Author: Sh. Ranganadhan.S
Ignacy Jan Paderewski was born in 1860 he was a Polish pianist and also a world famous substantial composer, including many pieces for piano. He became world famous for the Minuet in G, Op. 14/1, part of a set of six pieces that are otherwise forgotten. In 1901 his sole opera Manru received its world premiere at Dresden, and then it had its American premiere in 1902 at the Metropolitan Opera. He was also active in pursuing various philanthropic causes.
It was in 1892 Paderewski was in America, where he came to perform a show,
At the same time an 18 years boy was studying in Stanford which was started that year. The boy was too poor; it was difficult for him to afford his college fees. He and his friend came up with an idea and they decided to host a musical show of Paderewski in their campus to raise money for their education.
They reached out to Paderewski and asked for his show, but his manager demanded a guaranteed fee of $2000 for the piano recital. A deal was struck and the boys began to work to make the concert a success. The day had arrived Paderewski performed at Stanford. But unfortunately, they had not managed to sell enough tickets when they saw the total collection after the show but when counted it was only $1600.
On one side they were totally upset, on other side they were supposed to give Paderewski’s manager $2000. So they decided to approach Paderewski and to explain their problem regarding their trouble for pay fees and they gave him the entire $1600, plus a cheque for the balance $400, they promised to honour the cheque at the soonest possible.
Paderewski said “No, This is not acceptable.” And he tore up the cheque, and returned the $1600. Both students face turned pale and they were in state of fear.
Suddenly Paderewski continued,
“Here’s the $1600. Please deduct whatever expenses you have incurred. Keep the money you need for your fees. And just give me whatever is left”…
The boys were surprised, and thanked him wholeheartedly.
It was common for Paderewski. Helping poor students was his part of life. There are too many rich people in our country but everyone will think before donating money for unknown.
Years passed Paderewski became prime minister of Poland, at the same time world was facing greatest threat called World war. Because of world war all country was in trouble so even Poland was damaged.
There were more than 1.5 million people without food in Poland, and even government became short of money so it became impossible to feed them. Paderewski did not know where to ask for help. He sought the help of US Food and Relief Administration at that time the head there was a man called Herbert Hoover who later went on to become the US President. Hoover agreed to help and quickly sent tons of food grains to feed the starving Polish people and the big misfortune was prevented, Paderewski was happy.
Paderewski thought it would be not be fair if he won’t thank him personally, hence he decided to go across to meet Hoover and personally thank him.
When Paderewski began to thank Hoover for his noble gesture, Hoover quickly interrupted in between and said,
“You shouldn’t be thanking me Mr Prime Minister, You may not remember this, but several years ago, you helped two young students go through college in the US. I was one of them.”..
Paderewski eyes became blur with tears..
Wow what an incidence?? How true that Earth is round in shape, whatever you do whether it’s good or evil, today or tomorrow it’ll meet you in one or other form..
To end with quotes of both legends…
“Truth alone can stand the guns of criticism.”
—- Herbert Hoover
“You are a dear soul who plays polo, and I am a poor Pole who plays solo”.
—- Ignacy Jan Paderewski
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Author: Sh. Ranganadhan.S
(Twitter account @Ranganadhans) has already written many beautiful stories for this blog “Yug Vani”
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Wonderful! Ranganathan I have been following some of your articles, it is a great start. Keep up the good work.
thumbs up
A beautiful story which describe how your karma help you when you need. When you help someone without any motive then you are helping yourself actually.
Great work.
Keep it up
Excellent!!!!!! Ranganadhan ji. Thank you. God Bless You…..Keep Writing…….Your articles are always full of Inspiration……..
Thank u sir., ur blessings
Great inspiring soul,will be remembered for ever.Storey retold in a great manner.Thank you Ranganathan.Keep inspiring us with your magic.
Thank u sir ur blessings