Portado Story by Sudha Murthy 💯

Summary

The speaker recounts a story about a college classmate, nicknamed 'Potato,' who prioritized connections over education. Despite his intelligence, Potato habitually skipped classes and crammed for exams, securing good grades but lacking deep knowledge. Years later, he regrets his choices after struggling in his career due to a lack of discipline and knowledge. The speaker emphasizes the importance of hard work, discipline, and respect, noting that success in life has no shortcuts. The story serves as a lesson on the long-term consequences of neglecting education and discipline.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The importance of attending classes and being disciplined in education was emphasized, as it lays a strong foundation for future success.
• 🏆 Despite getting good grades through strategic study methods, true knowledge and understanding are essential for long-term professional success.
• 🕒 The speaker's classmate 'Potato' initially prioritized social connections over education, which later led to difficulties in his career.
• 🚫 The consequences of lacking discipline and proper time management were highlighted, as it can lead to job loss and a struggle to find employment.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The classmate's regret for not valuing education more and the impact it had on his family, particularly his daughters, was expressed.
• 🌟 The speaker's success was attributed to hard work, discipline, and a focus on knowledge rather than just grades.
• 💼 The reality of the professional world was underscored, where knowledge and competence are more valued than mere academic marks.
• 🏫 The script conveys a deep respect for the educational system and the role of schools in shaping individuals' lives.
• 💰 The classmate's advice to contribute back to one's alma mater once successful, recognizing the value of the education received there.
• 🌱 The transformative power of education from raw potential to a refined, knowledgeable individual was discussed, highlighting the school's role in this process.

Q & A

Who is the main character referred to as 'Potato' in the script?

Potato is the nickname for the narrator's classmate who was from Goa and attended the same engineering college.

What was Potato's daily routine in college?

Potato would come to college late, around 9 or 10 o'clock, attend a few classes, and then leave. He would also come for the lab in the afternoon.

Why did Potato believe in the importance of building connections rather than focusing on education?

Potato thought that connections were more important in life than education, as they could help in various ways when one is young.

What was the narrator's background and how did it influence their perspective on Potato's approach to education?

The narrator came from a middle-class family with a father who was a doctor. They did not understand the concept of building connections as emphasized by Potato.

How did Potato prepare for his exams?

Potato would study intensely for a month before the exams, eliminate question papers from certain months, and create an approximate question paper to focus his study.

What was the outcome of Potato's approach to education during his college years?

Potato managed to get first-class marks in all four years of college, despite his unconventional study habits.

When and where did the narrator meet Potato again after many years?

The narrator met Potato again in Dubai in 2008 or 2009 after a long gap of 30 to 35 years.

What was Potato's career situation when he met the narrator in Dubai?

Potato was working in a managerial position in Dubai, but he had faced difficulties in his career due to a lack of knowledge despite having good marks.

What lesson did Potato want to convey to the narrator about the importance of discipline and hard work?

Potato wanted to emphasize that discipline and hard work are crucial for long-term success in life, and one should not rely solely on connections or shortcuts.

What advice did Potato give regarding the importance of education for his daughters?

Potato advised that his daughters should study well and not follow his path, understanding the value of knowledge over just getting good marks.

What did Potato mean when he said the school is an 'Alma mater' and why should one help it?

By referring to the school as an 'Alma mater,' Potato meant it is a formative place that shapes one's life. He suggested helping the school as a way of giving back for the lifelong benefits it provides.