“She doesn’t have a good character!” said boy and girl…about one of their colleagues!
Astonished…I asked them how they can say this about someone! They just said “Well! What should we say….!” and shared one of those secretive look-smiles with each other!
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Agreed! ‘Tendency to get tempted’ or ‘indiscretion in relationships’ isn’t a thing to be proud of, but can it be called ‘lack-of-character’? It’s justified to be against mindless sensual-indulgence but we can’t narrow down the definition of character only around someone’s interaction with the other gender! Character is much beyond that…
There are many people who fulfill the social-criterion of personal chastity and still are lesser mortals – mean, mundane or manipulative; And then there are people who would hardly pass the Seeta-test and still are good human beings – genuine, kind and contributive! Would you simply ignore the latter…??
Actually…the fault is ours! By talking too much about angels…we have already made devils look interesting! Over-moralizing has only brought undue attention to what it is disallowing; thus cajoling people to explore, experience and experiment. Alas! What was meant to be a natural stage to grow into…has become a rebel’s delight!
“Maturity is the ability to critically examine our own beliefs and evaluate the opposites beyond prejudices”!So, it’s fine if you fit in the conventional definition of character but when it comes to those who do not fit into it, you have to show maturity…
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Let me put it simply…In the Khan-trio, one is ideal family-man…another the most eligible bachelor and…yet another has had two wives and three kids mothered by three women! But, as a person, who do most people look up to??? Surprised by your own answer…??
Well! Character isn’t just about what you do…it is also about who you are!
PS: Cynics may ask if I will sound so progressive even if a person related to me will cross Laxman-rekha? Well! By asking this, you may successfully question my eligibility to discuss this concept…but still you can’t question this concept’s eligibility to be discussed..
About Sandeep Atre
Dr. Sandeep Atre:
• Counseling Psychologist and an internationally recognized ‘Emotional & Social Intelligence’ Expert, with experience of more than two decades in helping people ‘sort out’ and ‘excel in’ intrapersonal and interpersonal matters. He holds a PhD in Management and a Master’s degree in Psychology (www.dratrecounsels.com).
• Founder of Socialigence – a venture specializing in development of ‘Social & Emotional Intelligence’ and its offshoot interpersonal skills through workshops and an award-winning online course rooted in neuroscience and psychology (www.socialigence.net).
• Author of two books related to his domain, namely - “Understanding Emotions Logically” and “Observing Nonverbal Behavior”; and third book on various aspects of life, named “Two Paras of Everyday Wisdom”. Moreover, the collection of his Nazms and Ghazals is published as a book titled “Baat Jazbaat Ki”.
• Corporate Trainer, with experience of close to two decades. Has conducted 150+ workshops/sessions for 50+ organizations & institutions like CSC, Cummins, Piramal, Ranbaxy, Lupin, Bridgestone, Michelin, Eicher, Maruti, Force, Idea, Airtel, NBHC, SBI, HDFC, L&T, Zydus, Thapar University, Banasthali, Narsee Monjee, Symbiosis, IIFM Bhopal, Azim Premji University, Nirma, Welingkar & IBS Hyderabad.
• Co-Founder and Director of CH EdgeMakers – a leading ‘Coaching and Training’ organization of central India for more than 24 years. He has trained close to 100 thousand students for ‘Soft Skills’ & ‘Entrance & Recruitment Preparation’ (www.ch-india.com).
• ‘Management Speaker and Orator’. Has featured at platforms like TEDx, IIM, IIT, NIT, CII, YI, CII-IWN, TCS, IMA, ICAI, ECA, ISHRAE, NEN, Sahodaya, Aditya Birla Education Academy, Round Table, LinkedIn Local, Rotary International, MP State’s Teachers’ Training, Academic Staff College DAVV, Police University Rajasthan, Police Training Academy Indore & more than 100 institutions.
• Member of noted associations and boards. Has been an ‘Executive Committee’ member of Indore Management Association. Associate Editor of IMA publications. Governing Council Member of Banasthali University’s SBBJ Centre for Research in MSME & Promotion of Entrepreneurship in Women. Executive Member of IMS, DAVV Alumni Association. Member of Rotary International’s ‘Group Study Exchange’ team to Minnesota, USA. ESI Coach with FWSA Australia.
Note: For glimpses of work, watch YouTube Channel ‘Dr. Sandeep Atre at Socialigence’.
