The term 'Gentleman' is often used to describe any many who exhibits a certain level of culture and courteousness, yet people refer to any male person as gentleman without really knowing the person. I have had the opportunity to meet and talk to one such 'Gentleman' who really made me understand what the term really meant.
On the first day of my Undergraduate Course, seated in the corner of the first row was a person who was impeccably dressed in a formal shirt and trousers. While others were immersed in their own thoughts, the Gentleman came up to each person and introduced himself. When he came up to me, I pronounced his name in an improper manner, he took no offense, laughed and then accentuated on the 'H' at the end of his name. When I looked puzzed, he replied that the H should sound like a sneeze. With that Statement began Six years of Friendship and I am yet to meet a person as gentle and chivalrous as him.
One day while travelling on a bus, a passenger got up and the seat was empty. I motioned him to sit down. He politely asked the other standing passengers if they wanted a seat and then sat down. When I told him that it was unusual for a person to not occupy a vacant seat immediately. He smiled and replied that he did not necessarily need a seat and that there were other passengers who needed a seat more than he did.
While he was the epitome of courteousness, Chivalrousness was another gem in his crown. He respected and treated his male and female classmates with equal importance. This might seem normal to most people, yet it was very different as I was used to chauvinists and this real gentleman treated everyone with importance. He would compliment anyone whenever they needed it. He made me realize that compliments cost nothing for the giver and are invaluable to the receiver.
He was an excellent singer and student par excellence (The only 10 pointer), yet he always remained humble and never boasted or made anyone ever feel inferior. He made each one of us realize that we were good at something.
As this Unsung Hero completes another rotation around the sun (His Birthday). I wish him all the best for a bright future.
