Calm Above Water, Feet Going Crazy Below
‘Calm above water, feet going crazy below.’ That’s how I describe Himanshu Bhatt with whom I share a strong bond of friendship, and deep respect. Himanshubhai, as he is popularly called, appears calm and it is a very deceptive appearance; his mind is constantly looking for avenues to influence people, particularly HR professionals.
We were working together in Asian Paints. Soon after joining it, he published a letter, on factory’s wall magazine, addressed to parents of school going children. It was simple, no verbiage at all, yet so impactful that I had it translated in Marathi and published it in the house magazine. I can make a long list of his small but impactful steps.
His persuasive ways and outstanding organising ability earned him not only respect, but also a good following. It is not without reason that Himanshubhai, as President, has held 90 meetings of National HRD Network’s South Gujarat Chapter – ‘uninterrupted’ as he calls it, not a single meeting was missed. This record is unparalleled, some veterans inform me.
Such is his organising ability that he manages to get sponsors for the NHRDN seminars and ensures that participants do not have to pay at all, it is free enrolment for them. One of the reason for making it free is that he does not arrange such seminars, nay workshops, on the commonly discussed subjects. The subject and the format, both are innovative.
I have been fortunate to facilitate two such workshops. The first was held in September at a L&T Facility in Surat, and the second was held in Ankleshwar on July 25. Both workshops explored the role of HR Managers in the changing landscape of employment where unconscionable practices are common. They brought about heightened awareness to social issues associated with employment practices. The experience for me as well as for the participants was unique.
What explains success of every Seminar or workshop of NHRDN South Gujarat Chapter? It is Himanshubhai’s mind constantly at work hidden by his calm deportment. This quote which I read recently explains it well: ‘I’ve always had a duck personality. Calm above water, feet going crazy below.’ – K. Flay. I am proud to be your friend, Himanshubhai.
Vivek S Patwardhan
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
Can’t agree more. You put them in words very well. His
relentless efforts in developing/ mentoring HR professionals is beyond words. I am happy and feel lucky that I am one of them. I feel his passion to make difference in lives of people is infectious.
Thanks a lot for your kind words of appreciation for him.
Warm
Regards
Riddhi
Good people see good in others and tries to bring good for all. Your support and guidance had always encouraged him to pave unique ways to bring people to gather for a cause. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings.
Absolutely agree VSP Sir. HimanshuBhai is HRD missionary and his contributions in developing HR professionals in South Gujarat will be remembered for years to come. Respect and gratitude for him and compliments to you for bringing his work to a larger platform. He himself wouldn’t have ever done this. Regards, Amit
Sir,
This is just great of you.
It is just your kindness that you have appreciated so much.
For last 30 years your kindness for me has been continuously growing.
You are a role model for me and many like me.
I am very fortunate that I am always getting a best team to work with.
People with whom I got opportunity to work with and live with have been very kind, caring and supportive. What then remains for me to do!!
Sir, God is really very kind to me. He gives me lots of opportunities to pay back to the profession and to the society.
Sir, God is very kind that He has sent you in our life. No more kindness I pray for to Him.
With the highest gratitude,
Himanshu
Apt presentation of a personality who is deep yet simple. His depth of knowledge, emotions, passion are blended with simplicity of words, personality and warmth. Whenever there is doubt in mind whether there are selfless, knowledgeable, good human beings in this world, just think about him and all doubts will be cleared. Blessed to have him as a mentor for life…