Controversy apart, Chatwals spell warmth
There has been so much talk about Sant Chatwal. I have known Sant and Daman Chatwal for the past two decades, and I think I should share my opinion of the relationship I have with them. They have undoubtedly been one of the warmest couples I have ever met. Their hospitality knows no bounds and their simplicity compared to their status, commendable.
Sant has been in the eye of a lot of speculation on being awarded the Padma Bhushan. This man was awarded the Ellis Island Award in 2009, which is a highly decorated American Award given to achievers who have been outstanding in their field. It is awarded after an intensive screening process. He was also the recipient of the Order of Khalsa Award which was given to a few Sikhs in 1999 during the 300 year centenary celebration of Guru Gobind Singh for outstanding contribution to their community. My father too incidentally received this award and we all had been very proud of him.
Sure, he has worked hard on his image, but then don’t most of us? "Why is networking sometimes considered negative," I ask this man, who is often lunching with top businessmen and senators. "Networking in a positive way is never considered wrong. I have built relations with people over years and the only thing that keeps the long time connection is the warmth. I have no time for cocktail friends," he says definitively. I agree with him, warmth is the connect that lasts, air kisses get lost midair! The whole world networks. It’s the people who make people!
Daman’s warmth is palpable. Small things bring tears to her eyes. She can be misunderstood but one thing is for certain, she has always given me a motherly vibe since I have known her and great home-cooked food at her apartment in New York. Both consider their family their top priority.
Sant has worked hard all his life to achieve his dreams. He dreamt of a car when he could not afford a bicycle. He made the castles he built in the air, tangible. "Sheer continuous hard work made it possible" he said. "Today I am thrilled that my work towards my country has been recognised."
Bill and Hillary Clinton have been to his house and attended their sons’ weddings. They were not only there because Sant raised funds for their campaigns, but because Bill loves Sant and Daman. I have been witness to that. He brought Hillary to view my jewellery at my request when she visited India. I noticed her warm equation with him, and her trust in him.
I have seen him constantly doing favours for people — those who accuse him of networking are constantly asking him for favours too. Not only for the who’s who of the world, but also for an old aunt who is a ‘nobody’, Sant and Daman happily go out of their way.
I have rarely seen them ask anyone for anything "Except God" they said. So in the midst of the hullabaloo about the award and the accusations made against him, good, bad or ugly, I thought I would share candidly how I have known the Chatwals.
Queenie
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