Unsung Heroes: The Brew That Fuels the Brave (And How Leaders Can Honour the Heartbeat of Their Teams?)

Imagine the scene: It's 3:30 AM, the world still cloaked in darkness, and you're an Indian Air Force (IAF) transport pilot tiptoeing out of your home in the dead of night. You’re headed for a high-stakes ration supply mission in the icy Northern Himalayas, where precision and focus are non-negotiable. Driving through the quiet, you’re craving one thing to jolt you into gear: a steaming cup of chai. You arrive at the pre-flight briefing, adrenaline pumping, and there it is—a piping-hot cup of tea, served with a proud grin by Shri Balkar Singh. How does this man always beat you to the base? It’s like he’s got a radar for weary pilots.

Sunrise with HEFOLP & T

But Balkar’s magic doesn’t end there. Picture him sprinting across the tarmac, waving down your aircraft just before taxi-out to slip in a stash of stuffed parathas and sandwiches. “Fly safe, sir, but don’t fly hungry!” he’d say with a wink. Once you’re airborne, navigating the chaos of departure and hitting cruise altitude, you run through the standard checks: HEFOLP(T)—Hydraulics, Engine, Fuel, Oxygen, Lights, Pressurization... and that sacred T? The tea, of course, lovingly packed by Balkar. Your stress gauge slides into the “green sector.” Even fighter pilots, wedged into their cramped cockpits for gruelling long-haul missions, sneak in Kathi rolls or energy bars—care packages from their own “Balkars,” the unsung heroes who make tough days feel conquerable.

This isn’t just a tale of the IAF; it’s a salute to the backbone of every workplace—those tireless souls who keep the gears grinding. From Shri Bassappa at the National Defence Academy to Banik at the Operational Conversion Unit, Harbans Lal in a fighter squadron, or Balkar Singh in transport ops, these are the bearers, cooks, waiters, peons, and cleaners in offices everywhere—be it a corporate skyscraper, a start-up garage, or a government outpost. Their dedication defies the fancy theories of management gurus like Maslow (yep, that’s the guy!). No hefty raises, no corner-office promotions, no loud “shabash” for their efforts. So, what keeps them going? Perhaps it’s the quiet pride of being part of something bigger—a nation’s defence, a company’s mission, or simply someone’s better day.

For leaders, whether you’re commanding a squadron or a boardroom, recognizing these unsung heroes isn’t just kind—it’s a game-changer for morale and loyalty. And when it comes to gratitude, Indian corporate giants like Ratan Tata have set a gold standard, showing how small gestures can leave a lasting impact.

Indian Corporate Leaders Who Championed Gratitude

Indian business legends have long understood that appreciating the “little guy” isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business. Here are some inspiring examples of corporate leaders who’ve gone the extra mile to honour their sundry workers, with episodes that spark inspiration:

Ratan Tata’s Post-26/11 Compassion: After the 2008 Mumbai attacks targeted the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, owned by the Tata Group, Ratan Tata didn’t just issue statements—he acted. He personally visited the families of the 80-hotel staff who lost their lives or were injured, ensuring lifelong salaries for the deceased’s families and setting up support funds. His hands-on empathy showed that every worker, from waiters to housekeepers, was family. Tata even ensured stray dogs at the hotel were cared for, reflecting his belief in kindness to all. Leaders can emulate this by creating employee welfare funds or personally checking in on staff during crises.

Azim Premji’s Quiet Generosity: The Wipro chairman, known for his frugal lifestyle, has a knack for recognizing the unsung. In one heart-warming episode, Premji gifted shares worth crores to long-serving Wipro employees, including drivers and office staff, as a thank-you for their loyalty. This wasn’t publicized for clout—it was a private gesture that leaked out years later. His philosophy: “Excellence is about going beyond what we expect from ourselves.”  Leaders can surprise long-term staff with equity or profit-sharing schemes to show they’re valued beyond their daily tasks.

Anand Mahindra’s Social Media Shoutouts: The Mahindra Group chairman is a master at amplifying small contributions. In a viral moment, Mahindra tweeted praise for a factory worker who suggested a process tweak that saved millions in production costs. He didn’t just thank the worker privately—he shared the story with his millions of followers, turning an assembly-line hero into a company legend. Use internal newsletters or social platforms to spotlight staff contributions, making them feel seen on a big stage.

Some Global Episodes That Inspire

Beyond India, world leaders have shown how gratitude builds loyalty and legacy:

Abraham Lincoln’s Civil War Letters: During the American Civil War, Lincoln wrote heartfelt letters to families of fallen soldiers, but he also thanked the unseen supporters—cooks, medics, and supply runners—crediting their role in victories.  

Queen Elizabeth II’s Staff Tea Party: During her Diamond Jubilee, the Queen hosted a private tea party for palace staff, serving them herself and swapping stories. It was a rare, humanizing moment that bonded her team..

Barack Obama’s Oval Office Thanks: As his presidency ended, Obama invited White House ushers and chefs to the Oval Office for personal thank-yous, acknowledging decades of silent service. The gesture went viral, proving vulnerability is strength

Your "Jadoo ki Jhappi"?

Leaders, your proletariats are the pulse of your organization. Ignoring them is like forgetting to fuel your jet—it won’t fly far. Here are actionable ways to show gratitude, backed by psychology (think: dopamine hits from genuine praise) :

1.      Daily Personal Thanks: Don’t save gratitude for annual reviews. A quick “Bahut bhadiya Chai!” 'Thanks for a nice drive!" can light up someone’s day. Set a daily goal to thank one staff member personally—pilots, CEOs, or start-up founders can all make this a habit without waiting for a good moment later.

2.      Public Recognition: Amplify their impact. In team huddles or company-wide emails, call out their efforts: “Big thanks to our office crew for keeping us fuelled during that crunch week!” Create that “Star of the Month”—studies show public praise boosts job satisfaction by up to 20%.

3.      Tangible Tokens: Pair words with action. A “Jadoo ki Jhappi” (that Munna Bhai hug) is great, but add a small souvenir, a bonus day off, or an invite to a team lunch.  In high-pressure fields like aviation or tech, try “reverse service days”—leaders serve ready meals to staff, flipping the script for a morale boost.

4.      Career Support: Advocate for their growth. Nominate them for training programs, certifications, or small bonuses tied to feedback. Mirror Tata’s focus on empowering workers.

5.      Listen Actively: Ask for their ideas—they see the ground truth. “How can we make your work smoother?” shows respect.

The Bottom Line?

Whether you’re soaring through the Himalayas or steering a corporate empire, the Balkar Singhs of the world are your co-pilots. Their quiet pride fuels your mission, and a sprinkle of gratitude—Indian-style, with a dash of heart—keeps everyone flying high. So, raise that cup of chai and toast your unsung heroes. Who’s your Balkar?

Do drop in your comments.

Meanwhile enjoy your brew. Happy sipping!!

Jai Hind

Air Cmde SK Verma VSM (Retd)