<p class="bodytext">We are known for “mango diplomacy” in our area. First, a primer—we have a solitary, 35-year-old mango tree in our backyard that yields nearly 400 mangoes each season. We have done precious little in terms of caring for the tree. But the little sapling that grew from a kernel that was accidentally discarded has grown into a gigantic tree that gives us sweetness for life. Our mangoes are really, really sweet and delicious.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Well, be that as it may, every mango season I indulge in mango diplomacy, which is my ostentatious term for distributing mangoes in my neighbourhood, among relatives, and friends freely and abundantly.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Something magical happens when one distributes ripe, delectable mangoes that are priced the most highly among fruits in India, out of love <br />and not for money. People like you and remember the act of generosity when you do it.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Each season, after the mangoes are picked from our tree by our house help, risking their life and limb, I neatly pack them and go from house to house and present that year’s yield. This one simple act of altruism changes whatever ill feeling that they might have against me. I have discovered that this brand of PR is most effective. But the caveat is that you must take the initiative to approach people and gift them mangoes and not wait for them to ask you for it.</p>.<p class="bodytext">And what is your investment in this kind of an act? Zero. Just a little kindness is all that is needed. The fruit is providence-given; there are people to harvest it, and all I have to do is pack and deliver with a smile. But the goodwill it generates is unmeasurable.</p>.Tango with mango!.<p class="bodytext">And I also take care to individualise the gifting. I have neighbours and friends who prefer only raw mango because they make enough pickle out of it for one year’s consumption. And many of my friends have the courtesy to send us the pickle they make for our own use. A quid pro quo. This is the happy outcome of our mango diplomacy. Personally, I never ask anything in return for our mangoes, but if someone chooses to return the favour, they are welcome.</p>.<p class="bodytext">There are others who come to our house for mango leaves during festivities. As is well known, a mango garland is hung across the main door and that of the pooja room during festivals. And we never say no to this kind of a request.</p>.<p class="bodytext">I have heard people say that the mangoes we give them are shared and savoured in their in-laws’ and cousins’ houses too. That is the reach of our mango. People unknown to me are enjoying our mangoes, and their good wishes are the harvest I reap from a simple act of kindness.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Be kind. Share your bounties of nature, and people will bless you. The effect is not immediate or palpable. But when someone, somewhere blesses you, you reap the fruit of distributing your fruit heartily.</p>
<p class="bodytext">We are known for “mango diplomacy” in our area. First, a primer—we have a solitary, 35-year-old mango tree in our backyard that yields nearly 400 mangoes each season. We have done precious little in terms of caring for the tree. But the little sapling that grew from a kernel that was accidentally discarded has grown into a gigantic tree that gives us sweetness for life. Our mangoes are really, really sweet and delicious.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Well, be that as it may, every mango season I indulge in mango diplomacy, which is my ostentatious term for distributing mangoes in my neighbourhood, among relatives, and friends freely and abundantly.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Something magical happens when one distributes ripe, delectable mangoes that are priced the most highly among fruits in India, out of love <br />and not for money. People like you and remember the act of generosity when you do it.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Each season, after the mangoes are picked from our tree by our house help, risking their life and limb, I neatly pack them and go from house to house and present that year’s yield. This one simple act of altruism changes whatever ill feeling that they might have against me. I have discovered that this brand of PR is most effective. But the caveat is that you must take the initiative to approach people and gift them mangoes and not wait for them to ask you for it.</p>.<p class="bodytext">And what is your investment in this kind of an act? Zero. Just a little kindness is all that is needed. The fruit is providence-given; there are people to harvest it, and all I have to do is pack and deliver with a smile. But the goodwill it generates is unmeasurable.</p>.Tango with mango!.<p class="bodytext">And I also take care to individualise the gifting. I have neighbours and friends who prefer only raw mango because they make enough pickle out of it for one year’s consumption. And many of my friends have the courtesy to send us the pickle they make for our own use. A quid pro quo. This is the happy outcome of our mango diplomacy. Personally, I never ask anything in return for our mangoes, but if someone chooses to return the favour, they are welcome.</p>.<p class="bodytext">There are others who come to our house for mango leaves during festivities. As is well known, a mango garland is hung across the main door and that of the pooja room during festivals. And we never say no to this kind of a request.</p>.<p class="bodytext">I have heard people say that the mangoes we give them are shared and savoured in their in-laws’ and cousins’ houses too. That is the reach of our mango. People unknown to me are enjoying our mangoes, and their good wishes are the harvest I reap from a simple act of kindness.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Be kind. Share your bounties of nature, and people will bless you. The effect is not immediate or palpable. But when someone, somewhere blesses you, you reap the fruit of distributing your fruit heartily.</p>
