Yesterday's auto ride was the worst of its kind!
I was busy chanting the morning prayers but the auto driver was applying too many brakes and with sudden jerks. I got alert and watched what made him jerk the auto to a halt all of a sudden and so many times.
This driver was clearly not for women riding scooters, cars or walking along the roads!
He would drive the auto dangerously close to the ladies walking along or close to a lady's scooter or car and watch her frightened and at times angry reaction. I could feel that he was getting cheap thrills by doing this but it was plain harassment for women drivers.
I saw many of them glaring at this fellow. quite a few times it would have ended in an accident if the auto's brakes were to fail at the nick of the moment. My wrists and hands started aching from holding on tightly to the iron bar to prevent my nose or teeth from breaking a few bones here and there!
When I asked him to be careful while driving he started a never-ending argument and I had to shout at him several times before I reached my destination. Whew! Was I relieved and thankful to God that I reached safely in one piece!
After a very long time I saw such base tendencies like this at close quarters. Wished I was never seated in such an auto ever.
May God put some sense into his head for good.
Mahalakshmi.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Conversation With Auto Driver
Daily I have to engage an auto to commute to work. Spend nearly 40 minutes for one trip of which 20 minutes are spent in finishing my prayers for the day. In the remaining 20 minutes I catch up with the life and times of the auto driver of the day.
Yesterday's had a picture of Kalaingar M.Karunanidhi, ex-CM of Tamil Nadu, stuck prominently on his auto's wind shield.
I informed him that in the day's newspaper, the topic of how every auto driver in town is busy sticking pictures of the present CM J.Jayalalithaa and her political mentor, MGR in place of DMK chief and ex-CM now that he is out of the hot seat.
He said the reason for him retaining that picture was due to his really liking Kalaingar. I asked him the reasons for liking him - whether for his policies or film scripting or film dialogues or poetry. He said the ex-CM had done a lot for the common man and improved the state to a new high during his tenure. He cited the samacheer kalvi, solving the water crisis for Chennai, providing benefits to the poor, low cost rice and grocery items through the public distribution system, the 108 free transport service on call for accident victims as well as for emergency cases. He mentioned that president Obama acknowledged that this was a great free service which is not available free of cost, even in the United States. Besides he felt that the Kalaingar should not have allowed A.Raja to get arrested for a mere 200 crores when other parties at the centre have done off with a 5 digit in crores!
I laughed and pointed out that the law has done what it should do, whether the person is high or low in rank.
20 minutes went past like one minute. As I alighted, the auto driver wanted to keep on talking about his favorite leader, not allowing me to go into the office so quickly. I had to excuse myself as it was getting late for office.
Mahalakshmi
Yesterday's had a picture of Kalaingar M.Karunanidhi, ex-CM of Tamil Nadu, stuck prominently on his auto's wind shield.
I informed him that in the day's newspaper, the topic of how every auto driver in town is busy sticking pictures of the present CM J.Jayalalithaa and her political mentor, MGR in place of DMK chief and ex-CM now that he is out of the hot seat.
He said the reason for him retaining that picture was due to his really liking Kalaingar. I asked him the reasons for liking him - whether for his policies or film scripting or film dialogues or poetry. He said the ex-CM had done a lot for the common man and improved the state to a new high during his tenure. He cited the samacheer kalvi, solving the water crisis for Chennai, providing benefits to the poor, low cost rice and grocery items through the public distribution system, the 108 free transport service on call for accident victims as well as for emergency cases. He mentioned that president Obama acknowledged that this was a great free service which is not available free of cost, even in the United States. Besides he felt that the Kalaingar should not have allowed A.Raja to get arrested for a mere 200 crores when other parties at the centre have done off with a 5 digit in crores!
I laughed and pointed out that the law has done what it should do, whether the person is high or low in rank.
20 minutes went past like one minute. As I alighted, the auto driver wanted to keep on talking about his favorite leader, not allowing me to go into the office so quickly. I had to excuse myself as it was getting late for office.
Mahalakshmi
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Chain Snatching
Here is the picture of a design drawn for Monday.
Gold chain snatching has become a growing menace in Chennai. Rise in gold prices are also partly responsible for this.
Many women and men are continuing to lose their gold chains and other jewelery to daring daylight snatchers.
There are so many such cases reported each and every day. The common factor is women walking alone on deserted roads. Even if they were to be accompanied by their husbands, it does not deter these dare devils.
Men on bike watch women who wear gold chains and approach them as if to enquire about some vague address and commit this crime.
The trauma of such incident apart, many complaints to the police have not led to recovery of jewelery nor do the culprits get caught.
How can we stop this menace?
Only one solution can be there.
The women and men should cease to wear gold. There will be no gold to snatch so this crime will come down if all women unite in taking this precaution for their own safety.
How can the government or police help in protecting an individual's gold chains? Also how careful can anyone be all the time for their valuables. This will result in some kind of paranoia.
It is the individuals who can definitely rectify this situation.
Mahalakshmi.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
The Sick And Nos(e)y Dog
A street dog on our very busy street is quite sick. His desperate need is to find some calm and shady place to rest.
He keeps shifting from this to that side of the road trying to avoid direct sunlight.
His senses have become sharper trying to find an open gate through which he could sneak into any of the numerous flats lining our busy street. Many a times he has surprised us with his presence under the staircase, in the backyard, near the motor room...
Ours is one of the widest with grill gates. Though we use only one entrance which has a bolt to keep unwanted visitors from coming in.
Whoever finds him tries to shoo him away but only for while until someone opens and just closes without bolting the gate. I wanted to know his modus operendi and watched him in action for a couple of days. He would sit at a distance, strategically across the road facing our gate. Whenever someone is at the gate, he watches and waits until they are gone. Then he slowly ambles his way to the gate and noses it open and lets himself in!
It was as if he was trying to punish anyone for being careless or lazy in not bolting the gate.
I found there was no use trying to chase the dog away, getting nervous about his presence. The only solution lay in educating people to latch the gate after them. Only that would deter the dog from entering our premises effectively. Alas we do not have a watchman to do it for us either.
Since I am off work for a couple of days, I took it upon myself to do something about it.
I have trained my ears to pick up the sound of opening of the gate and rush to our road-facing window through which I ask people to latch the gate after them so that the dog does not come in. This is my new job. Our complex has six flats and I have requested all members big and small besides regular visitors like the flower vendor, milkman, newspaper man, servants, salesmen, postman... who have all got to be reminded of this new activity. The dog knows that it is not welcome inside our premises, finding the gate closed, yet this one is a patient animal which keeps trying to get in!
Stray and irritable dogs are allowed to roam around freely on most streets. At times they chase cyclists who have to lift their legs high up to avoid getting bitten and yet have enough balance to cycle away fast from such a menace. At times you find a pack of them chasing innocent citizens. Their barks become unbearable at some times and you can deduce that some rag pickers are in the vicinity with their dirty sacks flung over their shoulders and a stick in hand to rummage the garbage.
Stray, sick and vicious dogs are a health hazard for us humans. They could harm unsuspecting people walking on roads. The municipality seems to be preoccupied with better jobs than these.
I feel bad for such dogs. I feel bad for all of us who could be their next target.
When someone rings up the Blue Cross for taking away such sick animals, they have always come up with a stock reply that they do not have enough space to take in additions right now.
It is indeed a sad plight for all us creatures.
Mahalakshmi.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Color of Skin
This incident took place some 30 years back when I was employed in the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
Part of my job involved receiving foreign scientists and taking them around our project areas.
A lady scientist (foreigner) was due to arrive, so I along with another lady colleague went to receive her at the airport. She arrived. The moment she got down we all introduced ourselves to her as was the customary thing to do.
In the car I had to sit next to her and I found her discomfiture in sitting with me! I could feel that somehow my tan skin was the cause against her white skin. She sat as much away from me as the car's small interior would permit.
Soon enough we reached our destination. I was relieved more than perhaps her that her ordeal was over.
She refreshed herself and came out to be taken around our projects. I was the one who would explain things to her. I acted as natural as possible and started explaining to her the solar distillation plants, the gobar gas plant, the low cost chulha, etc., etc. Time went by, she was asking me questions and I was clarifying her doubts. Soon we both had forgotten that our skins were of different colors or that we belonged to different countries or races! All that mattered was our sharing of interesting facts about appropriate technology and renewable sources of energy...
That day I realized something important. We may belong to different countries, races... but only until we start sharing our knowledge.
The false feeling of superiority vanishes the moment knowledge or lack of it, comes out into the open, be it in any field of work.
I deliberately kept away on the day she was to leave, but she came in search of me to bid farewell and after the 'see you soons' she lovingly slipped a wrapped gift into my hands. It was a big bar of the fruit and nuts chocolate which I loved and still do. Perhaps this was her way of saying, 'sorry, for hurting your feelings'.
I could only smile looking at the sweet parting!!
Mahalakshmi
Part of my job involved receiving foreign scientists and taking them around our project areas.
A lady scientist (foreigner) was due to arrive, so I along with another lady colleague went to receive her at the airport. She arrived. The moment she got down we all introduced ourselves to her as was the customary thing to do.
In the car I had to sit next to her and I found her discomfiture in sitting with me! I could feel that somehow my tan skin was the cause against her white skin. She sat as much away from me as the car's small interior would permit.
Soon enough we reached our destination. I was relieved more than perhaps her that her ordeal was over.
She refreshed herself and came out to be taken around our projects. I was the one who would explain things to her. I acted as natural as possible and started explaining to her the solar distillation plants, the gobar gas plant, the low cost chulha, etc., etc. Time went by, she was asking me questions and I was clarifying her doubts. Soon we both had forgotten that our skins were of different colors or that we belonged to different countries or races! All that mattered was our sharing of interesting facts about appropriate technology and renewable sources of energy...
That day I realized something important. We may belong to different countries, races... but only until we start sharing our knowledge.
The false feeling of superiority vanishes the moment knowledge or lack of it, comes out into the open, be it in any field of work.
I deliberately kept away on the day she was to leave, but she came in search of me to bid farewell and after the 'see you soons' she lovingly slipped a wrapped gift into my hands. It was a big bar of the fruit and nuts chocolate which I loved and still do. Perhaps this was her way of saying, 'sorry, for hurting your feelings'.
I could only smile looking at the sweet parting!!
Mahalakshmi
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Survival Instinct
We have often read and seen baby turtles hatch out of their eggs, struggle to walk those few hundred meters to the sea to get a life, literally. It's a question of life and death, so soon after they are born. It must be really tough to keep moving against all odds. The hunting birds, the stray animals on the beach, humans with criminal intent are all danger signs for these young animals.
A lot of awareness campaigns are taking place., We see a lot of youngsters wait patiently for many hours at the beach, until eggs are hatched and actually carry these creatures to the sea to see them off safely. Are we intervening nature or ensuring an animal's safety?
My kitchen wall is tiled. This morning, a baby lizard was trying to cross the tiles length from this end to that. He kept on slipping a little, only to pull himself up again and again. I stopped all work to see whether he could make it to his new home in a crevice in the corner-most tile far away. He took quite some time running that race. He did and I was so happy to see him succeed. I wish he has learnt never to creep on slippery surfaces but to choose walls. With some experience he will do well. We all love to see those who succeed.
All of us struggle for one thing or the other in life. The focus is to keep moving.
Cheers!
Mahalakshmi.
A lot of awareness campaigns are taking place., We see a lot of youngsters wait patiently for many hours at the beach, until eggs are hatched and actually carry these creatures to the sea to see them off safely. Are we intervening nature or ensuring an animal's safety?
My kitchen wall is tiled. This morning, a baby lizard was trying to cross the tiles length from this end to that. He kept on slipping a little, only to pull himself up again and again. I stopped all work to see whether he could make it to his new home in a crevice in the corner-most tile far away. He took quite some time running that race. He did and I was so happy to see him succeed. I wish he has learnt never to creep on slippery surfaces but to choose walls. With some experience he will do well. We all love to see those who succeed.
All of us struggle for one thing or the other in life. The focus is to keep moving.
Cheers!
Mahalakshmi.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Appraisals
I hear a lot of this talked about in many contexts.
Every employee worth his two cents awaits eagerly for the results to come out!
Feels like each is sitting on the edge of the chair. Well it's a question of honor, status, performance or vice versa for all the three factors.
Since it's an annual feature around this time in most organizations, one can expect mixed reactions from members of staff.
Even if there are set standards and parameters in place to carry out these appraisals to look professional (read impartial), there will still be some disgruntled voices heard due to expectations not being met.
Such a tricky thing the human mind is. Till the last minute the mind hopes for the best. When the results are known, it becomes a Kurukshetra (the name of the battle ground where the Pandavas and the Kauravas fought - Epic Mahabharata) of emotions.
The resultant pay hike and/enhanced designation can be broadly classified as below:
1. Only nominal pay hike
2. Nominal pay hike but an enhanced designation
3. Good pay hike
4. Good pay with an enhanced designation
5. Fantastic pay hike with a prestigious designation to match
1. Only nominal pay hike -
Means you are where you were but some hike to factor in the rising cost of living has been put in place. Such guys will feverishly start looking for new openings and sound generally bitter about life until they find a better opportunity. They may not change their jobs due to reasons of continuing to work for a brand name in the same sector or due to a hassle-free transportation or due to matters of the heart or may be due to familiarity with surroundings/work schedules or plainly due to fear of the unknown.
There may be many more but these come to my mind as I key in.
2. Nominal pay hike but an enhanced designation -
Means you are ok. You can do better. So not much pay hike but an enhanced designation to boost up an otherwise sagging morale. If this guy is rich and lives by titles alone, he will be a happy soul, otherwise this one too will start searching for jobs sooner or later with the new designation prominently flashed on his CV! He feels better than Case No.1 until he gets out of the present organization, i.e.
3. Good pay hike -
Good going. Means your performance is appreciated by the management but you should improve further to go into the next slot.
4. Good pay with an enhanced designation -
Reminds me of the cat who just had cream! Lucky guy. You have got what any working individual always wants!! After all everyone works for the moolah and the mala (garland, not some girl by that name), anyday.
5. Fantastic pay hike with a prestigious designation to match
*This is the stuff dreams are made of.
*Mother's blessings.
*Fulfilling father's ambition.
*Grandma's topic forever.
*Spouse's pride until next appraisal time;
*Kids joy - dreaming of bigger pocket money and exotic holidays during vacations;
*The envy of some relatives.
*Envious colleagues (What has he got which I don't have; God is blind; Good people are never recognized for their good work; Wondered why butter was always in short supply)
But do you think this guy will stick to the same place? He will try his very best to be made the chief of all he surveys! After all he has tasted success and someone high up knows he's got what it takes. This is the motivation he has always needed to look for an even better and bigger slot.
It is common knowledge that there is an exodus from organizations after appraisals are made public through official channels.
Remember appraisals have meant movement for at least 5 to 10% of the employees. If movement is inter-city then there could be less issues. If it is inter-state or international then from one place to another for the working class could mean a different set of planning altogether - it usually throws the family life out of that big open window;
if his wife is willing and working/not working, she agrees to accompany him to his new place,
if they have school-going kids who are in a good school near their own little heaven, then there are two sets of expenses, besides those travel expenses to catch up with one another,to be contended with each month - one for the master and one for the dame who lives with the kids.
Some self-explaining combos for this word:
Raise
Up-rise-al
raise-(h)ell
The one who remains unaffected by any of the above and puts his heart and soul into work, leaving the fruits of his labour to the master above, in good faith and utmost trust, is indeed the true karma yogi. We have less of those!!
Cheers
Mahalakshmi
Every employee worth his two cents awaits eagerly for the results to come out!
Feels like each is sitting on the edge of the chair. Well it's a question of honor, status, performance or vice versa for all the three factors.
Since it's an annual feature around this time in most organizations, one can expect mixed reactions from members of staff.
Even if there are set standards and parameters in place to carry out these appraisals to look professional (read impartial), there will still be some disgruntled voices heard due to expectations not being met.
Such a tricky thing the human mind is. Till the last minute the mind hopes for the best. When the results are known, it becomes a Kurukshetra (the name of the battle ground where the Pandavas and the Kauravas fought - Epic Mahabharata) of emotions.
The resultant pay hike and/enhanced designation can be broadly classified as below:
1. Only nominal pay hike
2. Nominal pay hike but an enhanced designation
3. Good pay hike
4. Good pay with an enhanced designation
5. Fantastic pay hike with a prestigious designation to match
1. Only nominal pay hike -
Means you are where you were but some hike to factor in the rising cost of living has been put in place. Such guys will feverishly start looking for new openings and sound generally bitter about life until they find a better opportunity. They may not change their jobs due to reasons of continuing to work for a brand name in the same sector or due to a hassle-free transportation or due to matters of the heart or may be due to familiarity with surroundings/work schedules or plainly due to fear of the unknown.
There may be many more but these come to my mind as I key in.
2. Nominal pay hike but an enhanced designation -
Means you are ok. You can do better. So not much pay hike but an enhanced designation to boost up an otherwise sagging morale. If this guy is rich and lives by titles alone, he will be a happy soul, otherwise this one too will start searching for jobs sooner or later with the new designation prominently flashed on his CV! He feels better than Case No.1 until he gets out of the present organization, i.e.
3. Good pay hike -
Good going. Means your performance is appreciated by the management but you should improve further to go into the next slot.
4. Good pay with an enhanced designation -
Reminds me of the cat who just had cream! Lucky guy. You have got what any working individual always wants!! After all everyone works for the moolah and the mala (garland, not some girl by that name), anyday.
5. Fantastic pay hike with a prestigious designation to match
*This is the stuff dreams are made of.
*Mother's blessings.
*Fulfilling father's ambition.
*Grandma's topic forever.
*Spouse's pride until next appraisal time;
*Kids joy - dreaming of bigger pocket money and exotic holidays during vacations;
*The envy of some relatives.
*Envious colleagues (What has he got which I don't have; God is blind; Good people are never recognized for their good work; Wondered why butter was always in short supply)
But do you think this guy will stick to the same place? He will try his very best to be made the chief of all he surveys! After all he has tasted success and someone high up knows he's got what it takes. This is the motivation he has always needed to look for an even better and bigger slot.
It is common knowledge that there is an exodus from organizations after appraisals are made public through official channels.
Remember appraisals have meant movement for at least 5 to 10% of the employees. If movement is inter-city then there could be less issues. If it is inter-state or international then from one place to another for the working class could mean a different set of planning altogether - it usually throws the family life out of that big open window;
if his wife is willing and working/not working, she agrees to accompany him to his new place,
if they have school-going kids who are in a good school near their own little heaven, then there are two sets of expenses, besides those travel expenses to catch up with one another,to be contended with each month - one for the master and one for the dame who lives with the kids.
Some self-explaining combos for this word:
Raise
Up-rise-al
raise-(h)ell
The one who remains unaffected by any of the above and puts his heart and soul into work, leaving the fruits of his labour to the master above, in good faith and utmost trust, is indeed the true karma yogi. We have less of those!!
Cheers
Mahalakshmi
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