
The old lady handed her bank card and asked the teller that she would like to withdraw $10.The teller told her that for
withdrawals less than $100, ATM installed at the corner need to be used. The old lady replied that she didn’t know how to
operate the ATM and would like to withdraw from the teller counter only and requested the teller once again.
The teller now visibly agitated and said that these are the rules and that he was unable to do what the old lady as asking
for. He also told her to leave the counter that if there was no other work as there were quite a few customers in the queue
behind her.
The old lady stood silent for a few seconds, pushed the card to the teller once again and repeated her request. The teller
snapped and told her that it can’t be done. The old lady said in return that she would like to withdraw all the money that
she had in her account.
The teller looked into his system and was astonished to see that the old lady had $300,000 in her account. He suddenly
realised that being irritated with the old lady was not a choice for him. He politely stood and said that he couldn’t do this
also at this moment as the branch did not keep such a large amount in cash without notice & preparation.
Now, it was the turn of the old lady to be feigning irritated. She told the teller to withdraw $3000 from her card and
requested to receive some amounts in small denominations as well. Promptly, the teller did that. Once money received, the
old lady kept the $10 note she needed, returned $2990 to the teller and requested to deposit into her account.
Lesson learnt- Don’t be difficult with old hands, withered by time and trials. They have spent a lifetime learning the
art of living and skills to survive.
In the dynamic relationship between exuberance of youth and experience of old, there is a powerful synergy that both
generations can benefit from. Youth, with its enthusiasm, creativity, and fearless drive, can bring fresh perspectives,
innovative ideas, and a willingness to take risks. This boundless energy can spark change and push boundaries, creating
opportunities for growth and progress. However, it can sometimes lack the wisdom that comes from experience.
On the other hand, the experience of older generations offers invaluable knowledge, patience, and a deeper understanding
of life’s complexities. Their ability to foresee long-term consequences, navigate challenges, and approach problems with a
calm, steady hand is something youth can greatly learn from. Older individuals also bring a wealth of insight on personal
and professional growth, and can guide the younger generation to avoid pitfalls that they themselves may have
encountered.
When youth embraces the lessons of experience, and experience taps into the energy of youth, the result is a balanced
approach to both life and work. Youth can learn the importance of perseverance, strategic thinking, and emotional
intelligence, while older generations can rekindle their own sense of adventure, adapt to new trends, and remain engaged
with the rapidly changing world. Together, they can create a future that blends innovation with wisdom, driving sustainable
progress and shared success.
We are a nation with almost a USA population under 18 years of age and almost a Brazil over 60 years of age. This unique
situation coupled with the cultural genesis of our nation presents an opportunity unique and potent enough to change the
course of the world in the coming times. All it needs is open minds and willingness to learn.

Author- Saket Bhardwaj