog. He too finished his walk and came to the gate. I said, "Excuse me sir, are you THE Ashok Soota?". Hesitantly he said, "Yes". I was elated and extended my hands for a shake. Then he too smiled and extended his hands. Next two minutes he asked my name, where I stay and work, about my studies and if I liked my job. The mention of TCS brought a smile on his face. Smile of familiarity, smile of satisfaction. He then wished me luck and bade good-bye.

I had met him before in college, but that was official. He had come as the Chairman & Managing Director of Mindtree Consulting. This time I could see the real him, most humble.