Pay Band 4 for Lt Cols Confusion Persists
Some interesting reads are

http://www.indianmilitary.info/2009/01/officers-on-deputation-not-to-be.html

INDIA SALUTES AND BOOTS ITS UNKNOWN SOLDIER on India Retold http://vinodksharma.blogspot.com/2009/01/india-salutes-and-boots-its-unknown.html

Confusion persists over PMO letter on forces' pay on PTI http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/AC7C2992CFE55BA265257531004A4BC1?OpenDocument


I agree it’s a welcome step and signifies some progress towards removing the anomalies that exist. It needs to be commended despite the confusion in nitty-gritty’s of it’s actual implementation by the Service HQ’s. As I perceive the main concerns that were raised by the Service Chiefs have been:
ü Earlier, PBOR used to draw a pension in proportion to their years of service, but according to the reviewed report, the PBOR will get pension half of their last pay drawn.
ü The extant parity of Lt Cols lowered by retaining them in Pay Band-3 (Rs 15,600 - 39,100), while raising similarly placed civilians and paramilitary officers to PB-4 (Rs 37,400-67,000).
ü Restoration of parity in grade pay for lower and middle rung service officers with their civilian counterparts.
ü All DGPs and their equivalents placed over Lt Gens by creation of HAG+.
While the first two appears to be settled to an extent I think we must wait and watch, there is still a lot which needs to be clarified. Doubts revolve around:
Deputation.
Fig of 12K on combat role.
Classically the deputation/ secondment in Armed Forces is to following organizations and is often by default and never by choice.
AR/ RR/ NSG.
MES, BRO, GREF, NCC etc other Tri service organizations.
DRDO, CQAE n host of other civ heavy organizations under MOD.
While the 1st one stands resolved in totality, 2nd agreed with a cap of 12K Nos only. The last two demands not addressed and are going to continue to be irritant in functioning. The orgs that are going to be affected are Tri Services and the formations in CI. Now with DGPs placed over Lt Gens will they be working under Corps Cdrs in J&K and NE States?
The implementation of PB4 too appears to be uphill task for the services to decide as to who will get the hike and whom to exclude. The issue of extant parity is of more concern for those on deputation to DRDO and CQAE where in many Seconds in Command, Lt Cols have started drawing lesser salary than their subordinates. At places I am told these subordinates had conveyed their reluctance to take orders from offrs drawing less salary and even indicated that they should be reporting on these Lt Col’s and not the vice versa. I know it sounds ridiculous how can an individual who for ages has been the Boss and suddenly relegated to be subordinate to whom he has been controlling and are lower in rung as far as status and Warrant of Precedence is concerned.
To my mind there is a Silver lining in the cloud, colleagues at service HQs at the helm of affairs have smartly circumvented the insensitive classes (I need not name them) who, are hell bent on degrading the status of Armed Forces. Do we really have 12K Lt Cols and equivalent offrs? As per rough estimates we have a sanctioned strength of 68K offrs and with a deficiency of approx 12K what is left out is figure of 54K. Can there be more than 12K Lt Col and equivalent offrs in three services out of 54K? With implementation of Ph I of AVSC recommendations 750 posts tenable by Lt Cols have been upgraded to Cols. In Phase 2 another 1896 posts are yet to be upgraded implementation of which has already commenced so soon Lt Cols are going to be much sought after and a rare variety. Lets hope it’s true and all are in PB4.
In case what I said is not correct, think that only option left out to Service HQs to do what some commenter has brought out on this forum that there is active consideration to decide the yr from which Lt Cols will graduate to PB4. It may not be automatic at 13 Yrs of service. So lets wait for a while for fog to clear and let there be a fair deal to all. The matter needs to be kept alive and demands constant persuasion. It should not be swept under the rug.
Most Important NOT to get emotionally hurt and get distracted by comments like
“At 13 years of service
Director = 37400 + 8700 = 46100 Rs PM.
Lt Col= 37400+8000+ 6000 = 52400 Rs PM plus DA on MSP about Rs 840 PM at current rate. Total advatage = 7140 approx.
Not right...not satisfied..???? Ye dil mange more..?????? Give back MSP and take 8700 GP???”
My answer will be - take my commitment, responsibility and sufferings along do you have any thing of that sort to exchange?

ANT & GRASSHOPPER STORY

This one came in an email and puts one thinking as to how apt the author has visualized the present state of affairs’ in our country. If u have patience please read through till end. No I will not offer u some grand prize nor will it bestow on you the wrath of fury if you do not send it to minimum five people or give you divine blessings on sending it to 10 people. I promise you that!

OLD VERSION.....
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant's a fool and laughs & dances & plays the summer away.
Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed.
The grasshopper has no food or shelter so he dies out in the cold.

MODERN VERSION
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant's a fool and laughs & dances & plays the summer away.
Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.
NDTV, BBC, CNN show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.
The World is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be that this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?
Arundhati Roy stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house.
Medha Patkar goes on a fast along with other grasshoppers demanding that grasshoppers be relocated to warmer climates during winter.
Amnesty International and Ban ki Moon, the eighth Secretary General of the UN, criticizes the Indian Government for not upholding the fundamental rights of the grasshopper.
The Internet is flooded with online petitions seeking support for the grasshopper (many promising Heaven and Everlasting Peace for prompt support as against the wrath of God for non-compliance).
Opposition MPs stage a walkout. Left parties call for "Bharat Bandh" in
West Bengal and Kerala demanding a Judicial Enquiry.
CPM in Kerala immediately passes a law preventing Ants from working hard in the heat so as to bring about equality of poverty among ants and grasshoppers.
Lalu Prasad allocates one free coach to Grasshoppers on all Indian Railway Trains, aptly named as the 'Grasshopper Rath'.
Finally, the Judicial Committee drafts the Prevention of Terrorism Against Grasshoppers Act [POTAGA]", with effect from the beginning of the winter.
The ant is fined for failing to comply with POTAGA and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government and handed over to the grasshopper in a ceremony covered by NDTV.
Arundhati Roy calls it "a triumph of justice". Lalu calls it 'Socialistic Justice'.
CPM calls it the 'revolutionary resurgence of the downtrodden'
Ban ki Moon invites the grasshopper to address the UN General Assembly

Many years later...
The ant has since migrated to the US and set up a multi billion dollar company in Silicon Valley.
Thousands of grasshoppers die of starvation in India...

My views or analysis of the story

A true observation on sate of affairs that we have presently in this country. A fierce struggle for power/Supremacy amongst the organs of sate and so called pillars of democracy, the existing ones and the new raising to establish their credibility and struggle over others.
1. Politicians - Consider them selves ‘untouchable’ or owners of State with a birthright to plunder the resources and coffers of the Government.
2. Judiciary - We are above all God if existing not excluded.
3. Media - Eveready to meddle in anything and everything that is
4. Intellectuals - happening around be it of concern or not. So far the issue can be used as platform to gain publicity and give them an opportunity to sit on judgment & pass verdict of their own. A typical case of “Begani Shaadi mein Abdullah Diwana”. The case may be insignificant for the common man and of inconsequence to the National policy or well-being:

• SS row in Big B.
• Bachhan family n Ash going around to same temple performing prayers we can not leave them alone.
• Firing on a car of Camera crew of TV Channel, how does it matters if soldiers are loosing life every day. We must keep the pots simmering in J&K and the North Eastern States to ensure continued flow of funds and it’s plundering to fill their own coffers as also to maintain the vote banks.
• Some gangster wanting to float political party n contest elections.
• Some crowd gatherer passing idiotic comment on character and personality of responsible personality no less than The President for a vote game. To top up no penalty from any quarter. Heights of apathy public clapping on such remarks. After all what are his credentials or contribution to development of forget about the Nation but the city he lives in? It is only continued application of divide and rule legacy left behind by the British. We can not and don’t deserve to be masters of our selves we can only be good slaves or subordinates. Such persons have succeeded and will continue to succeed in fooling the population because media too is only interested in cheap popularity.

What we are interested is only the medial glare n attention. An opportunity to raise funds in the name of “Chanda” n spend it. Media will pour out endless effort and spend prime time on such issues, after all cheap things sell fast.
Another conspicuous aspect of the story, Yes no personnel vendetta against any one in particular but the silent n smooth operators & organs of Sate — the Bureaucrats as usual have no mention or presence in the scene. They master the knack of getting out of any crisis, how grave it may be they are no where to found and always come out unharmed. Only in extreme cases are honoured with a “transfer”. After all “Agrawal Packers & Movers Hai Na”. Another emerging self proclaimed player wanting to make it’s presence felt of which one keeps on watching and reading though in subdued tones as yet is — Stock Market as yet another pillar of Democracy!!
It is this story of Grasshopper and another forward from a friend in uniform about absence of reporting of an incident about laying down life of Major Manish Pitambare on the desi channels in killing dreaded terrorist at Anantnaag. The media then was overburdened with covering the trials and justifying the efforts of Sanju baba n not “Bhai” as good and responsible citizen he has been apart from possessing an AK 47 rifle. Everybody in the B’wood vouched for him and showcased by every channel, is what instigated me to look for the paper to pen down these thoughts on irresponsibility of so called pillars of our nation.

The Moral of the story — “Those who work hard will always and every where prosper and those who do not will always perish for none else’s’ but their own peril”. Unfortunately there are only 20% of all beings work n hope they continue to do so for existence of “gifted ones”.

Career Counseling

Sad news first — the much awaited parole 2 Bangalooru 4 a month plus is off temporarily. May b it will wk out 4 a shorter duration as both my boss n blessed colleague (interruption fame) decided 2 vanish from the scene 4 a while! Hope n lookin 4 a silver lining in it.

The more important one — in my quest 4 work found myself roped in an assignment 2 address the young lads of local schools n collages, all in teens on a subject of “Career counseling” — 4 which one’s not trained, but yes have been used 2 handle a bit more grown ups and ensure they don’t mess up their guidance system turning in to misguided missiles. Have been doin it 4 some time out of sheer self interest of giving back 2 society. Have been addressing the fresh grads n MCAs in clearing their thoughts n preparing 4 the opportunities that lie ahead, but, this time it appears 2 b more challenging cause the minds of the audience will b more impressionable! So I look forward 2 more tips n vetting of aspects that I wish 2 cover:

Things I wish 2 make them realize:

• Potential they have.
• Opportunities available.
• Resources they need.
• Ideals — they must have or establish 4 them selves.
• Dreams that they have.
• Effort needed from them 2 achieve the set goal.
  

Aspects that I will cover:

Setting and Achieving Higher Goals in Life

Reality Check!!!

• This is the MOST important year of your life.
• Distinguishing between Hobby and Career – There is (and will be) time for everything.
• You don’t get what you want but you get what you Deserve (if you are lucky).
• YOU are responsible for YOUR Actions.
• YOU can DO IT – Anybody can do it if you set your goal and work towards achieving it.

Challenges in real life:

· You are very lucky – I would say VERY VERY – Extremely Lucky. Think of people living in or coming out of 2nd world war, Iraq, Bosnia, Afghanistan.
· Don't whine. Don't cry for new shoes – lots of people don’t even have legs!
· Not everyone who has achieved success comes from a rich family or a big public or convent school or goes to a big reputed, expensive tuition.

Secret of Success:

Well, there is NO secret of success.
Work Hard. There is NO shortcut for Success. It needs
Good Character,
Good Planning – Organize.
Passion,
Discipline,
Very Hard work and Smart Work
LEARNING FROM MISTAKES – Three types of people.
Choosing your Battles. Be practical – Don’t Daydream.
It’s ALL in your MIND. Pulling by Rope v/s Using your own feet.
Leaders and successful people are NOT Born but are made by their parents, teachers, friends and themselves by hard work.

Bottom Line:

Read Read and Read!!! In English ALSO!!!
Study Hard – do ExtaOrdinary Work.
Keep fighting, keep struggling, and keep on making progress everyday.
Stay Focused.
Sweet Success:
Efforts never go waste.

Satisfaction Redefined:

"Santoshi Sada Sukhi" v/s
Start where you are, with what you have, create something out of it and NEVER be satisfied.
Try to Do what you like BUT ALWAYS Like what you Do. Be practical!!!

Life is a Journey not a Destination:

No one is perfect, there’s always a LOT to learn and achieve....
Life is not a 100 mtr dash but a 42 mile marathon.
Power of Knowledge is infinite.

Last but not Least: Respecting Environment, Fighting Corruption and Giving back to Society.

My advance sincere thanx 4 all those who contribute suggestions 2 improve n wish get enough of them.

JAAN PANDEY: A DEADLY VIRUS

A term coined in by a friend way back in collage days, where in we used 2 call a parson Mr Know all variety — a dreaded disease spread by a deadly virus “Jaan Pandey” had gripped the mankind especially of the Indian sub continent of the Asia Pacific. All through in the struggle of a career 1 forgot of n thought that have been eradicated! Alas!, of late noticed the virus is back with renewed vigor across the various strata of the society. U find persons suffering from in n around us every now n then.

Victims:

• Man — my apologies an Individual, my personal observation (may b wrong 2) is that the virus grips the fairer counterpart more passionately! Like a female anopheles’ mosquito that’s responsible 4 Malaria, the male strains of this virus “Jaan Pandey” must be more potent n cause 4 the disease.

Symptoms:

• Once gripped the individual assumes 2 be possessed of all the knowledge “Mr Know all” kind.
• Is not open 2 n shuts down all inroads to new knowledge or even inputs. Things like book n any reading material 2 is detested.
• In terminal cases victims r reported 2 have developed phobia 4 any material that contains pearls of wisdom. So grave that at times one is blinded n the virus puts such an impregnable cordon to inroads that forces the person to neglect n negate even bits of information’s or wisdom which may b 4 his own benefit.

Cure:

• Yet 2 b developed! Anyone aware of or working in this direction please notify the breakthrough immediately may not b 4 personal gains but 4 the benefit of society at large.
  

Bottom-line: A personal reward for a person who can tame this virus for a directed use, may b our Govt may consider it’s deployment along our porous border with B’dash that continue 2 remain a point of concern. May b our counterparts in Khaki posted there b put to better use elsewhere.

IMPERSONATION

In continuation of the previous post n thoughts that got triggered from the same “Breaking News” (well I still ventured near them despite my agreement with n warning of J in her post BROKEN, BATTERED NEWS 13/Oct/2006) clip, much trivial than the earlier one, but may be having penned it down will help me sleep better.

The IPS officer appearing in the clip was surrounded by a security cordon of lesser mortals in Khakis — reminds of a setting of the movie shot where the underworld Don eternally scared for his life is always surrounded by his faithful. Think the prime concern of the complete police force at that particular moment was to protect him than, to take hold of the situation and controlling the mob of the political workers/ supporters creating chaos at the police station. What bothered most the IPS officer was donning a dress of the Army when on combat duties or while training for the combat — a jungle print that we now so often get 2 see not alone on the battle field extended 2 our homes courtesy real time reporting by most channels but, also have got used to see it routinely and shamelessly being used as covers of the suitcases, tractors especially in North India during winters, laborer’s and daily wage-earners! The latest 2 join the bandwagon of misuse — the IPS cadre!

Don’t we have a regulation 2 control the use of colour, pattern n design which is distinctive 2 an organization? Anyway who cares 4 the regulations? They r only 4 the sake of existence n when the regulators r violating why shouldn’t the common man do so? Still …

• What kind of combat this man was expecting at that point of time?
• Is our police force that competent that it unilaterally decide that it can take place of the Army?
• Has he still not grown out of his teens, who taking lead from models, love that print in all glam forms with necklines n waistlines heading South words — after all it’s the “G Force” is the one that’s keeping our universe together!
• Has khaki become so tainted that the custodians of it’s pride n reverence the IPS cadre who has the responsibility 2 maintain it’s decorum 2 have started looking 4 the ways n means of getting out n maintain distance with it?

JUSTICE

Y’day mor NDTV 24 X 7 News Clip on Bada Malehra bye elections, the political personality usually fond of raking up some or other controversy or shall we say, whom the controversy follows like a shadow, was forcing her dictate on the Police authorities by staging a “dharana” — a blockade in full strength of her supporters 4 some allegedly happened incident with her convoy. A new dimension of “Gandhigiri” — LRMB style.

Come eve the Breaking News — “Case filed against ….. .” an incident the driver got seriously injured so many vehicles smashed n not a scratch on any other occupant!? Hypothetically — say it is proved that the person is blamed (?). Will the judiciary ensure that the justice is meted out in a reasonable time frame? The issues that keep wondering:

• Has any of our political fraternity of the modern age ever staged or put-up even 10% of the concern 4get a similar one 4 so many n grave wrongs and sufferings a common man undergoes routinely?
• What have we done so far on reported cases, to name a few:
  o Graft allegation of 100, 000K on none the less than ex PM of the country.
  o Sushil Sharma — a monster who not only killed his wife but burnt her mortal remains in a Tandoor.
  o Sukh Ram — Lucky man under whose bed IT deptt discovered more than 300 crore of rupees in cash n he did not know who kept it. Since then mind u I religiously turn my pillow in a hope to be blessed by fortune ferry some day n yet to find anything. May b my prayers n Tapasya r not sincere enough.
• Will we continue to b content with n keep patting our backs on delayed justice on cases like Jassica Lal n Priyadarshini Matto. Keep diverting attention of masses 2wards inconsequential issues blown out of proportion at well timed intervals. Delhi sealing case one 4 example n use them as cover-up for inaction on serious cases of those who matter. All said and done time is gr8 healer.

Epitome of apathy of the system — we don’t even have a provision 2 bar people from contesting elections, 4get about shaded history, having cases pending n lodged in jail nothing stops these juggernauts. We do not even mind electing them time and again! Entry in the politics is a sure way to wash u r sins of past n come to lime light. Day bye day the political arena is becoming prohibited abode 4 clean n respectable persons. Greater the fame u earn in u r unlawful activities higher the position u get in the hierarchy. Hope we don’t find our neighbor’s friend “D” joining a struggle 4 seat amongst them. A typical case of “Chor chor mausere Bhai” or theory of relativity being proved in our own way.

ABSENCE

Well! have been back home 4 > a month n returned 2 my desk after a long holiday with a good Tan 2 put lots of celebs 2 envy n shame. Unfortunate 4 me that wantingly 2 I did not get that on serene n splendid beaches along the West Coast. But earned on long day n night outings, at ancestral village getting crop harvested. The new responsibility one had 2 forcibly get hold of!

After a forced few days of inactivity due 2 continuing monsoons n Rahul’s exams the schedule got so busy that a whirlwind 2 appeared an understatement. Friends, neighbors n relatives all kept complaining of no shows. One kept wondering why can’t day have a few more hrs than 24? Old buddy Jojan put up rather an unexpected appearance n gave n opportunity 2 fire up the 1st “Bar – be – cue” of the season! We all 5 relished the chicken n left me wondering that was I a miser that I picked up only 2 broilers 4 5 of us? Or we all ate more? Despite the will the hectic schedule didn’t permit the repeat which, till last yr had been a routine n twice a week event.

The festivals of Dusshera (Vijaya dashmi) n Diwali 2 passed bye with pangs of harvest lying in open uder the umbrella of threatening clouds to pour down. Luckily did not cause much damage.
The holiday soon came 2 an end with tooo many things still on 2 do wish list. I found myself again my way back 2 present location with not much 2 do but b present. Lack of work/ activities is killing. It was only 2 days back that went thru a Sunday inventing ways 2 pass time n y’day at break up time the staff n my blessed companion announced “we have a holiday tomorrow”. Only solace is that can catch up with lot of thoughts yet 2 b penned.

Wish u all 2 had a splendid festival season! An sms from a friend wished me 4 9 S’s on Navratri, hope u 2 have a close encounter with:

• Shanti.
• Shakti.
• Saiyam.
• Sanman.
• Saralta.
• Safalta.
• Samridhi.
• Sanskaar.
• Swasth.
  

BELLARY

Bellary? the new place of assignment for a stint of three yrs threw up many questions n left me wondering. Tried all that one could do to get that cancelled. It did not suite from any angle. Think it always happens that way u ask 4 North n active place u land up down South to keep u r heels cooled n vice versa. The only thing that I knew about Bellary was, two prominent political personalities had their waterloo here some time back. Another event it routinely figures on national News is I think, annual “Mahamatak abhishek” at a Jain shrine near by. To locate the place it actually needed an auto pilot of Google Earth. All the efforts to loc it in “Trains at a Glance” — a favorite companion of those who r on constant move and have to trot across the country low cost failed. Even the Govt of India’s official web site listed it as a district but no map or any other details. The reasons I learnt later on reaching.

Having failed in securing reservation on only train available from Khandwa, the closest on main rail route KK Exp had no option but to rely on my credit card to get on board Jet flt from Indore to Mumbai. Was lucky to get ticket at Mumbai for 1330h Indian flt at discounted rates at Mumbai. Wait gave me ample time to scan thru all the complimentary News Papers kept there. Indian announced at last moment, the 1330 pm flight Mumbai – Bangalore has been cancelled and merged with 1930 pm flight. All my dreams to travel exec class on a spot fare ticket of Rs 2855/- were shattered. The worry of missing the Hampi Exp from Bangalore to Bellary was engulfing me. Someone has rightfully coined a phrase “You can’t have a Cake and Eat it too”. Attendant at the Indian counter was more than willing to transfer me on a Jet flight scheduled from Mumbai at 1430hrs.

Having moved from IA terminal to other found a sea change in décor n dos. Having checked in, still had ample time at hand, n long since had my last cigarette, the hunt was successful in locating a smoker’s corner in a restaurant on 2nd floor. Mr Wagh of Bridgestone was kind enough to lend me a light, I having been stripped, of my lighter on a previous airport courtesy stepped-up security post 7/11 proved to be good companion 4 discussions over a wide canvas of issues, both current and pre Independence. In flight chose to chicken over ½ Dosa n Vada and did not repent on the choice made.

On landing found Wini’s (my li’l sis) mobile shut, luckily on intuition had called up Shanu (my SIL) from Mumbai n had correct add or else would have resulted in wastage of time, money n effort, what add I was carrying was the old one they moved out long back. At prepaid taxi counter the computer was down and was handed a manuscript receipt 4 Rs 400/- only to learn later that actual charges r Rs300/-. Think it was a trick to organised fleecing. Have retained the receipt in my travel pouch, sure enough shall get a chance to settle the score sometime soon. Few hrs of chit chat n nice helpings of Biryaani brought me closer to final stage of the journey. A quick maneuvering by rick driver with a few detours may be to help meter run more ensured we were well ahead of time n few more time with Manoj.

The Humpi exp ride was nothing much to talk about but 4 peaceful sleep it offered onboard. The butterflies in the stomach 4 arr in a new place woke me up much before scheduled arr and impatience brought me to door of the compartment to enjoy the breeze of dawn. All along on either side was a vast expanses of barren fields with a very few having standing crops with water being pumped out of wells a rare sight up North still facing the wrath of rainy season n floods all over, either the cropping pattern is different or this was the area which suffered lack of rains, the later proved to be true when I was educated that this area is often referred to as — “Deserts of Karnataka”. The houses in the villages and outskirts of the towns carried typical South Indian look — a courtyard with a few coconut trees. The striking difference was the boundary walls which unlike usual fencing of barbed wires or a masonry walls were mostly made of “Black Kaddappa Stones”, the ones normally used on kitchen platforms until more in thing the “Granite” replaced in modern apartments’, slabs of 5 ft n something lined up made the boundary of most courtyards’.

A car was waiting 4 me at the station so no difficulties faced in reaching n finding place early in the morning. The town still appeared at sleep unlike the NE states where, day generally starts with whistles of pressure cookers in the neighborhoods n one did not need an alarm clock 2 wake u up.
The place turned out to be a small town in N Karnataka bordering Andhra. Roughly eight hrs journey (over ni) from three well known towns in South India — Bangalore, Secunderabad n Belgaum. Mid of no where no major rail route passes by. The town I found dusty n sleepy not much vigor in the mkt place as well. Most of sign boards only reminded me the hot Jalebis in the central India. Not only the stationary buildings alone even the plants I found had a red tint on them even most daily workers I found carried same tint.

Reason — the select few of the area r 2 busy digging up mountains n flattening the hills, in an effort to fill their own coffers. The difference between the have-nots (the majority) n haves (not less in numbers either) appears to be toooo wide. The Haves don’t live in houses but mansions n villas, that 2 can b an under statement n each one more spectacular n magnificent than other both in looks n sizes. Each with a high double boundry wall n a fleet of cars parked may even put some old-time Royals to shame. The haves r busy selling it’s Iron n manganese ore rich soil on an average I vouch at least 35 – 40 train loads of it is going out from here. My office n residence is on two sides of the railway track n reason 4 earlier post “Interruptions”. One more thing I found in abundance here is — the Curry Leaves. Ask 4 anything b it rajhama, Bhindi or any of Chicken delicacy I am yet 2 find a dish that does not have not a few but plenty of them. So b sure 2 select u r palate while eating out. Today only sighted a US Pizza Delivery boy on a scooter shall try n locate the outlet soon n hope no curry leaves in it! One good thing, though bordering Andhra the use of chilies though on higher side but, still palatable.

True to it’s description earlier there’s not much happening n activities at work n town so gives a lot of time to oneself to indulge in to personnel interests. Thanx 2 this I could start the blog!! The final regret due to commitments n obligations had 2 leave Rachana n rahul behind hope get opportunities time n again 2 get back.

# a long pending draft on the pad finally got over 2day.

MATTERS MILITARY — IS ANY ONE LISTENING

Out in a small township of Mhow a visit to Vegetable Mkt is one of the frequent rituals which, most staying here get involved with. It was only a few days after the Vijayadashmi festival we, me n my better ½ Rachana were heading 4 the Vegetable Market. It’s here that one quite often get to sight fellow beings males of the species, standing at a distance and watching their better ½, u do not need any crystal gazers or face readers to read the dissent and torture on their faces for being put through such a mean n mundane job which can so easily be delegated to domestic help. It’s only from these visits one realised the advantages, the pleasure of seeing and choosing the fresh vegetables, available round the year and deciding yourself than leaving it to the domestic help, as to what you are going to eat for next two days.

So it was a routine visit, the remnant of festival’s chaos was still there in the market. As we took a turn from the Main street towards the destination Rachana tried to draw my attention to a nice and colorful display of clothes in the shops along the widest road or a lane of Mhow which routinely turns narrower than earlier. Reasons simple Shopkeepers encroach on the pavements, Hawkers do it on the parking lanes and quite often visitors parking their vehicle be a 2 or 4 wheeler right up to middle of the road, after all everyone has a aright to use the road. Not that one always look for reasons to ignore such distractions 4 the side effects it has on the health of the wallet. This time it was not a distraction but a sight which caught attention. Perched on top of the Kabadiwala’s thela was a Black Peak Cap with a distinctive Red band, a Crossed Sword and Baton surrounded by Olive Leaves Crest in Zari. There were 2 strands of leaves on the Peak synonymous to a headgear of a Senior Level Army Officer. What was it doing here? No it was not a new one to be put on sale n with so many Military Stores dotted on the Main Street, it could not have been diversification of Business bid by the Kabadiwala. It was worn-out or used well, in it’s time it must have donned some Senior Army Officer’s head. But why and how has it landed here at Kabadiwala? It’s my handicap of not possessing a mobile phone with a camera else could have tried “Dekho, Kheencho aur Dikhao”.

I was reminded of a poem by Pt Makhanlal Chaturvedi, that I learnt in my childhood and two years back Rahul my son used to recite in his class V, “Fool Ki Abhilasha” it is also engraved on a Memorial at Mhow Fort. “Mujhe us raah par fek dena o vanmali jis raah se gujarte hon veer anek…..”. Is this headgear any less pious or respectable to the Uniformed outfit than the flower that we offer to god or lay at the wreath laying ceremony? The issues:

• Does the respect for it end with someone hanging his uniform? Bcoz at Mhow has been a chosen place of many Retired or Re – Attired variety of these who, even after retirement continue to use and display their Regimental Crests not only on the nameplates at our homes but also on the cars.
• Is it that we carry the association only till it’s of some benefit to us? Did it belong to a very honest individual and who for his sustenance has to resort to selling his prize possession to a kabadiwala? Am sure The Govt must be paying enough 4 their sustenance at such small places may not be in metros.
• Was he, a corrupt man that not only the organisation he belonged, but his heirs 2, do not want to keep any association with and artifacts of his?

The questions and possible reasons behind the cause are endless. Mhow as per the common knowledge is the shaping ground of the young n budding new entrants of Army. They are future senior leaders with impressionable mind. For those who actually did not belong to the place but, for the sake of convenience have chosen it to be their place of residence, don’t they have an obligation towards the organisation? Old steel trunks and worn out mementoes have been a common sight at these kabadiwals so far but definitely the articles like Caps and Crests deserve a better place than this one. Hope our poorly paid and expectedly clean outfit is not heading towards tarnished 2nd inningers in continuation of glorification n prosperity bids taking lead from Ketchup Colonel n Booz General.

ALWAYS ASK FOR A RECEIPT

Narration of this incident I experienced is for those wise people who learn from mistakes of others and for whom I care. I do not want them to undergo a similar agony ever.

It was during Bonn’s (my cousin sister’s) marriage that most of us in whom I top the list arrived ahead of their schedule. No sweat a li’l bit of running around n a few calls we got five additional rooms n problem was sorted out. This exercise gave us an experience with a fellow being, as to how negative a person can be for no reasons. We met “Shorma” with typical Assamese accent (please do not make a mistake to generalize average Assamese to be like this). May be it was a classic case of “Hate at First Sight” if I may call it parallel to “Love at First Sight” when, the chemistry does not work. We can only feel pity for them that, they too have to survive in this world against odds — I am being optimistic that “most fellow humans are not that way”. In their struggle for existence in this odd environment they must be gathering so much of the baggage of hate which most of us involuntarily must be having for them. The two of these rooms he so involuntarily gave us were to be vacated on the morning of 05 Sep 2006 the day of marriage the ones Jayant Mama (my uncle) n self were occupying.

For rest the Bride’s father (my Uncle) had already made the reservations in advance. We were to take these rooms by 1100 hrs on 04 Sep but for the obvious reasons none of us wanted to go n miss out on the happenings that till then were centered at Salunke Vihar. It was only around dinnertime we realized we need to get the rooms at Rest House and some of us will have to leave the happening place. A frantic call on tele amidst the favorite eve pgme of Faujis n others alike, of exchanging notes over a drink was made announcing that, we will be arriving late after dinner. The manager informs he at best can give us only two and not three rooms. Not much of hassle, we all managed that night best since we had two rooms that J mama n self were occupying I mentioned earlier. One could have picked up a row with the manager but his reasoning was understood. The guests of someone who too had come to attend a marriage overstayed. May be time and situation permitting; I too would have done that n most of us do with utter disregard to convenience of others. My personal opinion; we Indians r good at it. He promised that tomorrow i.e. on day of the marriage early morning he will give us the third room.

Early morning everyone got ready in time not to miss the B’fast at the venue of the marriage but, the rituals of marriage were scheduled to commence early morning. Having done an extra trip back home to fetch the items forgotten behind of, so meticulously prepared (not me, I was made to prepare it by Dear Mami so that we do not forget some thing Imp, mind u all it proved it’s effectiveness during my last visit to Pune in May). It would be unfair to expect the parents of Bride and Rahul n Rhea (Brother of the Bride n his wife) with Star attraction n lil heartthrob of every one “Anika” to ensure that nothing is left out. The item left behind was the packet of “Pedhas” (customary sweet) to be distributed soon after marriage was over.

Well it was the opportunity I was looking for, having done the job, quietly sneaked out to Rest House to get the Room so that one has a place to sleep at night before heading back to Mhow. The elderly Sikh couple who had overstayed was leaving. The manager asked 4 deposit which I questioned intuitively. The normal practice is u pay the bill while vacating but on insistence from the manager I paid up without much fuss. Asked him to get the Room cleaned up n keep keys at reception so I can collect in AN. The events going on at RSI were more imp than waiting there for a sweeper to do cleaning n room boy to change the sheets. Some time later self n Anuj another cousin of mine who already been staying there again sneaked out n collected keys. Never did it struck me to ask for the Receipt.

In the evening just before the Reception was back at Salunke Vihar to collect the Whisky that was to flow at the cocktails. The more imp was the instructions of Do’s n Don’ts n see that none gets drunk — in the bargain the only person who must have consumed max at the Bar must be me. I told mama that I have paid for the rooms so that he is not asked for it again. I was paid the full amount that very moment.

Next morning while leaving for Mhow, Mama n Mami had come to see of his friend n us. In a hurry to start early and getting the baggage down kept on asking 4 final bill. Anuj had already left early morning and the other two rooms too were being vacated a day prior than scheduled. This was going to result in refund of room rent of thee rooms for a day, from what had already been paid. Despite 3 – 4 reminders the response did not seem to be as quick, the morning lethargy of the staff was still at it’s best. I finally gave up n left with instructions “sahib baher aahet refund tyanna dya” (give the refund to my uncle who is out side) and left Pune in happy morning weather.

Only to discover on reaching home when gave All Correct Report to Mama of our safe arr home — he was made to pay again for the entire rent of three rooms that we had taken. He insisted, that whole thing has been paid to u in advance and it’s only a refund he was entitled.

Do you have any receipt? Was the question he was unable to answer.

My blood would have sent the mercury soaring and would not have restricted to letting out a few abuses alone but, would have given him a bloody nose too. For a simple reason the man belonged to outfit whom I belong today and still consider one of good n clean profession.

Luckily the other telephone at home too was working and I had the tele No of the Guest House handy. The man was on other end — “Saheb tumchya kade receipt aahe ka? Kemha ankhin kahi proof?” (Do you have a receipt or any other proof of the payment?) a li’l hard talk and questioning as to if that was the case why did u not tell me that there is no refund when I asked for it 4 times in the morning? — “sir mala account check karawa laagel” (Sir I will have to check the account). Lucky that in less than half n hour he called me as well as Mama up “Saheb Chuk jhali” n money was returned next day.

More important was that we were saved of embarrassment n misunderstanding. It was good that Mama did not hesitate in asking me. The amount was not a phenomenal but a lesson learnt — how small the amount be ALWAYS ASK FOR A RECEIPT after all we r Indians n as a society quite tempted to make a quick buck at someone else’s cost.