In the lines of Brian Tracy, “Successful
people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people
are always asking, ‘What’s in it for me?’. After meeting with Mr Birbal Jha,
the Director, British Lingua, I found the statement Correct to the Core. Given
the success that he has already got, I thought he would meet me with a plastic
smile and give me a cold-shoulder treatment.
But, contrary to all these
pre-conceived notions that I had in my mind, his jovial nature, no-nonsense
approach, electrifying persona, warmth and his in-depth knowledge on Paag,
filled in me a great sense of love, respect and honour for this man.
On the way back to my home, I started
pondering, “I had never met the Patriarch of Mithilalok Manch, nonetheless he opened
the door for me with an all-pervading smile, made me sit comfortably, tied his
pet to make me feel at home, asked his children to touch my feet, a rare
phenomenon these days; he spared ample amount of time for me, was brutally
honest about all that he has done in his life and appreciated my work. Should not I write about him? I should". I
treasured every moment that I spent with this exponent of English.
His knowledge of Paag is outstanding.
The way he narrated me the evolution of Paag and its significance, made me feel
that despite being born and brought up in Mithila, I knew nothing. The Mithilalok
Manch, a brainchild of Mr Jha, has made its presence felt far and wide for
awakening the conscience of the people of Mithila about their own tradition. It
has also been able to cement the social fabric by making Paag, a symbol of not
only one cast or one gender, but for all the lovers of Indian Tradition.
The popularity of British Lingua
publication is also increasing day by day. With more than 20 titles to its
credit, it has already been acclaimed as one of the most talked-about
publications owned and operated by a Maithil. No doubt, if anything is written
on the “People who made English language for Masses”, the name of Mr Jha will
surface prominently.
Today Twigs wish him great luck for
his future endeavours and expresses its solidarity for every good work that he
will be doing in the days to come.