Interview part-8: Birbal guides Naushad

If you haven't read part-7, have  a recap:

These are  the skills you have, you can add something more:

Education at different schools;

Singing Gazals and writing Urdu poems from a poet near your house

Administration from your uncle;

Archery and horse riding from parents;

Accounting from a merchant;

Chinese from Chinese traveler;

Warfare and hunting from a chieftain;

Certifications from local clubs for various games, contests;

 

I welcome readers to help Naushad in presenting the skills in an appropriate manner for all the three jobs from the suggestions of Birbal in the following order:

Accountant

Minister

Captain

Question is: How do you think you are fit for the job?

Surely Birbal may also come with his ideas; sometimes we can also excel Birbal.

Part-8

  Birbal and Naushad: Birbal excels!

Birbal after a long absence from the court came back from his tour. To his astonishment, Naushad was there at his house welcoming.

“What, Naushad? You are still in the capital! Haven’t you got a job? “.

“No. They have postponed the interviews and group discussion, because most of the ministers and courtiers are out of town on different missions” Nashua sighed

“So, it is a blessing in disguise. Have you prepared the answers for my questions?”

“No.” Naushad expressed guiltily. Birbal started chiding him for his laziness “This is too much, young man. I’ve already asked you to think your own answers. Make mistakes. Then only you learn. Mistakes and errors are real teachers.  I’m not going to give the replies directly. For the post of captainship how will you present yourself?”

Hesitantly, Naushad began “Sir, I’m Naushad.  I’m from a village near Madura. I won first position  and certifications   from many associations in different contests like horse riding, swordsmanship, archery and other local games. I am really proud to say that my father is my teacher. I learnt warfare and diplomacy from the chieftain of our area.

If you give me a chance, I can prove my skills.”

Birbal smiled “Is that all?”

“Yes, uncle, what is there to be told in connection with my war skills? In my opinion, nothing more is there!”  Naushad confidently replied.

This time Birbal’s smile turned into a frown “Naushad, Will you answer me these questions? Assume and imagine. If you become a captain, you are also responsible for stores, ammunition and food expenses of your contingent…Isn’t it? Then which is the knowledge that is going to be helpful in these circumstances?”

“….….Accounting?”

“Yes. Another question…. If you are sent to Himalayas and beyond, you may have language problem. How will you manage?”

“I will have a translator”

Birbal got irritated “Then, What is the use of Chinese language that you learnt?”

“I am sorry I didn’t think of that.” Naushad felt ashamed.

“So… shall I answer thinking that I am Naushad now…………………:

 I am Naushad from a village near by Agra. I have got expertise in archery, swordsmanship and warfare. My father and the local chieftain Asim Ali are my teachers. They are also famous warriors. They took part in all the wars on behalf of our country from their teenage. Our emperor has honoured them. Because of these teachers, I could win the first position in war games. During training I had been with little water for many days in the deserts of West of Delhi. I went to China and learnt different martial arts. In addition, since I knew accounting and administration I can keep my stores, food, expenses and ammunition properly and perfectly. Moreover, in case of wars in north or beyond Himalayas, I can use my Chinese knowledge for spying, administration and translation purposes.”

Naushad became amazed and speechless at how Birbal used the same skill set to his advantage.

“So, think and tell me how will you present your skills for Accountant’s post?” Birbal immediately queried.

The shrew boy took some time and a cup of juice offered by Birbal’s wife.

He started “Sir, I learnt accounting from a local businessman and worked for a year two. Then I joined our local chief Asim Ali to help him in maintaining tax income and welfare expenses. He taught me valuing farm outputs and excise duty calculations. Also in case I am sent to war-fronts I can maintain accounts as well as fight because of my expertise in horse riding, swordsmanship and martial arts. In addition to accounting I know Chinese language; this knowledge can be used for the silk trade with Chinese or spying during wartime.”

“Wow, well done! This is how you have to coordinate ideas and skills to present your self… After all your skills are your commodities. Sell them like a successful merchant. But be true and honest. Don’t exaggerate; because exaggeration and lies may land you in trouble. See you later.”