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23 August 2024 at 9:59:04 pm

Marathi Matters

A basic knowledge of the local language should not be an unreasonable demand for someone earning a living by serving the public in that state. The perfectly reasonable proposition put forward by the state government that commercial passenger-vehicle drivers should possess a working knowledge of Marathi has been unfortunately recast by some taxi and autorickshaw drivers as an assault on fundamental rights. Four Mumbai-based Uber drivers have approached the Bombay High Court, challenging the...

Marathi Matters

A basic knowledge of the local language should not be an unreasonable demand for someone earning a living by serving the public in that state. The perfectly reasonable proposition put forward by the state government that commercial passenger-vehicle drivers should possess a working knowledge of Marathi has been unfortunately recast by some taxi and autorickshaw drivers as an assault on fundamental rights. Four Mumbai-based Uber drivers have approached the Bombay High Court, challenging the state government’s notification making working knowledge of Marathi compulsory. Their petition invokes constitutional guarantees of equality, the freedom to practise a profession and the right to life, while arguing that the Motor Vehicles Act does not prescribe a language requirement for badges or permits. There is nothing inherently oppressive about expecting a worker who operates in a particular linguistic environment to learn enough of its language to perform his job. A driver does not need to become a Marathi scholar, pass an examination in medieval literature or abandon his mother tongue. He needs to understand a passenger, ask where he wants to go, give basic directions and deal with an emergency. That cannot be cultural assimilation by force. It is, in fact, basic occupational competence. The principle is hardly peculiar to Maharashtra. Indians who move to another state for work routinely encounter a different language and, sensibly, make an effort to acquire at least its basics. A Bengali worker in Tamil Nadu, a Marathi worker in Karnataka or a Hindi-speaking migrant in Kerala cannot reasonably expect the surrounding society to reorganise itself entirely around his linguistic preferences. Learning the local language is one of the simplest forms of adaptation and, ideally, the beginning of acculturation. The irony in Mumbai is particularly rich. Drivers protesting the requirement have reportedly been turning up at language classes, armed with handwritten Marathi phrases. What passengers actually need is rather more prosaic, basic yes or no and questions on destination from their prospective drivers. The state’s decision to establish 161 training centres, provide a helpline and allow drivers who fail the test time to improve is therefore welcome. Enforcement should be transparent, proportionate and free of vigilantism. A language requirement certainly should never become an excuse for extortion or intimidation. But the answer to an imperfectly administered rule is better administration, not the rejection of the principle itself. Those who choose to earn their livelihood in Maharashtra should not be encouraged to regard Marathi as an imposition simply because it is inconvenient to learn. Mumbai has always absorbed outsiders. It has not required them to surrender their identities. It can, however, reasonably ask them to learn how to say “yes, please sit” before they learn a dozen ways of saying “I want to go home.”

Indecision Kills Personal Branding

Updated: Jan 20, 2025

Indecision Kills

In a world that celebrates clarity and confidence, hesitancy is a silent yet powerful force that can diminish your personal brand. When people dwell in the realms of “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” they unknowingly project uncertainty and unreliability—traits that can undermine the foundation of a strong personal brand. Your ability to make decisions and stand firm on them is not just a reflection of your leadership but also a testament to your personal brand’s strength.


Every interaction we have leaves an impression. Be it a professional email, a networking event, or a casual conversation, these moments contribute to how others perceive us. When you continuously oscillate between indecision and vague responses, it sends a message that you lack confidence or direction. In business, where trust and reliability are paramount, this can become a significant roadblock.


Imagine a scenario where a client approaches two service providers with the same inquiry. The first one confidently outlines a plan, clearly stating the next steps, while the second hesitates, replying with, “I’m not sure; let me think about it.” Even if both have the same expertise, the client is more likely to gravitate toward the first provider. Confidence fosters trust, and trust is the bedrock of all successful relationships—professional or personal.


Indecision can often stem from the fear of making mistakes or being judged. While this is natural, it’s important to remember that perfection is an illusion. The act of making a decision, even if it turns out to be less than ideal, demonstrates courage, responsibility, and accountability. These are the traits that elevate a personal brand, distinguishing you in a crowded and competitive world.


Being decisive doesn’t mean being impulsive or reckless. It means gathering information, weighing options, and then committing to a choice with confidence. In personal branding, this is particularly crucial because every decision you make—how you respond to challenges, present yourself, or communicate with others—forms part of the narrative others associate with you.


Hesitation and indecision don’t only affect how others perceive you; they also impact how you view yourself. Constantly second-guessing yourself leads to self-doubt, which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more uncertain you are, the more others will mirror that uncertainty, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.


One way to counter this is by setting clear priorities and aligning your decisions with them. For instance, if your personal brand is centred around being a thought leader in your industry, your choices should reflect expertise and foresight. Even in moments of ambiguity, acknowledging the uncertainty while showing a proactive approach—such as saying, “I’ll find out and get back to you”—conveys both honesty and determination.


During my recent trip to Australia, I was reminded of how decisiveness shapes impressions. Whether interacting with global clients or navigating unfamiliar professional terrains, I realized that certainty in communication was key to building trust and rapport. This was particularly evident when representing my personal brand on international platforms. A clear, confident tone opened doors and strengthened relationships that would have otherwise remained distant.


The next time you find yourself leaning on phrases like “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” pause and ask yourself: Is this hesitation necessary? Sometimes, it’s about silencing the inner critic and choosing to act decisively. Even if the outcome isn’t perfect, the act of making a choice positions you as someone who is reliable, proactive, and worth trusting.


Your personal brand isn’t defined by the absence of mistakes but by how you handle them and move forward. Decisiveness isn’t just about making choices—it’s about owning them. And in a world that often feels uncertain, those who lead with clarity and conviction stand out.


Make your decisions a reflection of your confidence, and watch as your personal brand strengthens, opening doors you never imagined.

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(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+countries. Views personal.)

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