How Vietnam tackled the US.

Vietnam defeated the US after a terrible war that lasted for 20 long years (1955 - 1975). After the victory, a journalist asked the president of Vietnam, "How was the victory achieved? How did Vietnam defeat a country like America?"

The President answered, "Actually, to defeat a country like America was impossible. Yet, a legendary Warrior King's story gave me the confidence and valour to make it happen. The war strategy was planned from this inspiration and we executed it. We won!"

"Who was that great King?"

With due respect, the President said, "none other than Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who fought against the Mughals all alone! If Vietnam had a king like him we would have ruled the world"

A few years later, the President passed away. He had asked to carve the following words at his resting place. "Resting place of a humble soldier of Shivaji Maharaj".

After a few years, the EAM of Vietnam visited India. As per the scheduled programme, he was taken to the Red Fort and Raj Ghat but he asked where was the "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Samadhi Sthal?" The accompanying Indian official replied in astonishment that it was in Raigad, Maharashtra.

The minister came to Raigad and paid respects at Shivaji Maharaj's resting place. And then he took a handful of soil and deposited it with reverence into his bag. 

Watching this, the journalists asked why he did that. He said, "This is a soil of valour and victory where the great Shivaji Maharaj was born and grew up. I will mix this soil with Vietnam's as soon as I reach there. Let Vietnam have brave men like Shivaji Maharaj! 

Courtesy : What'sApp.

My take.

The foreigners respect our leaders with a lot of respect. Sadly, we Indians are parsimonious with our appreciation.

Tailpiece.

Got up around 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Spoke to Gireesh, the dish TV man, transferred the amount to recharge our accounts.

Participated in the 563rd episode of Aazhchakkoottam : "National Highway and an Array of Connecting Road Network" by Mr Anil Kumar Pandala, Former MD, Trivandrum City Road Improvement Project & Green Field Stadium from 1600 - 1730 hrs. Maman had initiated it from Lucknow, where he's currently in and I'd generated the discussions, post presentation and also proposed the vote of thanks. It was an interesting interaction.