The currency of true wealth

So last week I attended a traditional tambram wedding. It was quite amazing and endearing to see people trying their best to adhere to their cultures, to continue the traditions of their ancestors with all honesty. 

The food was great, courses of authentic dravidian satvik spreads. 

But the best of all was the people.. The groom was the son of my ex-boss who has retired several years ago. While in service, he had the reputation of being a strict and shrewd taskmaster. Both true :) But those close to him knew that he had a warmth that he usually kept hidden from the crowds, lest he be taken for a softie. Having worked for him for 10 years, we had grown used to his working style. Looking back, I can clearly see that his penchant for doing things right and having a strong image had saved us from unsavory elements countless times. Some worldly people said that he gave up on board level position because of his unbending attitude. Maybe they are right...partially anyway. And not where it matters really. I saw that among the attendees at the wedding were people who had worked with him/under him decades ago. They chose to come from all over the country to share the joyous moment in his life even when he no longer enjoys the power that he once had. Looking at that, I understood that the true currency of wealth is not monetary.. its the goodwill of people we come across in our lives.