Chapter 9
Col Prabhu was concentrating on his cards trying to decide how to beat the contract of 4 no trumps, in a card game in the seniors section of the cosmopolitan club where he played game of bridge with his Army friends. Suddenly the club Secretary came upto the table, apologised for interrupting the game and asked if the colonel would give time to meet another member of club after his game was over. Colonel did not like the interruption as his concentration was disturbed and suddenly he lost interest and gave the game away with out a fight missing a sure trick in the process. The secretary appeared again with Sathish Agarwal and introduced him to colonel. Col was a gentleman to the core shaking the guest’s hands .He ordered a round of drinks and politely asked Sathish Agarwal if they had met some place earlier. Sathish said no, he had not had the pleasure before. He seemed genuinely happy to meet the colonel. He said in a friendly tone, “I only know you as the chairman of the best school in the city. When I came to know that you are also a member of this club ,I could not hold myself back. I insisted that our secretary should arrange for our meeting and here I am shaking hands with you.”
Col made appropriate noises in response. He suddenly became very alert as he felt Agarwal was going to make himself unpleasant very soon. Sathish continued, ”Sir, I am having interest in hospitality, communications and building materials. I am doing very well and have put away considerable amount of money for welfare measures just like you and your friends. I have visited your school and met with your Principal .I am very impressed and thought I should somehow associate with your school in some manner. That is the objective in my mind. Can you suggest some thing.”
What sort of association are you aiming at?
“Normally , I buy myself a sizeable share and tell my lawyers to manage an acquisition of controlling interest. That is the way , I have built up my business. I am related to Birlas in a remote way and business runs in my family.. But school is a new business for me. Your team is doing a very good job and I would not want to disturb that. I just would like to be involved in a small way , if you can permit.”
Col knew which way the talk was heading
Mr Agarwal, the school is not being run with any profit motive .It is an association of a few chosen closely linked , likeminded people. It is an activity we have chosen to support a good cause , welfare of retired personnel from Army, disabled soldiers, war widows and orphans related to the slain soldiers .It is not a company in that sense for you to be able to buy yourself a share in it. Yes, if you wish to make a donation or sponsor some scholarship for the students, we will be happy to accept. But to be a part of our board or aspire to be party to run or take over the school, it is not possible.
“But you took over an existing school?”
No we did not take over any thing.We were invited by the promoters family to run the school on their behalf and to this day we are doing just that.
“Should I contact that family?”.
You can , but they will refer you to me and I have already explained to you that there is no scope for any outside party to get in.
“You mean , it is tight holding.”
You can describe it any way you like.
“But I want to do some thing.”
Yes, You can do a great deal for the school, but to aspire to take over and run the school , there is no scope
“Col, I have expressed my wish. I will take all steps acceptable to the corporate world to acquire your school.
I will also approach the Government machinery and educational ministry to help us to get a role in the school. By the by, any government representation is present in the board?”
Mr.Agarwal, our school does not take any aid from the government, so there is no need for their representation .
“You may be interacting with some government agencies for approvals, accredition and participation in board examination, assessments , inspection etc”
Yes, we do follow all rules and guidelines and are maintaining excellent working relationship with government.
Ok, I am clear now. I just wanted you to know of my interest in your school.
Your interest is noted
Sathish stood up and extended his hand to take leave, “Nice meeting you Colonel. Please consider what I said about my wanting to take an interest in the school. I will be in touch with you.”
He did not wait for the colonel to say anything in response. He walked away holding his head held high.
Colonel cursed him in the choicest Hindi. But He was worried. He had to alert Dickey who was looking at the affairs of the school on day to day basis. He was not aware that Dickey was already neck deep in the trouble.