An exemplary honest employee 

Ram Niwas Verma was working as head clerk in a Uttar Pradesh Government office for many years. This was surprising as nobody would normally remain posted in such a sensitive post  for a long time. But he was considered exceptionally intelligent, honest and hard working. He would seldom go on leave. He was very punctual and regular. He was very courteous to colleagues and others.  Although he was on job that involved public dealing, nobody ever saw him visiting anyone outside his office. He would never talk to any outsider at his residence or even in office except during hours fixed for visitors. He would meet others only in presence of his colleagues. Apparently, nobody could even think that he could receive bribes. Thus his conduct was so exemplary.  These days, bribe is normal and nobody expects that his work could be done without bribe. Even then, nobody from public ever complained about delay in his work  Some times the vistors would offer him some favor for expeditious work. But he would politely refuse saying that his salary suffices.  So his seniors did not want to lose him.

What colleagues viewed

His colleagues would say that Ram Niwas Verma was single and had no family liability. He needed no money and so he could afford such honesty. In these days of rising prices, it is not possible to be so honest. Even if you do not bribe, you will need to bribe in other places. Ram Niwas Verma was disliked by many as he was giving a bad example.  Some suggested to him that he may accept reasonable quid pro quo from visitors and if he did not like to retain this money, he could donate to charity. But all such advice would fall on deaf ears.

How Ram Niwas Verma lived

However, Ram Niwas was no example of simplicity. His house was well furnished and decorated. He would take lunch in ofice canteen. He would every evening take wine and dinner in some bar.  He would return home in taxi.  Not only his colleagues but also neighbors wondered how Ram Niwas financed his expensive life style.  They just speculated that Ram Niwas might have inherited good fortune from his ancestors or other relatives. But no body was sure. No relatives were ever seen in his house.  His office colleagues and neighbors were the only individuals who could be seen some times with him. He was never seen communciating on phone to any relative or friend. Hence where was the question of his getting anything from relatives or ancestors. Thus his entire life style and honesty was a matter of suspense.

The secret of honesty

One day,  Satish his next door neighbor had an occasion to visit a five star hotel in the city in connection with a wedding ceremony. He reached the hotel earlier.  So he had to wait as the wedding ceremony would commence after about two hours.  He thought of drinking beer just to while away time. So entered bar room of the hotel.  He sat in corner of the bar.  Suddenly, he got glimpse of a known figure near his table.  That known person was Ram Niwas.  Ram Niwas was taking whiskey slowly alone.  Soon two others joined him. They were speaking in low voice unaware that somebody was watching them. From the conversation, Satish gathered that Ram Niwas received visitors only in the hotel. They would pay the bill for eatables and drinks.  Also he would receive costly gifts from them in the hotel itself. This was the secret of his honesty.