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.

VIJAY SINGH RATHORE

Vijay Singh Rathore a personality I wanted to introduce may be li’l after words in my post still on drafting pad but …., Courtesy, Politeness “Yeh kis Chidiya ka Naam Hai” look that I saw in Rahul’s (my son) eyes when I told him today when that he did not say “Thank You” and abruptly terminated the conversation with his Teacher and put the phone down, it forces me to ponder on priority.

It was 3 days prior to Vijayadashmi a small boy accompanied the Aya who takes care of sweeping and dusting in the house — a contributor towards the Peace n Tranquility in the house u know? (all those who been thru the previous post will know!). Concerned about the Child Labour Laws n it’s consequences, I asked, “who is he?” — “Hamara Naam Vijay Singh Rathore hai” comes the prompt reply from the young lad. I pleaded, not ordered, after all I can not be on the wrong side of the peace keeper! The boy should not do any work but sit in Verandah.

Having got infuriated a day prior on Rahul 4 the mess in his room, with no response in 24 hrs that followed, I got to business my self. In the process found wads of torn papers from the Notebooks stuffed here n there. In my vengeance or may be to teach him a lesson I took out the 6 rolls of crackers “tikali’, the ones u put in the pistol n let go around Diwali which, Rahul was preserving since last Diwali. I called Vijay Singh Rathore in told him that he can take these. I also gave him the Add Gel pen I found not old and not a New one either. All that was wrong with it was that it’s clip was broken, just before handing it over checked the refill. Since it did not work, promptly threw the old one on the floor and put new in side, tested and then gave it to Vijay Singh Rathore. Prompt came — “Thank you Sir”, “Can I take this one also?” pointing towards the not working refill on the floor.

I asked, what will u do with it? I have already put a new one in the pen I gave u. “sir yeh gel hai na main isko bhi thik kar ke istemal kar lenge” (Sir, it’s a gel refill; I will repair and use that also). With just a nod of head I earned another “Thank You Sir”. How much elated I felt with those 2 “Thank you sir” may be I will remain at loss of words to explain ever.

What is the cause? for lack of courtesy and politeness expected form a child who has just entered his teen. Do I shift the Goalpost and blame it on circumstances, near n dear ones who despite my futile protests continued to glorify and appreciate the early signs of ill mannerism in yet tender age? No I can not be so incorrigible, so what, I did my bit to reprimand the habit time and again. I did so in the morning also, may be my style or method of correcting is wrong that’s how it has always been looked upon. Any way who’s interested in fixing the blame the Buck has to finally stop at none other but me — what one is looking fwd to is “how to undo the damage”.

Do I become small by saying “Thank you sooo much”, or a plain “Thank you” in return of a deed of someone 4 u r benefit, or is my thinking wrong? After all why should one thank someone else? Is it a custom of gone by era n I am unnecessarily making fuss about?

ENLIGHTENMENT

An Enlightening SMS, sure most will agree!

Let there b no doubt it’s always a woman who is responsible 4;
Peace, Tranquility, Neatness in the house leading to Bliss n Happiness to all.
So lets all join and say our thanks to the responsible woman in our house
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Our “Kaamwali Bai”

BLIND FAITH

Every nook and corner donations are collected or extracted, well that’s done 4 all the festivals now. Gone are the days when it was restricted to Holi and Ganesh Chaturthi — later one started by Lokmanya Tilak to bring people together on one platform for spreading the message and views against then British Rule’s suppressive policies n ban on press.

Come Navratris cutting across the individual faiths and deities the citizens across the country are decked up and are in their best of festive mood. Why not? It is supposed to be post monsoon season when u just bid farewell to “Ganpati” with a request “Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar ya”. The weather is supposed to clear up, u bid farewell to dampness and start looking 4 light woolens as well. It is also a stage for ringing in the “Diwali” a festival of “Godess Lakshmi” n lights bringing in prosperity to all — so eagerness is understood one n all wants to be blessed by the Goddess. An idol is establish decorative lighting is set up pandals are erected and puja is performed collectively for nine days. So what? If the poor villagers have to still do with their lanterns if they can afford one. The haves must enjoy n celebrate (flaunt) in style.

Look at the positive side, with so much of diversity in Hindus with countless Gods n Goddesses encroaching on each others days, there is no consensus on a common or collective prayer day in a week. The Christians assemble for the Mass every Sunday morning; Muslims do so, on their Jumma. No we r secular and will maintain our freedom of religion. At least such occasions bring the community together.

Setting — Mhow a small cantonment town in Central India, had been buzzing with the celebrations for the past 9 days. Aarti n Maha Aartis in every temple and then the “Garba Dance” a prayer to the Maa Shera wali, Durga … call it what u like starts around 8 pm. Am sure in larger towns it must be starting a li’l later and lasts till mid night. Thanx to presence of sponsors for the events the Number of celebrations on a km long Main Street n numerous by lanes has increased many-folds. So has the level of celebrations and the amount of loudspeakers. The louder the music system better the function is the common understandings.
A group of affluent section of the society decides to have mercy on the residents and select a Marriage Hall of a “Samaj” in one of the bye lanes for the Puja and Garba. From day one till Navami, a day prior to Vijayadashmi the celebrations were in full swing. Every resident of the Mhow must have blessed the organizers for otherwise elusive orderliness of the traffic on the narrow streets of Mhow. Many were left wondering if things were alright? no communal tension etc…

On Navami the last day of Garba there was an extra enthusiasm in the celebrations n why not all the who’s who of Mhow, who in a larger township would have constituted P3P’s were present. The volume of the music system was touching a new high as if it sensed the mood of the Sensex. From a distance what one could listen mind u not hear! clearly was the felicitations of personalities who donated generously for the events and proceedings of the prize distribution, sponsored by some or other company. Come 1130 pm and celebrations get another boost by start of fire cracker show. A spectacular display and the event came to successful end at 1 am, why should the celebrations end? No nothing untoward happened, people must have got tired and gone home.

Did any one of them take a note:

• That the venue they selected was just opposite a private nursing home “Getwel Hospital”.
• The miseries the patients inside and their relatives would have suffered, the hospital I am told also has an ICU.
• The Garba was being played not to the religious arties or tunes but on the latest sizzling remixes of the movies.

No I was neither admitted or have anyone known admitted in the hospital. Sure enough there would be at least one incident if not more of the situation out here in every town.

• Is this religious faith good 4 the society?
• Under the garb of religion can we be so insensitive to the reality or our surroundings?
• When will we understand the motives of these MNCs who over a period 4 own interests r spending so much budget on promoting such functions.
• Do u think the spurt in so many Miss Universe n World being selected or the correct word would be — Nominated from our country was a natural phenomenon? Having achieved their aim of est market for cosmetic products of every brand in weirdest corner of the country, they have moved to greener pastures. When will we understand this aspect of eco n continue to be taken 4 a ride?
• Should we be so concerned with the issues of incr in sale of Condoms during Puja in select parts of the Nation, incr in hourly room rents in hotels, incr in no vacancy sign boards in Hotels along Highways, which most of the National Dailies r carrying. Sure enough the Weeklies will carry this debate forward and may be an opinion poll.
  

All the questions can be put under the carpet and conveniently moving the Goalpost — “today’s youth is not responsible”. Is the eminent society of ours, which should have the pious responsibility to mold them Responsible?

MY FIRST DATE WITH A MOBILE

Inevitable relationships which I was hell bend to stay away from despite — not only the advice from near n dear ones but also nagging from not so well wishers. Yes finally I bought a mobile pre paid one.

As in any relationship that shapes n stabelises, this too had its own teething problems — so did it. For certain reasons, may be less due lack of time that I had at my disposal, it was a spontaneous decision made as I entered “Khandawa” to board the south bound train — Had reached 1hr before scheduled arr of train n a sleepy market was just gearing up for the days hustle – bustle. Some thing like a Love at first sight, I saw a gleaming sign board of AIRTEL+MOTOROLA @1499/- with 1500/- talk time free. A Ganpati offer which; I prevented myself from getting lured in to few days back at Pune. May be succeeded coz there the priorities have been some serious business to do (No I haven’t hanged the uniform yet) n a family gathering 4 dear Bonn’s wedding for which Ranu n Rahul alone had braved a drive from Mhow to Pune n I earned wrath of senior team to plan it that way.

Any way this time I couldn’t and ended up owning one a Motorola C 117 with a convenience of speaking home n home folks getting in touch (on u r nerves?) whatever u call it. It kept me amused 4 quite some time to venture through it’s features and quite frequent beeps of welcome sms’s from various mobile operators. A typical one read “welcome airtel mp customer to ….. land of …. Maharashtra/ AP/ Karnataka we assure u with satisfactory services n wish u happy stay in … n stay connected with …. I quickly keyed in the tele Nos of most whom I knew but stayed away from calling up.

I was greeted in office by every one incl the peon n a sweeper with a gleam in their eyes — “saab apane bhi le liya” as if I was so far missing out on some vital part of my attire. The colleagues greeted me “so u also finally bought it, what is u r No? Which connection? Why have u bought it there n using it on roaming? n alike — to most I did not have any answers or feel like replying. Most opted not to take my No after they learned it was on roaming. First I thought of them as misers only to realise they were wiser when received first call from Ranu a day later. A 5 min or something call ended with a free call charges announcement which the shopkeeper had highlighted as one of the free goodies “u r last call duration 5.17 mins call cost 37.88/-. A quick decision was made not to receive any more calls from home on it. Otherwise also one enjoys the tele at office n mess. The only third place one goes is a routine walk in the eve and once in a fortnight vis to barber which if he does not or refuses to understand what I tell him (I really don’t know what the way out is he only understands n speaks Kannada with a few English words thrown in n I understand none) will become once in two months or so (n those who saw me recently will agree) n think I/ others can keep form disturbing each other on such occasions.

Oh! forgot about the problems — the tele was working alright only after five complete days it drew my attention by constant beep to tell me I must pull out the charger which came free. On Friday Sep 15 there was sms which announced that 4 some reasons they were barring my mobile a lil too late at night. But next day onward the feeling of me being taken 4 a ride by some one took reins n made me uncomfortable, being sat weekend in corporate world I did not break any ice but come Monday morning Sep 18, my fax at 1000hrs to Bharti Airtel Limited a corporate head office started doing wonders my e mail was being monitored n replied on real time basis. Finally I let the pers on other end have my office contact No. Within 2 mins of my clicking the send button some one was holding line for me at 1215hrs and in flat 05 mins he activated my mobile with lot of apologies and swears that it will not happen again n begging for continued patronage etc… .

The whole effort is for seeking advice from more mobile savvy people on tips of usage n may be netwk one must choose. 4 reasons I will be using this till as long it lasts.