SCMM

Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon

SCMM (Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon) is one of the prestigious marathons of the world. Participants vouch that it is one of the well organized marathons in India and apart from that the crowd response is fabulous. People line up on both sides of the roads and cheer up the participants. Such public participation is a great motivation to the runners. No wonder, it is the dream of every runner to participate in the SCMM. This year in January 2015, I did not participate in SCMM as I had no place to stay and hotel accommodation is very costly in Mumbai. Now my daughter has shifted to Mumbai, I can and will participate.

Performance in SCMM is considered as a qualification mark for Olympics and other world level meets without passing any other qualification mark. O P Jaisha who made a record breaking performance in the 2015 edition by breaking the 20 year record on debut became one of the earliest qualifiers for World Athletic Meet in China during August 2015 and for next year Rio Olympics.  That shows the universal acceptability of SCMM standards. .

 Whatever way you manage, how much of money you spent, if public participation is not there, it robs of the sheen of the event. Few years ago football was the most popular game in India and matches were played in jam packed stadiums. Whether the popularity of the game was declined due to our poor standard or vice versa is a debatable question. Kabbadi is gaining popularity and let us hope that India will maintain and improve its pre eminent position.

Unlike other marathons qualification criteria is there for SCMM. Most of the other marathons enroll all the applicants without properly verifying their credentials. In SCMM if somebody is not having a certificate from a recognized agency he/she will be provisionally admitted with a condition to produce the certificate from a recognized event within a stipulated time. Registration opens 6 months before the event and closes with in a week’s time.

I am delighted to note that I have qualified for the SCMM based on my previous timings not only in my category but in general category also. I think now I should check up the Olympic qualifying mark and see whether I have qualified for next Olympics also. Unfortunately, there is no half Marathon in Olympics and no age category. However, I can explore the possibility of competing in the veteran Olympiad.

Registration for Half Marathon started at 10 AM on 30^th July. I have been trying since yesterday morning to get registered. Initially it was problem with SBI internet banking as the High Security Password was not coming despite request for resending. Other payments through SBI Net banking were also not possible. Subsequently, I tried the other payment through SBI Debit Card and it got through. Then I tried SCMM registration payment also through Debit Card. When I was nearing for payment after filling all particulars in a 4 tier system, a message was flashed “We are facing technical difficulties for online registration. We shall be back soon. Apologize for the inconvenience. “ 

At last I got it registered today with the help of my nephew and son of my friend Pawan Kumar Maithani.

Simple solutions for complex problems

Letter to Editor

Simple solutions for complex problems

            An idea has been mooted by major political parties to exclude MPs and MLAs from the purview of the prevention of Corruption Act. The proposal is likely to get the approval of all political parties because Indian political parties are having an enviable record of joining hands on matters of mutual interest and issues of national importance. This will drastically reduce the rate of corruption in the country as a major chunk of the corrupt practices will not be reported or recorded.

            On the same analogy, adulteration in the country can be substantially reduced, if not eradicated by excluding manufacturers and traders from the purview of the Prevention of Adulteration Act.

            Even after 50 years of independence a large number of people in India still live below the poverty line. Poverty line is an imaginary or illusory line and if we redraw it millions of people who were hitherto below the poverty line will come above the poverty line by the stroke of a plan.

            Delhi the capital city of India is having the dubious distinction of having the worst public transport system. After the privatisation of public transport ‘ redline’ buses were creating havoc with the lives and limbs of the people. People who were riding Tongas and Rickshaws became bus drivers overnight. Public started running helter shelter on the mere sight of Redline buses. Concerned with the alarming rate in the increase in road accidents, the political party in power made an announcement that accidents caused by the buses will be reduced by the year end. People wondered as to what the magic wand the Government is having in store to achieve this incredible feat. Next day the Government ordered the changing of all ‘red line’ buses to ‘blueline buses and thus was the promise kept.

            Indian politicians are a class apart of their brethren from other countries. have instant solutions for complex problems. Politicians all over the globe can learn a lot from them.

KGM Half Marathon

KGM Half Marathon

After participating in the Kathgodam Half Marathon on 26^th July I reached back Delhi on Monday early morning.  It was the first marathon arranged at Kathgodam. I clocked 2:34 hrs. I am running a half marathon after a gap of 8 months viz; after the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 0n 23.11.2014. This was the first marathon I ran after joining the Sunday run club. I gratefully acknowledge the valuable tips, encouragement and piecemeal coaching I got from my young and loving friends of SRC. Big Marathon season starts now beginning with Airtel Hyderabad Marathon In August followed by Shriram Marathon at Bangalore, ADHM Delhi, Beach Marathon Goa, Wipro Marathon Chennai culminating with the prestigious Standard Chartered Marathon at Mumbai.  I thought of participating in the Indore Half Marathon during February, but by the time I came to know about that, no train tickets were available.

I got introduced with several runners most of them youngsters. I met an elderly looking person and got introduced. When he told his age, I was surprised (-) and when I disclosed my age he also got surprised (+). As per mathematical terms both surprises crossed and ultimately there was no surprise. In fact that elderly looking person was one year younger to me. Moreover, he was participating in 5K. Thus I was the senior most person participated in the KGHM. I lavishly showered love, affection and appreciation on the youngsters. Some of them were so excited that they wanted photo session with their senior colleague and I happily agreed. I could encourage, motivate and inspire few teenagers and will continue to do once they come to my FB. (Many people are not only miser in spending money but also in sparing unlimited resources like love, affection , regards, appreciation, compassion, likes etc.  Even during cultural programmes of children, somebody has to appeal to the audience to clap. Still some of them will clap only when their children perform on the stage)

Contrary to popular perception, whether was not good at Kathgodam. On Saturday while going to Kathgodam, some passengers were wearing sweater, so I thought that weather will be cool. On Saturday night there was thundershower and Sunday early morning it was looking very pleasant.  Though the scheduled starting time was 6.00 AM, it actually started at 7.10 AM. For the first 10-15 minutes it was alright, running on the picturesque valley in the midst of paddy fields, cane plantation on one side and majestic teakwood trees and pine trees on the other side of the road.  After some time the sunshine become bright and it was scorching heat. My synonym (Or counterpart?) Sun did not show any mercy to me and other co runners. It was partly my mistake also as I did not have a word with him earlier.

The worst was waiting to happen.  Runners were provided with plain water only and no energy drinks except one small bottle at half way stage.  After about one hour water was also exhausted and no volunteers were seen on the route. It was a grueling run under the sweltering sun without any arrangement for refueling. Unable to bear the heat and humidity many runners had removed their T shirts. Runners were drenched in sweat. One Mexican couple who came with lot of enthusiasm left the run half way due to heat and no water.    Many others also may not have completed the race.  If the organizers had financial constraints, they could have avoided providing T shirt and breakfast but they should have made proper arrangements during the running as runners cannot carry water, energy drinks and snacks. There was no medical facility also.

Such lack of facilities creates a bad impression with the runners and many of them will think twice before registering for subsequent marathons.  It is true that this was a debut marathon for Kathgodam, there was no sponsorship and they had limited resources but one cannot compromise on basic facilities.  Runners will also be sceptical to join any new marathon and tries to stick to the established ones only which is not in the interest of sports and athletics in the country.  We lament about the lack of facilities and insensitive attitude of bureaucracy, Government and politicians towards the sports especially athletics but if we the running community treat our runners and athletes in this shabby manner who else will come to our support?  We should put our own house in order and once this is done, help, support, recognition, reward etc will automatically come from other quarters.

I appeal to the organizers to take this in the proper perspective and as a positive criticism in the interest of runners and organizers of future marathons. What is done cannot be undone and what is undone cannot be done.  Let us not find excuses for not doing the things.  We Indians have an uncanny knack of searching for scapegoats and “Bahana” (Excuse) and also try to invent and fabricate “Bahana”. There is no point in concealing the truth and window dressing our weaknesses and shortcomings.  People who admit the mistake can correct and improve and those who do not admit the mistake (There are lot many) will go down the ladder. The least the organizers can do is to ensure that such lapses will not recur in future. I hope they organizers will take a pledge to remove all these shortcomings in the next edition so that participants will hail KGHM as one of the best organized half Marathons in the country. Sponsorship will follow suit. However, if the organizers think that they will organize better after getting the sponsorship, they may never get a sponsorship as companies would like to sponsor a well managed event and nobody would like to support a badly managed one.

Organizers are also requested to conduct the next edition at a more appropriate time having congenial climate instead of during hot and humid weather. They should also advance the starting time to 5.30 AM or latest by 6.00 AM

Let us all jointly try to   improve the standard of sports in the country and make all out efforts to make India a sporting power in the years to come.  There is no dearth of talent in the country the need of the hour is to unearth, nurture and develop those talents.  We can reach the pinnacles of glory with 4 Ds (Devotion, Dedication, Determination and Discipline) and 4 Ss (Speed, Skill, Stamina and sportsman spirit)

Let us pray and work for a glorious future for Indian sports.  

My Friend's Aunt

Virtues of Village

Long ago I used to visit an old lady who used to live in a remote village of Kerala along with her widowed daughter in law. She was the aunt of my friend and was of my grandmother’s age.  She was an embodiment of   honesty, sincerity, simplicity, love, affection, compassion etc.  (In one of my articles I wrote “our moral standards have gone down to such an extent that human virtues like honesty, integrity, sincerity, simplicity, morality,  love, affection, compassion etc have been confined to dictionaries”). In those days I had to walk 2 kilometers from the nearest bus stop to her house. Her sons were settled in USA and they rarely visit her. Even when they come to India, most of the days they will be on tour and they do not like to live in a remote village.   She was excited and overjoyed on my visit. She used to provide me all the materials for taking bath in the “Kulam” (Pond) like Thorthu (Towel) Dhoti for changing after bath and Kachiya Enna (medicated oil prepared at home). After taking bath, a sumptuous lunch will be ready with a variety of “Kondattans” (Vegetables like Bitter gourd, capsicum, lady finger etc salted and dried to be fried in oil)and homemade pickles. She sits beside me while I take lunch and persuade to eat more and more.  From the moment I arrive there and till I depart, I felt that I am flooded with love, affection and care.  When I bid adieu in the evening, her face will be filled up with emotions trying to control the tears. I promise her to meet during my next Kerala visit and I never failed in my promise and continued to visit her on all my Kerala visits till her death.

This is my experience that the farther you go from the cities; you will see the finest people. Many people in the remote villages, in many parts of the country I visited, are unaware of dishonesty, fraud, cheating etc and real innocent people you can find in villages only. I enjoy visiting villages rather than going for package tours. I have visited many far off places to attend marriage of colleagues, ex colleagues, their children etc. They repeatedly say that “you came all the way from…” I get happiness because I could many people happy.  Many people criticized my practice of proceeding without considering the cost and without any financial benefit, despite working in Finance for several years. Knowing my habit, one of my junior colleagues apologetically told “Abhi hamare ghar me 15-20 saal thak koyi shadi nahi hoga” (There will not be any marriage in our house for the next 15-20 years.) I quipped “Shadi nahi toh birthday toh hoga?”. (If there is no marriage there will be birthdays).  Note: Courtesy Pankaj Kapur who in a popular comedy serial acting as a Doctor tell the patient who was fed up with repeated blood tests and laments that all the blood exhausted due to blood test “Blood khatam ho gaya toh urine toh hoga. Uska test karvado” (If there is no blood you get your urine tested)

During my next visit to Kerala I will be visiting another remote village which is the home of not an ordinary person but legendary athlete O P Jaisha. When I expressed my desire to visit her house, she was hesitant saying that there were no facilities and not even a chair to sit. I told her that I want to visit such places to see the grim realities of life.  I also told her not to prepare anything special for me and I would enjoy eating what they normally prepare whether it is Kanji (Rice water), tapioca or any other wild grass or root.  However, the love, affection and care they shower, has to be experienced to be believed.   

Amitabh Bachchan

Visit to Amitabh Bachchan's House

During one of my visits to Mumbai, I thought of visiting the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan.  I made a phone call which was attended by one of his staff.  I expressed my desire to meet Mr. Bachchan with whom I had a correspondence earlier. He asked me to ring up after 2 hours, perhaps to verify my credentials. After 2 hours I again rang up and I was told that Mr. Bachchan is available right now and he will be leaving in another 2 hours.  I enquired from my friends as to how to reach there. The place was not connected by rail. I rushed to the Railway station and took a ticket to the nearest Railway station of his residence. I had to change at Dadar.  Amitabh’s house was at Juhu. From the Railway station, I took an auto and told the address to the auto driver.  When I was nearing that place, I repeated the address 10th North-South Road, Juhu-Parle scheme etc.   When the auto reached a T point the driver asked me whether to turn to right or left. I told him that I know only the address and not the direction. Then he asked me where I wanted to go. I told him that I want to go to Amitabh Bachchan’s house. The driver quipped “Ye pahle bada dete” (This you could have told me earlier).  After few minutes I reached his house Perhaps I was the only person who visited his house in an Auto rickshaw. It was a bungalow with high rise walls and iron wire mesh. I introduced myself and shown the copy of Amitabh’s letter to the security staff who went inside and enquired. I was allowed entry. Unfortunately, Big B had left the house few minutes earlier.  I could meet Mrs.Jaya Bachchan and Sweta Bachchan.

As a doyen of the film industry and a versatile artist, Amitabh Bachchan has created several immortal characters on the silver screen. Being a trend setter in the Indian cinema, he has the enviable record of adding some new dimensions in the art of acting. Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) became the most popular show on TV due to the charisma of Amitabh Bachchan. Though several luminaries have anchored the show including its regional version in various Indian languages, nobody could match the brilliance of Bachchan. I lost a great opportunity to meet a celebrity personally that too not in the crowd, not in a public function but face to face in the privacy of his house. It was indeed an irreparable loss.

Football's Glory

Indian Football’s glorious period.

The photo is of the Indian Football team which won Gold at the Jakarta Asia games 1962. India defeated South Korea 2-1 in a thrilling final. Indian team consists of legends like Peter Thangaraj, Balram, P K Banerjee, Arun Ghosh, Arumai Nayagam, Chuni Goswami, Jarnail Singh, Ethiraj, Yousuf Khan etc. Sixties was the golden era of Indian football. At the 1956 Olympics India finished 4rh, the best ever performance by India. In the 1960 Rome Olympics, India suffered narrow defeats to Hungary and Peru and drew with formidable France 1-1 in a quarterfinal league match, a creditable performance indeed. A big salute to our celebrated footballers.

Legendary coach Syed Abdul Rahim was instrumental in the phenomenal performance of Indian soccer team in two successive Olympics of 1956 and 1960 and in the 1962 Jakarta Asiad. In the Asian Games final against South Korea, Rahim made a tactical master class move by playing defender Jarnail Singh upfront and it clicked and the great Punjabi stopper delivered by scoring a crucial goal. That was Rahim’s last Asian Games and India’s last Asian Games soccer gold. Rahim died in the year 1963. A big salute to the most celebrated soccer coach India has ever produced.

When will be able to see India become Asian Games Champion once again and qualifying for the world cup?

Railway Tickets

Railway Tickets

Presently I am having 13 pending tickets. In one trip, onward journey is by air that is why it is in odd number. If the Railways further increase the booking period, I will be in soup. Ticket for last journey, OH!  No ticket is required for the last journey as it will be a ticketless travel. My latest journey ticket is for the travel from Bangalore to Nizamuddin on 24^th October and the earliest is for 25^th July from Anand Vihar to Kathgodam.  The booked tickets history of IRCTC shows the latest ticket in the beginning and earliest travel ticket at the bottom. I have to scroll down to see when my next scheduled travel is.  It will be more convenient if the table shows the earliest journey ticket in the beginning as I or for that matter anybody will not be interested to check the date and time of the travel 4 months later. After all common sense is most uncommon. Common sense will not come with age as Railways is 162 year old. People should not take a cue from this and start thinking as to when our great grandfather (or grandmother) is not having common sense, why should we have?

During the next 30 days I have three tour programmes. On 25^th July to Kathgodam, 1^st August to Mumbai and 16^th August to Bangalore. A friend asked me as to why I am travelling so much, my reply was

“For whom the Train runs?”

Senior Citizen Seat

Senior Citizen Seat

DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) provides 4 seats for senior citizens at either end of all compartments.  However many junior and sub junior citizens including teenage boys and girls not only hesitate to voluntarily vacate the seat for senior citizens but also reluctant to move inspite of repeated requests. Authorities have found out a novel method to solve this problem without creating any ill will and bad blood between the commuters. A device is being introduced and accordingly, anybody who occupies the senior citizen seat more than 3 times will automatically become a senior citizen.  During the first and second chance, the passenger will get a warning signal. It has been proved beyond doubt that electronic and mechanical devices are more effective than manual methods as traffic signal is more effective than traffic police.  Hence next time when you travel by Metro, occupy the senior citizen seat at your own risk and face the consequences.  After successful implementation of this, it will be extended to ladies’ coaches also.

My dear friends! Please resist the temptation of occupying the senior citizen seat and avoid entering the ladies compartment in your own benefit to avoid incalculable harm to you and grave embarrassment to your family and friends. It is understood that the penalty is irreversible or it may be a cumbersome and costly affair which only multi millionaires can afford.

Wishing you all a happy, safe and trouble free metro travel and return in the same form and substance

STD Facility

STD Facility

Long ago telephone facility was a luxury. I had to wait 3 years to get a phone connection. Application for phone connection contains ridiculous questions like your nearest telephone connection and the telephone number of your neighbour etc. I had recently shifted to that area and my neighbour was reluctant to give his telephone number thinking that it may become a permanent nuisance. I have to give an undertaking to my neighbour that I will not come to his house for making telephone or receiving telephone calls except in dire emergency like serious illness or death of a close relative. One of my friends staying in another area was a victim of neighbors’ cruelty as most of the calls he get were not for him or his family members.

After getting the connection, I applied for STD facility as I have to make calls to my parents and relatives. In the home town we got connection without much hassle as it was under Senior Citizens quota and also I could send a recommendation from the Ministry of Defence where one of my friends was a PS to a senior officer. When I took the application along with last telephone bill and my identity proof, the person in charge asked me to get a photocopy of the bill duly certified by a Gazatted Officer. I did not understand the logic for a Gazatted officer’s certification on my request for the STD facility. However, in India rules and logic are poles apart especially in those times. General attitude of most of the Government staff was how to create hurdles & impediments and not how to help the citizens. These irrational, illogical and cumbersome rules and procedures were one of the predominant reasons for our slow progress. A country like Singapore which attained independence 10 years after India’s independence is at least 50 or 100 years ahead of us.

During those days people queue up at the STD booth to make phone calls. There were different rates for different periods. Cheapest rate was from 11 PM to 6 AM. Since STD rates were very high, it made lot of difference in various timings. STD booth was a lucrative business with minimum investment and maximum returns especially to those who are expert in tampering. . On many days I had to return at midnight without making a phone call as either the call did not materialize or I was still standing in the queue. Subsequently I started going in the early morning, when the rush was very less. My habit of waking up in the early morning helped me.  

STD charges were very high in those days. If I had made one hour STD call to Kerala, it would have drained ¼ to ½ of my salary depending on the time of phone call. In Government offices STD facilities were available to officers of the rank of Joint Secretaries and above. No records were available to show as to how many people were actually having STD. Phone instrument is always locked with special phone lock available in selected markets. Personal secretaries were the much sought after people as they could secretly help their friends and colleagues to make STD call in emergency. ISD facility was a rarity

Revival of Indian Soccer

Revival of Indian Soccer

The other day I had a chat with a Portuguese coach. I had posted a write up about football in a soccer site and he appears to have impressed with my article and gave lot of useful comments and feedback. Subsequently he became my friend in Face Book. We discussed lot of things about Football in general and Indian football in particular.  He played for the second division in Portugal and now he is a soccer coach. He became a coach due to his passion for football and not to make lucrative returns. He took lot of interest in Indian football and both of us agree that there is lot of talent in India especially at the junior level. He has very innovative plan for development of Indian football and sent his presentation to all major clubs in India but he did not get even a single reply. He is of the opinion that foreign players who receive huge money should give more to the Indian Football. He is even prepared to give few weeks of free training to our budding footballers.

Portugal is a small country of about 10 million people but is a force to reckon with in world football. Portugal has produced some of the all time great footballers like Eusabio, Luis Figo, Christiano Ronaldo,  Rui Costa, Deco  etc to name a few. But unlike countries like Brazil, Germany, Italy, Holland etc they could not produce a bunch of great footballers to make it a crack combination. Consequently, inspite of producing some of the greatest ball players on the earth, they could not win any major trophy. Their best performance was reaching the Semi Finals of the 1966 and 1986 world cup championship.

There is abundance of football talent in the country especially at the junior level. Last year in the Subrato Cup Soccer Tournament for school boys, one team from Malappuram, Kerala reached the final. In the final they clashed with a Brazilian school team and they matched them for move for move, shot for shot, attack with counter attack, spectacular save with acrobatic save etc.  They lost to their formidable rival with the narrowest margin. But for the brilliant display of the Brazilian goalkeeper under the bar, Kerala team could have created history. Kerala team goal keeper also made a spectacular display under the bar thwarting many goal bearing moves of the rampaging Brazilian boys. Do we need any further proof for the reservoir of talent available especially at the junior level? These boys from Kerala reached at such high dizzy heights with bare minimum facilities and not even nutritious food. Imagine if India Senior team plays with Brazil, there will be a tornado of goals and according to my presumption Brazil will score 30+ goals and Neymar will be making multiple hat tricks. This clearly shows that all the talent at the junior level is going into the drain. Not only that we are reluctant to unearth, nurture and develop talents but also we often suppress and strangulate it.

 I am dreaming of a day when I will be part of a crack combination (Under 18) with myself as the mentor, motivator and interpreter and they will be roaring to conquer the world. Tata football Academy has produced many great footballers and once these teenage boys from TFA defeated one of the erstwhile top teams of the country Mohun Bagan Calcutta in a Durand Cup football match.

I appeal to my friends to pray for making my dream a reality, not for my personal benefit but to salvage and save Indian Soccer, to take the country to the pinnacles of glory in the most popular game of the universe and thereby upholding the prestige and status of second largest populated country in the world of nations.  

ATM Center Facility

ATM Centre Facility

Earlier ATM centres were having facility of depositing cheque.  Pay in slips and alpins were also available and one can deposit the cheque anytime of the day or night.  Cheque drop boxes are cleared once in a day, normally around 10-10.30 AM. Many days I found that the number of cheques dropped in these cheque collection boxes range from 30 to 60. This facility was discontinued in most of the ATMs for the reasons best known to Banks.  Imagine 60 people are going to Bank to deposit cheque which could have been taken care of by one person spending some 10-15 minutes. Further in many banks cheque drop boxes are kept inside and one can deposit the cheque during banking hours only. They can very well keep the box inside with a facility to drop the cheque from outside. Why should a customer be forced to go late to his work, just for dropping a cheque? 

The other day I had to deposit a cheque with ICICI Bank. Before going to the Bank Branch I want to check up with ATM, whether the cheque drop facility is available in the ATM which is very close to my house. On the door behind the ATM machine, there is a sticker indicating Cheque drop box and also and also a small window to drop the cheque. However, I wanted to check with the Security staff and confirm that the facility still exists. (Earlier there was a box inside the room adjacent to ATM machine) There was no security around. I visited the ATM 2 hours later. Then also no security staff was visible. However, 2 people were doing some repair/maintenance of Air Conditioner. The door behind was open.   I went to check the box but there was no box. It was a very small room which is not even sufficient to put a cupboard. It was virtually used as a dumping place for waste and for keeping broom (Not AAP Symbol) and other cleaning material.

If the door was not open, I would not have found out this fauxpas. Had I deposited the cheque, it would have also gone along with the waste. I do not know why Bank is confusing the gullible customers by putting wrong stickers and labels (Or not removing outdated stickers) and taking them for a ride. Banks are also requested to restore the facility of cheque drop boxes in ATM counters. This will help to some extent reduce the congestion on the already busy roads and avoidable overcrowding in the bank premises. Rather than providing world class facility to the elite customers, banks should give priority for providing service to the common man. 

Marathon Swimming

Marathon Swimming

Today morning while going for swimming it was drizzling. I did not return. I was the first person to jump into the pool overtaking carwalas. Immediately rain became heavy. There were only a handful of faithful swimmers. Many must have returned midway and many others may not have even started from home. Swimming while raining is a captivating experience with water both below and above. Swimming in the pond, river and lake are much more exciting than swimming in the swimming pool. With heavy rain, swimming in the pool had a semi natural feeling. One can fully enjoy the rain when the rain drops hit on your bare body and there is no better place than the swimming pool. Rarely one gets such opportunity in Delhi. Swimmers who missed today’s session should avail the next opportunity and can decide themselves as to which is more enjoyable-swimming in the rain or sleeping in the closed room. After one hour swimming session was over, there were no swimmers in the second shift. So myself and two other boys decided to have a second shift swimming. Thus today I swam about 2 hours covering roughly 1800 Kilometers, sorry meters. One kilometer of swimming will be equivalent to 10KM running.

Despite torrential rain many of my young friends had a 10K run at Nehru Park Chanakyapuri. A big salute to the indomitable spirit of the brave boys. People who search Bahana (Excuse) for anything and everything should learn from these boys how not to make Bahana

Mahindra & Mahindra

Frantic search of a Friend

I completed my graduation in the year 1970. Our farewell function was very emotional and sentimental. Many of them knew that we may not be able to meet some of them during the whole life.  There was not even phone connection in those days leave alone email, Face Book or whatsApp etc. Further since my residence was about 40 Kilometers from the college, there was no chance to meet others also. Few days we kept the contact through letters, but subsequently most of them left Kerala to far off places like Bombay, Calcutta, Chennai, Ahmadabad etc in search of job.  I could meet one of my classmates during my visit to Madras to appear for a written test for the post of Staff Officer in Reserve bank of India.  Filling up of that application itself was also a tedious job as they had asked meticulous particulars like number of mango trees, coconut trees etc in the portion property.

During 1975, I visited Bombay on an official tour. I had information that one of my classmate Ravi is working in Mahindra & Mahindra. I had no other information like his designation, name of department in which he is employed etc. His name being very common compounded my confusion. I searched the Bombay Telephone Directory.  Mahindra & Mahindra telephone numbers were spread into 13 pages.  (I heard that during those days 25% of telephone connections and 30% of trains in India were in Bombay). I started short listing the name resembling Malayalees and started calling one by one. Some of them happened to be Tamilians. Most of them asked me to provide further details regarding designation, department etc which I was not having. Having done B Com, I presumed that he may be working in Finance & Accounts Department. Most of them discouraged me saying that it is a futile exercise to search a person without knowing any details that too in a major company like Mahindra employing more than ten thousand people, having offices at different places in a Mahanagar like Bombay.

Some people perhaps feeling pity with me offered to help in locating my friend. They suggested names of some other persons who may be able to help me in my search. The only information available about me was that he belongs to Ottapalam. After making innumerable phone calls and relentless search I could locate him. He was working in the Purchase Department and not Accounts Department as guessed by me. He was surprised, overjoyed, excited and thrilled. He took short leave and came to the Hotel in which I was staying at Sion.

After my joining emails, Face Book etc I could locate some of my friends after 30-40 years. However, I could not discover any of my college classmates. I joined the N S S College Ottapalam Alumni Face Book group, where I could find some juniors and a large number of sub juniors, but not my classmates. One of my FB friends who is 1 year junior to me promised that she will help me in my pursuit, once she returns from USA after a long vacation.

Anyway, face Book has provided me so many friends and many of them are like my family members now. Now wherever I go, I will get a chance to meet several friends, either individually or collectively.

Jack Fruit (Chakka)

Jack Fruit (Chakka)

Jackfruit tree is widely cultivated in India, South East Asian countries, Africa, West Central America and in some Caribbean nations.  In Kerala it is not cultivated by many but still it grows in large scale.  Most of the jackfruit trees in our compound (Around 20) are grown independently. It does not require even watering during infancy also. Due to plethora of jack fruits there are not much takers also so much so that people are not prepared to take even free of cost. Once a Gazatted Beggar (Those who do not accept coins but only notes) came to my house. I offered him a jackfruit.  He reluctantly agreed to take it provided I give him 2 coconuts also. (In those days coconut is added with almost every curry in Kerala). I cancelled the deal.  During my childhood I wish that an elephant comes to my house while going to temple for festival or returning from the temple after festival, so that we can give him lot of jack fruit.

Jack fruit is very nutritious It contains lots of carbohydrates, fiber, little fat and protein and lots of different vitamins and minerals.  Despite all these nutritious value, purity and being very hygienic, few people use it.  One reason is that converting jackfruit to curry or any other eatable is a tedious process and people are by and large and lethargic. Another reason is that people have an aversion to homely and natural food and prefer market food, fast food and superfast food, whatever unhealthy or poisonous it may be.  In our house we use only the tender portion of jackfruit (The portion covering the seed). In Delhi, if you buy 1 Kg of jackfruit, you will get only ¼ KG of that portion.  Roasted seeds of jackfruit are very tasty.  The other day I heard that in Qatar 1 Kg of Badam is being sold @ 64 Riyal where as 1 Kg of Jackfruit seeds are being sold @ 119 Riyal. A big salute to the jackfruit lovers.  Jackfruit is extensively used in making Jam, syrup, sauce, chutneys, candies, cakes, ice creams, chips etc. “Chakka Pradhaman” made with jack fruit with jiggery, coconut milk etc is one of the tastiest dishes of Kerala. Unfortunately many people may not have even tasted it as very few people venture to make it because of its tedious and lengthy process.  But remember good things and great joy one can get by hard work only.

The skin of the jackfruit is very thick. Hence it is not easy to adulterate or use pesticides or chemicals over it. Further in view of the low cost of the item in Kerala, nobody makes any attempt to adulterate-even the hard core adulterators.  Politicians or those who have newly joined politics can consider eating the skin of jackfruit to acquire the basic quality of a politician-thick skinned.

Jack fruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh and Indonesia. Its health and medicinal properties are immense. It optimizes immune function, it is a high energy source, maintain blood pressure and cardio vascular health, improves digestion,  help to prevent cancer and piles, contains lot of Vitamin A for vision, protects and improves skin, slow down ageing, beneficial for Asthma patients, good for bone health, combat deficiency of RBCs and improves quality of blood.

The wood of the jackfruit tree is very strong and beautiful.  Furniture made of jackfruit tree is much sought after item. Its colour is so natural and it does not require painting. In other words, if you paint it, it will lose its charm. It is extensively used in making the body of many musical instruments like Veena, Mridangam, Thimila, Kanjira etc.

I appeal to my all friends and others to realise the importance of Jackfruit and start extensive use of this hygienic nutritious product and feel proud in our own products. A big salute to all Jackfruit lovers.

All the jack fruit lovers are humbly requested to share this for the information and benefit of their own family members, relatives, friends and the common man. I will feel obliged for your magnanimity in the larger interest of the country.   

Note: Photo courtesy Lekha

Bombay Tour 1975

Bombay Tour 1975

I visited Bombay first time during November 1975. It was an official tour. I was deputed for conducting Audit of Bombay Marketing Centre. The moment I landed in Bombay, I realized that it is really a Mahanagar.  During those times, I never felt Delhi as a Mahanagar (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam was also not there. MTNL was created in 1986). Local trains running in seconds’ interval, hundreds of people boarding and deboarding in few seconds, skyscrapers, hustling bursting crowd all-round etc amazed me. I did not find a single person walking especially during peak hours. Everybody was virtually running. During those days Delhi was dominated by Government employees and they had a leisurely life.  Bombay was changed to Mumbai much later in 1995.

During my tour period, I stayed at a Hotel in Sion.  Subsequently I realized that it was the hub of notorious criminal Billa. According to Intelligence reports, Billa and his accomplice Ranga together committed a sensational murder of two teenaged school children of a senior Navy Officer in Delhi, were hiding in Bombay.  The cold blooded murder had created shockwaves and rocked the capital and the country.   The news created terror and fear and in a city where there is no sunset and there is practically no difference between day and night, came to a standstill during late hours.  Cinema theaters cancelled the late night shows and employees were eager to reach home before midnight.  Trains were running half empty during midnight and thereafter, an unusual sight in Bombay. However, I did not cut short my tour and returned to Delhi, unlike another person who went to Bombay on another occasion for 10 day tour and returned after 2 days, after seeing a giant board “Bombay Dyeing”

Popular blockbuster film Sholay was showing in a theater for more than 16 months. I wanted to see the super hit film once again, but current bookings were not available. Taking tickets for one week in advance was not considered feasible.

Sensational, shocking and heart-rending story of the reprehensible murder of two innocent teenaged school children will appear in a series of several episodes in my FB time line shortly.

Badrinath

Badrinath Kedarnath Yatra

During the year 2012 a group of three, Vijayan Punnathur Mr. T K Bhavadasan Namboodiripad and E M Adithyan left for Badrinath-Kedarnath Yatra. Transport and accommodation arrangements were made by Vijayan. Since Vijayan is working as a senior officer in Central Government, it was convenient for him to arrange accommodation at various Government departments’ Guest Houses enroute. He also took the trouble to study the entire route and despite the fact that driver was not very experienced, we did not divert the route and was not forced to travel extra miles. We got excellent accommodation at various places and at Kedarnath we got an independent bungalow with a spacious courtyard. Even if somebody is prepared to pay through the nose, it was not possible to get a similar accommodation outside.  Apart from the fact that we could save substantial amount on accommodation, we could save our health also as the food available at the Guest Houses were much more hygienic than what was available outside. During the entire journey, none of them had an iota of physical problem.

Any team requires a team leader. Here also we needed a team leader to interact with guest house staff, horsemen etc. In view of the efforts put by Vijayan, he was the natural choice for the team leader. However, perhaps being the junior member of the team, he was not prepared to assume the role of team leader. We were prepared to accept anybody as the leader unlike Laloo Prasad-Nitish Kumar dispute. However, all of us were strong believers in democratic principles and traditions in contrast to present day politicians. Therefore, we decided to make leaders for different shifts. Accordingly Mr. TKB was leader from 6 AM to 2 PM, Mr. Vijayan from 2 PM to 10 PM and myself from 10 PM to 6 AM. This arrangement worked well. Politicians can take a clue as to how matters are settled without any dispute or even without a hitch.  

We had decided to cover Gangotri and Yamunotri during next year. Somehow the programme was not materialized. During June 2013 Uttarakhand was rocked by devastating floods and landslides making it one of the worst natural calamities the country has ever faced. Destruction of roads and bridges left thousands of pilgrims stranded at various places of the valleys. Thousands of people died and lacs of people became homeless. Government especially the Defence and Para Military forces did a commendable job in rescuing thousands of pilgrims and locals trapped at various places risking their life and limbs. A big salute to all of them for their extraordinary meritorious service. What would have happened, if we had proceeded with our pre planned programme is unthinkable.

AAP's imbroglio

Letter to Editor

AAP’s imbroglio

            The stunning victory of AAP in the recently concluded Delhi assembly elections is unparalled in the history of Indian elections where an infant party has achieved an impressive victory against heavy weights. AAP had also dispelled the popular myth that money power and muscle power are must for winning the elections. AAP's victory had generated great hope and aspirations among a vast majority of common men across the length and breadth of the country, not having any leaning to any political party. AAP also expected to revive the old glory of politics which was considered a saga of social service during the pre independence period and few years immediately after independence. Politics has of late become a synonym of all dirty tricks and a lucrative business for earning quick returns and people at large expected that AAP will be an exception. AAP's spectacular victory was expected to be the harbinger of a new era in Indian Politics, where good people will join politics which was hitherto considered a cesspool for them. This will herald the beginning of the eradication of the corrupt, dishonest, unprincipled, selfish and crook politicians and rise of honest and principled politicians. If these expectations are fulfilled, there is not an iota of doubt that India will witness phenomenal progress both materially and morally and will become one of the top nations of the world say within a decade. The largest democracy of the country will also become the greatest democracy of the world.

            All these high expectations, aspirations and dreams of the “Aam Aadmi” are slowly and steadily getting evaporated as infighting has already started in AAP. There were complaints of lack of transparency and internal democracy in AAP earlier also. But when founder members like Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav complains about it there will be definitely some element of truth. There will be no smoke without fire. The way Arvind Kejriwal is getting rid of ‘inconvenient’ persons is a dangerous trend. Does he want that all the party members should be his sycophants and flatterers and behave like ‘His Master’s Voice’?  Arvind Kejriwal should understand that difference of opinion is not dissent. Kejriwal wanted to concentrate in Delhi whereas Yogendra Yadav wants to expand the wings of AAP to other parts of the country. There is nothing wrong in the perception of both. Government and party should be separate. Being the Chief Minister of Delhi it is Kejriwal’s duty to provide good governance where as Yogendra Yadav being a party functionary can expand the party. Logically speaking, ministers should not spend much time on party activities as they are paid from the public exchequer. Arvind Kejriwal reported to have threatened to quit as party’s convener if Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan remained in its Political affairs Committee.  It is pertinent to point out that Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav did not contest the election and also did not demand any Government post which proves that unlike many others, they are not power hungry politicians. Kejriwal’s way of functioning by intimidation, coercion, undue influence, threatening etc is unbecoming of the status of a statesman. Despite the fact that Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan volunteered to step down, a proposal was introduced to remove them which smacks of ulterior motive to humiliate them. Problems start when politicians think party as their personal property. Annihilation of outspoken party men is not a panacea for the problems afflicting AAP. AK should appreciate that the gap between hero and zero is very thin and today’s hero will become tomorrow’s zero. If Kejriwal works like an autocrat and develop coterie culture, there will be hardly any difference between AAP and other parties. AAP should continue to remain as the party of the common man and not as “All Arvind’s Party”. Kejriwal who advised his supporters not to become arrogant of the amazing victory should practice what he preaches. Otherwise Kejriwal & Co will meet its waterloo in the not too distant future. A party which has come up with great expectations and aspirations should not meet with a tragic end which will be suicidal and detrimental to the democratic edifice of the nation. Instead of adopting a confrontationist attitude Kejriwal should discuss matters with all concerned and settle the vexed problems, before it takes alarming proportions.   Let us hope that wiser counsel will prevail and impasse in the party will end soon.

E M Adithyan

  7^th March2015

Elangalloor Mana

Edapal-679576

Kerala

Copa America Final

Copa America Final.

Today woke up at 1.20 AM to watch the final of Copa America Football.  Scheduled time and extra time ended in goalless. Bravo the Chilean Captain and goalkeeper gave a brilliant display under the bar thwarting many moves of Argentina. It was a fast paced encounter with moves and counter moves and attacks and counter attacks. Messi was tightly marked. Di Maria had to be replaced due to injury.  All the players who played 120 minutes would have completed a half marathon including referee. In the penalty shootout Argentina wasted the second and third penalty where as Chile converted all the 4 penalties. Perhaps Argentina would have overawed by the brilliance of Bravo under the Bar which appears to have affected their concentration.  After Alexis won the 4^th penalty he removed his shirt and ran all over the field. Excitement, joy and ecstasy were visible on the faces of thousand s of fans and Chilean supporters. Chile reached the final after 28 years and won the trophy for the first time. It is a great feeling to win the trophy on front of a capacity home crowd.   They are the deserving winners as wasting penalties by a team like Argentina is unpardonable. Referee controlled the match well to avoid any ugly incidents. Final score 4-1.

Kendriya Sachivalaya

Kendriya Sachivalaya

About 40 years ago, one day I got down at Mandi House bus stop. I asked a person waiting for the bus “Kendriya sachivalaya kaun si bus jayegi ?”. (Which bus will go to Central Secretariat?). He said “Pata Nahi” (Don’t know). I repeated this question to 2 more people and the reply was same. I had an idea that Kendriya Sachivalaya is near to Mandi House. Hence I was surprised with the answers of the passengers. I again asked to one of the person “Central Secretariat kaun si bus jayegi?” Quick came the reply “Aise Hindi me poocho, tabhi toh hamare samaj me aayega". (You ask in Hindi, and then only we will understand). 

During 1980 my wife had to appear for a test of the BSRB (Banking Service Recruitment Board) at Ghaziabad, I asked my colleague about the location, who advised me to take a bus to Ghaziabad and get down at clock tower, which is a prominent location and from there it is walking distance to the examination centre. Before reaching Ghaziabad, I asked one of the co passengers “Clock Tower Kitna dour hai?” (How far is clock tower from here?) “Maloom nahi” (Don’t know). I repeated the question to two more passengers and the reply was same/similar. Another passenger who overheard the conversation asked”Ghantaghar?” I thought for a while, Ghanta means clock. Yes Ghantaghar. He told me that he is also getting down at the same stop and I need not worry. After getting down at Ghantaghar, he asked us as to where we want to go. I told him the purpose of our visit and the name of the school. He accompanied us up to the school gate.  

Goutam Sengupta

Glimpses of a Great personality called Goutam Sengupta

During my tenure in BEL I was associated with Government Audit for a long time, even after several years of my transfer from Internal Audit Department. I had the rare privilege of fully involving in the first “Comprehensive Appraisal Report on the Working of BEL” and the related activities like Parliamentary questions, questions from COPU (Committee on Public Undertakings) etc. After my first boss Shri Ramachandra Rao left BEL, I was unofficially reporting to Shri Goutam Sengupta on matters of Government Audit. He was a leader in true sense of the term who motivates and inspires his team, repose full faith in the team, give full freedom to the members, avoid unnecessary interference, take responsibility for his team members’ mistakes etc. Further he was a man of impeccable integrity, honesty, morality, love, compassion etc. He was having full faith in me and used to approve my crucial draft replies within minutes. Since he had abundant confidence in me, I used to take meticulous care to ensure that my draft replies are correct and complete in all respects. With little pride and lot of humility, I would like to state that some of my draft replies to the Comprehensive Appraisal  Report turned out to be the final replies to CAG from the Ministry, despite the fact that the draft was scanned by several luminaries at various stages. There were some other people who make my drafts very colourful by making lot of corrections, additions, deletions, modifications etc with red ink to show the superiority of the Boss.

One day at about 5.30 PM there was an urgent call from the Ministry that a reply to a Parliament question should be submitted by 2 PM next day to enable the Minister to give a reply in Parliament on the subsequent day. I had left the office at 5 PM and there was no mobile in those days and I had no phone connection at my residence also. A frantic search was made for me and Shri Sengupta deputed Mr. Divakaran to search me and give the message that I should come to office next day (Holiday due to Janmashtami). Mr. Divakaran was staying at Amar Colony during those days and earlier I was staying at Sriniwaspuri. He came to the place where I was staying and was told that I shifted my place of stay (Not House as it is not possible for me to shift the house) to Andrewsganj. With the help of some Malayali friends, he located my house at around 9.15 PM and conveyed the message. (One common link which connects Mr. Divakaran and me is that both are football crazy. In addition to that both of our names are synonyms of Sun).

I went to a STD booth to make a call to Shri. Sengupta to inform him that I will wait at the Defence Colony bus stop opposite to Andrewsganj. He quipped “why should you wait? You give your address; I will pick up you from your residence. Be ready by 8 AM”. Many people may not be able to believe that a very senior officer is telling his much junior colleague that he will pick up him from his residence. Next day he reached my place at 8 AM and driver reported me. I went downwards (my house was on 1^st floor) and requested him to have a cup of tea. (I was praying that he should refuse it as I was alone in the house as my wife had gone to Kerala). He declined with dignity which was a blessing in disguise for me.

We reached office by 8.30 AM and proceeded with the work. After 1 hour I was feeling terrible hungry. I told Sengupta sir that I was alone in the house and did not take anything since morning and feeling terribly hungry. (The Pantry boy was asked to come, but he had not come till then) He asked me “Why didn’t you tell me earlier? You take the car and go anywhere and have your breakfast. Collect the bill”. The moment I crossed the gate, I saw Raman (Pantry man) coming, so I returned.

Shri Sengupta retired from BEL about 20 years ago. I am still having contact with him. When a colleague came to know about this he asked me “Abhi unse kya kam padthe hai?” (What work you are having with him now?) People who convert personal relation to commercial relation and calculate cost benefit analysis and expect at least corresponding material benefit for all personal, domestic, social, sports, spiritual   matters cannot understand the feelings, sentiments and warmth of personal relations. I will be visiting Kolkata during November to meet Shri Sengupta and to visit IIM.

A big salute to a great Gautom Sengupta. Let his tribe may increase.   

PS: - In this connection, it is not out of point to mention that, I am still in touch with my teacher who taught me in school during the period 1964 and 1965. We regularly talk over phone and meets during my visit to Kerala. He was the first person to congratulate me when an article about me published in the popular Malayalam newspaper Malayala Manorama.

Kejriwal's Electricity Bill

Kejriwal’s Electricity Bill

Arvind Kejriwal the Delhi Chief Minister created a lot of drama few months back for searching an official residence and there after occupying it. Immediately after occupying the Government accommodation, he created a flutter by ordering for the removal of all Air conditioners from the house which was given wide publicity in the media as an austerity measure. Austerity plea was an alibi to boost his image as it resulted in avoidable expenditure because dismantling of AC and covering the gap involves considerable expenditure and AC once removed will be sent to scrap yard causing further loss to the Government. Further, if anybody does not require AC, he need not use it rather than removing it. All these measures were part of the high drama directed and enacted by AAP as the Electricity Bill for the month of June for Arvind Kejriwal’s house amounts to Rs 1.35 Lacs and he is using 30 ACs at his residence. At this rate he may even beat the record of   Sheila Dixit who used to live an ostentatious life at the cost of public exchequer. Inspite of all these things, it is gratifying to note that he continues to remain as an “Aam Aadmi”. Politicians are hypocrites and now people can debate as to who is the biggest hypocrite and chameleon in Politics. Government may consider instituting award/awards for best hypocrite, best chameleon etc so that politicians who serve the common man day and night (24X7) are properly recognized and rewarded.

Football Commentary

Excerpts from the Football commentary of the 1973 Santosh Trophy Final

“Good evening to the listeners. This is E M Adithyan reporting from Maharaja’s College grounds Kochi. The final match between Kerala and railways in the 30^th national soccer championship will start within few minutes. The stadium is heavily overcrowded.    A capacity crowd of approximately fifty thousand is assembled here to witness the match. Even though I have seen all the Santosh Trophy Football Tournaments and other major football tournaments in the country from 1962 onwards, never in the history of football, except in Calcutta football I have seen such a heavy crowd. Surprisingly there are a number of girls, old women and ladies who are eagerly waiting to see the match. I think they may be not only interested in seeing the match, but may be interested in playing the match as well. Therefore, I request the All India Football Federation to start a national soccer championship for women from next year onwards. This is the first not only in India but in Asia the football is being played under the floodlights. Thanks to the electricity department not a single day there was an electricity failure, which otherwise would have been disrupted the match. Climate is very nice, No Hot No Cold. Before starting the match, I am introducing the players of both the teams.

Kerala

Goalkeeper               Ravi

Full back                    Ratnakaran

Right back                 Usman Koya

Left Back                   Satyan

……………………………………

…….”Even though trains are not running in the country due to loco men strike and coal shortage, Railway boys are running fast in the field like Rajdhani Express and Grand Trunk express”

“Now the ball is with Prasun Banerjee, the younger brother of international PK Banerjee and a TTE of western Railway, with his finest ball control and body control entered Kerala’s penalty area…….”

“The man who has successfully foiled the attacks of international Inder Singh of Punjab and Subhash Bhowmic, Habib and Akbar of Bengal, again came for Railway’s rescue.”