tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12676678815060160342024-03-14T10:02:17.696+05:30INITIATIVE..independent initiative..PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-24767092574581066032011-11-28T03:45:00.000+05:302011-11-28T03:45:47.899+05:30<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPORFrSkCQGwupXvifZcE57SxMqIJ7H34y79B1zQWDSRbbDlaxu27qjnOt7-_yBoCX_vds9J8PTP9jz-ISeHvr2Ght8lSMjRucKhRxENI4o5rvzgCYGYmIlFdjjBCbsr6yWqgxnSOLROA/s1600/Hydrangeas.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPORFrSkCQGwupXvifZcE57SxMqIJ7H34y79B1zQWDSRbbDlaxu27qjnOt7-_yBoCX_vds9J8PTP9jz-ISeHvr2Ght8lSMjRucKhRxENI4o5rvzgCYGYmIlFdjjBCbsr6yWqgxnSOLROA/s320/Hydrangeas.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="clear: both;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: 0% 50%; border: 0px currentColor; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-72876862668707051302010-03-02T16:23:00.002+05:302011-11-22T16:26:56.894+05:30MY LORD, THAT'S THE PRACTICE!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993366; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993366; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Service Story: "My LIC days!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993366; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">by<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993366; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">PG.POOCHERY<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">It was her humble submission that "insurance companies the world over do not disclose reasons for refusal of insurance". <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">It is a fact that they do canvass people for insurance. They grant insurance. When however they refuse to give insurance, they do not disclose their reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">But the Ombudsman was not convinced. He asked: "Why?" <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">Lady officer who represented the insurance company repeated her answer. " Sir, we don't disclose reasons". <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">"Why?"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">"Sir, that is the practice!" This time she asserted with all the emphasis at her command. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">But the Ombudsman ordered that the reason for refusal of insurance must be disclosed to the person seeking insurance. Finally insurance office relented and the reason was communicated.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">Permission for communicating the reason was conveyed by the head office of the company. But they instructed the local office to intimate the ombudsman that as a special case the reason was being intimated. In future the reason won't be disclosed.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">Again, why? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">Nobody had the reason. But they knew that it can't be said.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">But what is the reason? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">Again the same old answer: it can't disclosed.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">Insurance companies collected many details from the applicant through the application for insurance. In addition they collected information from agents, doctors and others with the understanding that the same shall be kept as confidential. They are duty bound to keep this information as confidential. This is the reason why it is not disclosed. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">Ombudsman should have been told that the company would be prepared to disclose the reasons to the ombudsman in a closed envelope but not to the applicant. This is the usual practice in courts while dealing with confidential matters and such an argument would have been accepted by the Ombudsman also. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">With the advent of institutions like ombudsman and consumer forums, the old method of refusing to act or to inform the customers is no more possible. These companies have to learn to invent new styles and exist.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #339966; font-family: Verdana;">*** ** *</span></b><br />
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Where to invest money? Visit MSN Money Special for tax, loans, insurance, realty and savings related recommendations <a href="http://news.in.msn.com/moneyspecial/" target="_new">Sign up now.</a>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-83380840025503215002010-02-24T10:27:00.000+05:302010-03-10T16:51:40.212+05:30A STATE BANK INTERVIEW SCENE.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6yoa8dPvwkSgaDfyM6m-Hdx0FlpX8O9xhucl9OFpFEqlpqcOhhK1zOsbp-8tMleiB7gay2wMrN0OUzASEgdCXU7cSvEABzH3U4Ij_EV9Agrgne9_zhp2OqJudU0k4o-kA4OFz3X3BSs/s1600-h/interview.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6yoa8dPvwkSgaDfyM6m-Hdx0FlpX8O9xhucl9OFpFEqlpqcOhhK1zOsbp-8tMleiB7gay2wMrN0OUzASEgdCXU7cSvEABzH3U4Ij_EV9Agrgne9_zhp2OqJudU0k4o-kA4OFz3X3BSs/s200/interview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445867131688909762" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;">.<br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;">We were sixteen persons selected for final interview.<span style=""> </span>That was an all <st1:country-region st="on">India</st1:country-region> selection for Probationary officer's post in State Bank of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;">We had come all prepared.<span style=""> </span>Necessary advance notice of the interview was received by every candidate one month before the interview by registered post. It meant that each one of us had received ample time for preparation.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;">All <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> recruitment board of SBI had arrived well in time.<span style=""> </span>Though they were present in the interview room around 9.30am interview was to commence only at 10-30 am.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;">The head of the local head office of State Bank of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> came out of his chamber before the interview commenced.<span style=""> </span>He had a survey of the scene outside the interview room. For a moment he just looked at the sixteen candidates who were sitting outside and waiting for the interview.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;">As if he observed something, suddenly he moved towards a candidate quietly sitting in a corner there.<span style=""> </span>Candidate got up.<span style=""> </span>Now the officer told him "You have still time.<span style=""> </span>You can go and have a change of dress," thereby he meant that all others had come in suits and his dress did not suit the occasion. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;">This candidate was wearing only a casual dress of pants and shirt.<span style=""> </span>State Bank chief was not pleased with this dress.<span style=""> </span>Though there was no dress code, he perhaps thought that the candidate's dress did not suit the occasion and mood of such an all <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> interview.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;">The candidate was a close friend of mine.<span style=""> </span>My friend was not in a mood to go for a change of dress. Perhaps he did not have the dress ready at his place. And naturally so.<span style=""> </span>I had got the suit specially stitched for the interview purpose only.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;">My friend looked a sad man.<span style=""> </span>Bank chief was in fact trying to help him by giving his advice.<span style=""> </span>In effect this spoilt the mood of my friend.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;">It was true that my friend was not wearing a suit on the day of interview. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;">But what was interesting in this episode was the fact that he had come to attend the written test wearing a tie! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana;color:#339966;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: -webkit-xxx-large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><br /><hr />Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. <a href="https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969" target="_new">Sign up now.</a>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-26170455389313791952010-02-22T18:48:00.001+05:302010-02-22T18:49:48.771+05:30A FOOTPATH MARKET SCENE.<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Some gangsters selling cameras to pedestrians moving through the footpath market at Fort in Mumbai had tricked me into buying a defective camera.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">I was to return to my native town next day.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I had some money left in my pocket.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>And this was the reason why I thought of buying something.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Since cameras had a fascination for me from my childhood days, I became an easy prey to these gangsters who tried to sell cameras or something of that description. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Quite easily the gangsters mesmerised me into buying a camera.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>When I returned to the office guest house I found that it was a defective piece which one would throw away rather than using it.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Clearly they had played a trick on me.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">I returned to the market place. This time I was very careful. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Before setting out, I took all precautions.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Removed practically everything and of course all valuables from my body.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>My wrist watch, purse containing money – I had kept everything in my guest house room.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">I moved through the footpath market once again in lonely search of those tricksters who had hoodwinked me. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">I found them out soon. They were in fact goons. I knew it would be dangerous to deal with them.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So I was very careful. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">They threatened me. They pretended they had nothing to do with it.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They said sale was over.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They said nothing could be done about the same. At times they abused me. They frowned at me. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">One moment they offered some refund.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But next moment they withdrew the offer. They paid me some money.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Then they took it back for no reason. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">I was really going through an ordeal.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was a difficult situation.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>A harrowing experience.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">At the end of the whole drama staged near the Flora Fountain, however, I was emerging successful in getting at least a major portion of the money.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Then I heaved a sigh of relief. Jumped in sheer joy. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I got into the nearest <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>beer parlor.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Gulped down a full bottle of chilled beer. Then I returned a cool man to my guest house room.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Yes, it was a case of sheer presence of mind.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">And nothing else, I can assure you!<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P><br /><br /> <P align=left> </P> <P align=left><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt" face="Comic Sans MS" color=#e36c09 size=3></FONT></P> <P align=left><br /> </P><br /><br /> <br /><hr />Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. <a href='https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969' target='_new'>Sign up now.</a>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-20457610187319975452010-02-21T20:24:00.001+05:302010-02-21T22:48:56.187+05:30A TAJ COROMANDAL SCENE !<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3>.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3>Prof. Ishwar Dayal had agreed to be interviewed. He had conveyed his permission in a letter to me.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He had asked me to contact Zonal Office at Chennai for necessary arrangements for the same as he was coming on an official visit to Chennai.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3>Prof. Dayal is the architect of modern version of LIC.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He shaped LIC to its present form.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3>I received necessary invitation from Chennai office.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They had reserved a room for my use in their VIP Guest House.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I stayed there for about a week's time.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The occasion provided me with an opportunity to meet several dignitaries who stayed there.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Prominent among them was the Director General of A.I.R. who was on a private visit to Chennai.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3>Prior to interview, Regional Manager had called me to his office.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He explained the necessary formalities I should comply with to meet Prof. Dayal.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3>Prof. Dayal was staying in a VIP suite at Taj Coromandal. I was given the date and time for interview.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But the Regional Manager asked me not to go to his suite direct.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I should make a telephonic call from the reception and seek his appointment after reaching Taj. Though I have met Chairman of LIC after taking permission from his private secretary, this time I felt that I was meeting more formalities to meet the advisor to LIC.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3>.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3>On the day given to me for interview, I reached Taj Coromandal Hotel around 5 pm.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I also made a call to Prof. Dayal.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I could talk to him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In a gentle voice, he said he had just returned from the office.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I was asked to wait for five to ten minutes.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3>I waited.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I was not sure when I will receive the call to meet him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3>It was my first meeting with Prof. Dayal.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I had seen his pictures in office magazines.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Beyond that I had no idea about him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3>Soon I saw a tall, rather stout man approaching me.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As he reached me, he asked:"you are Mr….. isn't it?"<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I said, yes. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3>"Come along.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I am Ishwar Dayal."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Then he escorted me to his suite on the fifth floor of Taj for the interview.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3>That was a memorable interview.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was prominently published in 'Yogakshema'.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was also published in 'Initiative',a magazine I edited.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3>After about 20 years, the same interview was also reproduced in the Special Issue of 'Yogakshema' brought out in connection with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Life Insurance Corporation of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3>That he came down to the ground floor from his fifth floor suite and the fact that he meted out a warm and affectionate treatment to me lingered long in my mind for many years. Even now it provides me with happy memories.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><FONT size=3><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bodoni MT'"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P align=left><br /> </P><br /><br /> <br /><hr />Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. <a href='https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969' target='_new'>Sign up now.</a>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-86559332638490949152010-02-21T15:01:00.001+05:302010-02-24T13:39:54.671+05:30Scenes of "HEALTHY" ESCAPES !<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>. </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">"How is your health?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Hope you are keeping fine."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>My boss had written an email reply<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>to me to this meaning.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But I wondered for a moment why he did not say anything specifically about the point raised by me in my letter to him.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Concern for health is sometimes voiced in personal letters.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But I have felt that this expression of anxiety about health is not always a genuine one. There is nothing sincere about the same.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It is just mentioned as a matter of formality to conclude a letter.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">I have also felt sometimes that this expression is employed as escapism also.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Just when you do not have anything to say or you wish to avoid saying something, you can merely enquire about health and close your letter.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">The other day I was talking to a friend of mine over phone.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was noon time.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He had only returned home after a hectic session of work in the morning as he told me. Before I could start, he wanted to end the conversation.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">He said, "what's news.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>How's your health.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Convey regards to all at home".<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">I sensed his mood.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">On another occasion, no concern for health was voiced.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I just didn't get any reply.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He was looking at the wall clock.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Again I judged the mood and quietly left the place. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></P> <P align=left> <br /><br /></P><br /><br /> <br /><hr />Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. <a href='https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969' target='_new'>Sign up now.</a>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-74345649234917991312010-02-20T22:22:00.001+05:302010-02-21T10:32:44.933+05:30SCENE AT A CUSTOMER'S RESIDENCE !<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">"Insurance is a matter of solicitation." So goes an ad of insurance company.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You have to make insistent requests to get insurance business.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Insurance concept is that insurance is not sold.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But a willing person buys it by submitting the required details to the insurance company<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">There is a contradiction in the above two statements.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">When I received a request from a customer that he wants to buy a policy, I was happy.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There was no need for solicitation but the willing buyer is approaching the insurance company to complete the formalities.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So we decided to visit his residence.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>And the only Sunday in the week was earmarked for this visit.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">We were received at the customer's residence.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Tea and snacks were offered.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">I have usually found that basic need of an insurance advisor is an offer of a chair.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If the party asks the advisor at least to sit down, half the work is over. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">But here everything was fine.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>A seat was offered.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Then there was tea.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Also snacks were served.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>On the whole it was an ideal situation.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Then it was the turn of the prospect.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He was trying to get clarifications for some of his doubts.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Doubt One - Why the policy says that during the first year, there is no death cover offered. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Answer - You may take it that in the case of a policy for fifteen years, there is death cover available only for fourteen years.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In case you wish to have cover for more years, you may apply for a policy for twenty years. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Then you can get death cover for 19 years.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">But the party is not convinced.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Again he asked the same question: why one year is excluded.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Again the same answer is given.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">This question and answer session was repeated.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Party wants death cover from day one.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Even request to choose another type of policy for getting insurance coverage immediately was not acceptable to him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He made frequent fervent request for the particular policy which covered death due to cancer.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Discussion took us no where.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Party was not convinced.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">While the discussion went on I noticed a long scar of an operation on the abdomen of the prospect.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>When queried, he parried questions.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Finally he admitted that he had undergone an operation at a famous cancer centre at Mumbai.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">But he tried to impress us by saying that the doctor had assured him, there was no risk to his life for at least the next fifteen years.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Policy, no doubt, was not issued.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But I always thought the party would have been happier had we issued a policy on the basis of his pleas and assurances ! <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">*** ** * <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P><br /> <P align=left> </P> <P align=left><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt" face="Comic Sans MS" color=#e36c09 size=3></FONT></P> <P align=left><br /> </P><br /><br /> <br /><hr />Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. <a href='https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969' target='_new'>Get it now.</a>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-82163400777279022192010-02-20T18:17:00.001+05:302010-02-20T18:23:47.190+05:30A LIC HOUSING FINANCE SCENE !<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">As I reached the Corporate Office of LIC Housing Finance at Mumbai, I had no previously fixed appointments there.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So I met a General Manager whom I knew earlier. Then I wanted to meet Mr. Martin who was another GM there.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I approached his Secretary for an appointment.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I had no work to be done with him except meeting him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We didn't know each other.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">His Secretary asked me to wait.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>After about ten or fifteen minutes, his Secretary took me to the chamber of Mr. Martin. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">I just entered his cabin.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As soon as I entered the cabin, Mr. Martin got angry. There was another man standing before him in his cabin.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>And he was talking to him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Mr. Martin got angry with me and asked me to wait outside.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">I came out.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Then I moved to the chamber of Mr. Subramaniam, Chief General Manager.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Though I was meeting him for the first time, he perhaps knew me earlier.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>His predecessor Mr. Joshi must have told him about me.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>At the instance of Mr. Joshi I had undertaken a study on the working of housing finance companies in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> and submitted a report to him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Probably this introduction worked well.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I was treated very well by him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I was warmly received.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Mr. Subramaniam also invited me to have lunch with him and also promptly called his Secretary to arrange the same.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I was naturally a happy man.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Happy also because of the unfortunate experience in the cabin of Mr. Martin.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">But Mr. Subramaniam received an urgent telephonic call from the Chief Executive of LIC Housing Finance.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Chief Executive is the country head of LIC Housing Finance.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>And naturally he had to rush to him. While going Mr. Subramaniam had asked me to wait.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">I waited in his large chamber.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There was nobody else.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>And I could do nothing.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I was a little bored that way.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Suddenly, to my surprise Mr. Martin appeared on the scene.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He was the same person who had got angry a little while ago. He occupied one of the seats in the CGM's chamber.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Strange it may sound, nevertheless it is a fact.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Yes, Mr. Subramaniam had sent Mr. Martin here to sit with me till he returned!</FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">*** ** *<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P><br /> <P align=left> </P> <P align=left><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt" face="Comic Sans MS" color=#e36c09 size=3></FONT></P> <P align=left><br /> </P><br /><br /> <br /><hr />Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. <a href='https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969' target='_new'>Sign up now.</a>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-87695327016284904492010-02-20T18:15:00.001+05:302010-02-20T18:22:25.557+05:30AN INSURANCE INSTITUTE OF INDIA SCENE !<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Then I was interviewing the Secretary General of Insurance Institute of India, Mumbai.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The interview was to be published through the Journal of Insurance Institute of India.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was also intended to be carried by 'Clarion', a magazine I edited.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">The morning session went off very well.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Questions and answers.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He was happily giving answers, often allowing sufficient time to note down points.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">He had arranged official lunch for me in a nearby luxury hotel.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We left for the hotel for lunch.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We were still to complete the interview.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But he suggested to me that the interview would be continued over lunch.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I agreed.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">We reached the hotel.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We were immediately taken in to a large luxurious room for the lunch.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Lunch was served.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He had ordered beer. Soon he emptied a bottle. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">There was silence thereafter.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I tried to talk to him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>No answers.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I tried in vain to make him talk.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Only questions and there were no answers.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He wore a serious face. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">We finished lunch.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Returned to his office.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But the interview stood unfinished at that point of time and a version had to be carried based on what he said in the forenoon. Afternoon session was got lost due to 'foreign' intervention! <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P><br /> <P align=left> </P> <P align=left><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt" face="Comic Sans MS" color=#e36c09 size=3></FONT></P> <P align=left><br /> </P><br /><br /> <br /><hr />Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. <a href='https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969' target='_new'>Sign up now.</a>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-8321645070945932492010-02-20T18:14:00.001+05:302010-02-20T18:21:26.258+05:30A STATE BANK SCENE !<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">I had just entered the cabin of Chief Manager of SBI.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I had prior appointment to meet him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Chief Manager saw me and asked me to occupy the seat before him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>"Hi, be seated. I'm coming".<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Then he left for the toilet room beside.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">The telephone in his cabin was ringing.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>After a pause, again it started ringing.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Then his personal telephone was also ringing.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">When he returned to his seat, he appeared disturbed by these telephones continuously ringing. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Nodding towards the phones, he said: "you could have attended it!"<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P align=left> </P> <P align=left><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt" face="Comic Sans MS" color=#e36c09 size=3></FONT></P> <P align=left><br /> </P><br /><br /> <br /><hr />Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. <a href='https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969' target='_new'>Get it now.</a>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-57347850720981402192010-02-20T18:13:00.001+05:302010-02-20T18:43:10.634+05:30AN ONGC SCENE !<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">He was Mr. Singh, an IA&AS man. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>My boss in the Planning Department had a talk with him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Immediately my boss called me to his cabin.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He asked me to go to Mr. Singh and bring a paper which Mr. Singh was waiting to hand over.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">I went to him and promptly brought the paper.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But even before I reached back, there was a telephone call to my boss from Mr. Singh.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was a complaint.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Mr. Singh told my boss: "your man barged into my cabin!"<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><br />Since Mr. Singh was waiting for me, I could not then anticipate the formality of saying "May I come in sir", etc. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="COLOR: teal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">*** ** * <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P><br /> <P align=left> </P> <P align=left><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt" face="Comic Sans MS" color=#e36c09 size=3></FONT></P> <P align=left> <br /><br /></P><br /><br /> <br /><hr />Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. <a href='https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969' target='_new'>Sign up now.</a>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-50996804918613877342010-02-04T18:52:00.001+05:302010-02-16T21:46:42.501+05:30SHY OF INTERNET, CELL PHONE, EMAIL....<p align="left"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong>I got the message: mobile phone is switched off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I wondered why he kept his phone switched off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Maybe it is a false message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Very often we got such false message in cell phones.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong>So when I met him next time I asked him why he kept the phone switched off. Rather serious was his reply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He said he was available on landline at his business place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If he left the place, he would be available at his residence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If he left the residence also, he would be available on his cell phone.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong>There was some 'technical' perfection in his submission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When he was on the move, he would be available on cell phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Otherwise at his residence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Or at his business place.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong>But he missed one thing that a person who wished to contact him had to try his business place first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If he is not available, somebody else would lift the phone to announce he was not available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then you try his residence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Here comes the announcement that he is not available there too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then at the third attempt, you may be fortunate to contact him.</strong></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong>It meant that one has to spend his money for three calls, for the simple reason that the concerned person has an 'allergy' for cell phone.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong>Some people do show some enmity towards cell phones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One of my friends would very often say that he didn't carry a cell phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>His daughter would try in vain to keep a cell phone in his pocket but he would refuse even this.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong>I was recently told by a "Chief Manager" of a hotel that he knew only to answer a call or to make a call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Beyond that he didn't know much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And when a message appeared on his cell phone, he would call a hotel boy to open the message and read the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All managers are not so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This chief manager was a retired military hand.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong>The other day I was talking to a friend of mine over a cell phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I asked him if he had a broadband connection at his residence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When he said he did have one, I asked him his email id for sending him my blog id.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He paused for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then he said, he did have an id but he didn't usually open it.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Then he suddenly started talking about the examination he has recently passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And other study plans to pass more papers to complete his associate examination etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong></strong></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong>He appeared to have reluctance to make use of internet possibilities while he studied for these examinations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Perhaps he didn't know that even school students made use of internet browsing to get more materials for their studies.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">It is surprising that people refused to change with the changing world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong>The old generation is surely dying out but the new generation is coming up with more promises.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;color:#009900;"><strong>*** ** *</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><br /><hr /><br />Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. <a href="https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969" target="_new">Get it now.</a> <p></p>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-54497641291689461292010-02-04T14:37:00.001+05:302010-02-11T21:03:17.840+05:30STRANGE ARE OUR WAYS!<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;">My boss Ashok Malaviya invited all the staff members of our department for dinner at his residence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were then working in oil and natural gas commission in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place st="on">Gujarat</st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Mr. Narang, Mr. Bhatnagar, Mr. Sood, Mr.Bhatia, Mr. Suthar Ms. Minaxie Shodhan and few other members of the planning department attended the happy evening get together.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;">We reached the place sharp at the appointed time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were greeted by our boss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the office he was a person who did not talk much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But when we reached his residence, he was altogether a different man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He moved freely with us.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;">His house appeared a well kept place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All available space was properly utilized and neatly kept. We were all very happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were proud of our boss.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Then it was feast time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were comfortably sitting round the large dining table. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Our boss brought every single item himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We enjoyed the evening with the rich food he served.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was appreciation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Some of the staff members who were close to the boss said it loud and clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;">We must have spent a couple of hours at his residence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our boss was taking care of us all this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He looked to every possible detail of the items served to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And he brought more and more for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The occasion was grand and great.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;">At the end, all of us returned and our boss was there to bid good bye. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">When all our colleagues dispersed, I too returned home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But I was all along my journey back home wondering why wife of my boss who was very much there did not come out at all.Many years have since passed by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;">But so far I have not received an answer to this question!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;">*** * **<br /></span><br /><hr /><br />Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. <a href="https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969" target="_new">Sign up now.</a><br /><p></p>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-46549790733533982962010-02-04T13:01:00.001+05:302010-02-19T12:59:19.729+05:30A BIG SECRET!<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;">My friend's house remained closed for over a couple of months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He had moved to his native town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Practically he had shifted all his furniture and other household items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But there remained a few more items to be transported. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;">One night his house was burgled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hearing some noise, my neighbour called me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Before we could reach there, the intruder had left the house keeping the doors opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Police was called in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Since the house remained unoccupied and the owner was not available, police kept vigil for the whole night.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;">My friend reached the place next day morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Police left the spot after asking the owner to come to the police station and formally lodge a complaint. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;">Then it was the turn of my friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He made a thorough search of the whole house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He ensured that he had not lost anything and the curious onlookers in the locality left the place when my friend openly declared this fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;">After a while he came to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He ensured that there was nobody else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And with some hesitation, and taking the promise that I should not divulge it to anybody and with an introduction that he was telling this to me alone, he said: "My son had kept around three thousand rupees inside one of his note books in the book shelf. That is safe."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;">I wondered what was the element of secrecy to be kept in this revelation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After all the burglar had left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He must have carried a poor impression about the owner. He must have also felt bad for the owner did not leave anything in the house to be taken away. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;">It was true that his son had kept a few currency notes inside a book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was also a happy point that this amount remained safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This fact could have been told to anybody too. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;"> In fact I just could not help wishing. I thought as a good friend of mine, he should have shown the mercy of sparing me. Yes, sparing me from the burden of keeping such a matter as a secret throughout my life!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:#006600;">** *</span><br /></p><hr /><br />Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection. <a href="https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969" target="_new">Sign up now.</a> <p></p>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-25125770986338496662010-02-01T22:06:00.001+05:302010-02-11T21:10:15.917+05:30OFFICERS AND LADIES !<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>That was early seventies. A pleasant winter morning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Place: A city branch office of life insurance corporation of india in Ahmedabad, <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place st="on">Gujarat</st1:place>. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>A direct recruit class one officer had just joined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A smart stout gentleman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well dressed. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>He was one Kapoor from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Delhi</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He was a student of actuarial science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He would very often </strong></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">talk about the 'debit' and 'credit' classes he attended at the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Officers</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Training</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">College</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong></span><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>had happy memories about those days. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>I also thought he was an efficient officer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But I always used to wonder that he did not </strong></span><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>learn any lesson from the human relations management classes he must have attended in </strong></span><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>the same very training college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At least some of his behavior patterns made me think so.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">.</span></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Scene One.</span></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">That day he was on leave. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>But he had forgotten something on his table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Suddenly he<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">appeared at the branch office and swiftly moved towards his seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>An employee working in the branch was searching for some papers. While he searched for papers, he happened to sit in Mr. Kapoor's seat for a while. He didn't see Mr. Kapoor coming.</span></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>Mr. Kapoor suddenly appeared on the scene. He didn't like his subordinate sitting in his seat. That he was on leave didn't make any difference for him. Apparently annoyed by this, he asked his subordinate what was he searching for.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Even before he finished his words, Mr. Kapoor said: "Let it go to dogs".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">.</span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>Scene two.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>Branch office had two toilet rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One could be used for gents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The other could be </strong></span><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>used for ladies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then what about officers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They were entitled to a toilet room.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>Kapoor could not think of sharing a toilet room with his subordinate male staff </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>members. He found a way out.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>Next day he fixed a board : "officers and ladies" ! </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#009900;"><strong>*** ** **</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><br /><hr /><br />Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. <a href="https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969" target="_new">Get it now.</a><br /><p></p>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-1981244999519194982010-01-28T21:57:00.001+05:302010-01-28T22:08:27.593+05:30A PROMOTION INTERVIEW !<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc0000;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;"><strong>SERVICE STORY: "My LIC days"</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;"><strong>by PG.POOCHERY</strong></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>Mr. Murali, then our Senior Divisional Manager, gave me all encouragements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>"When you attend the interview, you also show them all the work you have done," he told me when I met him before the interview.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Interview for promotion to the post of assistant administrative officer took place at Ernakulam Divisional Office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had a couple of books to my credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One was titled 'own your home scheme administration' which the southern zonal office had distributed to all the divisional offices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The other book was 'methods' which included a few work studies and designs for various schemes some of which were demonstrated in a seminar conducted at <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">calicut</st1:city></st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>Then there were articles published in 'yogakshema', official journal of central office published from Mumbai.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Interview started at 10 am sharp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was called in before noon. After the initial questions from members of the interview committee, I sought their permission to show materials I had taken with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong><span style="color:#006600;">One of the interview committee members said: "no".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><o:p><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong></strong></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>Whereas all the candidates had just gone to the committee room without carrying anything with them, I had carried a brief case with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Committee members could not guess why I took a brief case with me. They did not ask me. And so I couldn't tell them too. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>It appeared they didn't like my behavior. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>And perhaps for the arrogance of taking the materials to the committee room and seeking their permission to show the materials to them they placed me as the last man in a promotion list of about 249 candidates or so. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>The interview committee at Ernakulam perhaps cannot be blamed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Committee members were on tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is a culture with touring officers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are in a mood to collect whatever is gifted to them from the local office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Second form of bribe is that they forget the purpose of their tour and misuse the occasion to visit places of their interest like temples during office hours (an unholy act!).</strong></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><o:p><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong></strong></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong><span style="color:#006600;">A car was waiting for the committee members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They did the 'unholy' act of hurriedly finishing <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>the list of candidates for the whole day in the forenoon session itself and they had left for the holy act of visiting temples in the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Visit to temples was more important to them. They had little time to examine the claim of an employee in the area of organization improvements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>In one of my personal visits to the zonal office, I met Mr. Sethi, zonal manager, to handover a copy of my journal 'initiative'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He asked me: "what happened in the interview?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Handing over a copy of 'initiative' to Mr. Sethi, I told him: "Sir, this is my reply!" He looked at the regional marketing manager sitting nearby and meaningfully smiled. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong><span style="color:#006600;">An year later, I had been to zonal office at Chennai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Interview for promotion was being held there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The chairman of the interview committee was the secretary of m. s. department of central office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><o:p><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong></strong></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>He was the person who had invited me to visit central office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He had then asked me if I was interested in moving to Mumbai to continue my activities from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I replied in the negative, he said "whenever you feel like doing so, just give me a ring!"</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>Had I attended the interview when he was the chairman of the interview committee, I had little doubt that I would have been number one in the list of candidates selected for promotion.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#006600;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Interview committee members at Ernakulam had no time to listen to me. They were in a hurry to finish the whole list by noon and visit the temples in the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong><span style="color:#006600;">.</span></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong><span style="color:#006600;">So the god must have forgiven the interview committee members for their behavior!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong>*** ** *</strong></span><br /></span></p><hr /><br />Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection. <a href="https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969" target="_new">Sign up now.</a><br /><p></p>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-42033968063068338582010-01-27T10:03:00.001+05:302010-01-27T21:18:45.261+05:30A BUSINESS REVIEW AT OOTTY.<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><strong></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><strong></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><strong></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><strong></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><strong></strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>"Start action, camera, cut," so goes a Sreenivasan cinema dialogue. He said all at once. And the artist, cameraman and everybody present stood stunned hearing the instructions of the director. Even before action, he had said "cut"!</strong></span> </span></p><p><span style="color:#006600;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"><strong></strong></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"><strong>At Ootty a business review meeting was taking place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A marketing head had come from Mumbai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Review was conducted at a five star luxury hotel where the manager stayed.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"><strong></strong></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="color:#006600;">When the local branch managers reached the hotel room for the review, marketing head from Mumbai was still watching a tv programme in the adjoining room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"><strong>After a while, with a little reluctance, he came to the room where the local managers had assembled for the review. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"><strong></strong></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"><strong>"Let us start," marketing head said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He was still watching the tv programme.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Local managers gave out a picture of the business performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"><strong></strong></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"><strong>Very soon the meeting came to a close after the visiting marketing head briefly spoke. Thereafter Marketing head hurriedly moved towards the tv set. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"><strong>.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"><strong>Sreenivan had said "Start action, camera, cut", but at Ootty business review had ended at "start" itself!</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;font-family:arial;color:#006600;" ><strong></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"><strong></strong></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"><strong>*** ** *</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#006600;"></span></span></p><p align="left"><span style="color:#006600;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;color:#006600;"></span></p><p align="left"><br /><hr /><br />New Windows 7: Find the right PC for you. <a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/shop" target="_new">Learn more.</a> <p></p>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-8151568999681304502010-01-22T22:11:00.001+05:302010-01-25T19:53:59.830+05:30PROBLEMS ARE OPPORTUNITIES..<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >SERVICE STORY: MY LIC DAYS</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;" >BY PG.POOCHERY</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;" >.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >This is CA Banch office of LIC. There were really good workers among the staff members. They were a helpless lot and often therefore did not speak out anything. Usually they kept quiet. In fact, they were on a platform waiting for the next available train to move out of the branch centre. That was once the pitiable condition of this branch office.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >Customers had real problems in this branch centre. They were not attended with proper care. They were required to visit the branch centre again and again. Inspite of these visits, there were no solutions. And naturally customer complaints increased to such proportions that an alarming situation was slowly developing at this centre.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >. </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >To begin with, therefore, customers were carefully dealt with. A register with a page allotted to every customer was introduced. What the customers were representing was noted on a particular page. </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >Thus pages continued to be allotted to each customer. Within months it was found that there were customer complaints running to a couple of hundreds. Complaints continued to pour. When all the pages of a register were filled with complaints, an index to find out the customer's page was prepared.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >Slowly customers noted that their complaints were not getting solved but there was a system in the branch centre to note down their complaints. </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >And when a customer visited the centre again, the register was taken out and progress of work noted in the register was explained to him. All incoming official letters were carefully scanned through and the information was carefully noted on relevant pages. Instead of saying that something would be done, customers noted that there was a sincere attempt to do something to solve their problems. And they received correct details of what was being done. </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >Time required for sittings with the customers could be shortened. There was no narration of the grievances again and again. Everything was noted down in the registers. </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >Since details were available in the registers, there was need only for noting what was required to be done. And so understanding with the customers improved. They realized that their complaints were carefully noted and when they visited the branch centre, at least they received a responsible reply.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >. </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >Side by side the erring lot among staff members were dealt with. No privileges were allowed to anybody. Some transparency in the working was brought out. In a particular case, severe punishments were awarded. An increment in the regular time scale of an employee was stopped for misbehaviour.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >………..</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >Situation slowly changed. Discipline returned to the branch centre after many years. Managers and staff members had better understanding now. </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >Day after day, a sense of confidence was developing. In the ears there were murmurs: when there are problems there are solutions too. </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >......</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >A great management pundit said: "Problems are opportunities!"</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:100%;" >*** ** * </span></p><hr style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><br />New Windows 7: Simplify what you do everyday. <a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/shop" target="_new">Find the right PC for you.</a> <p></p>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-23358479858338307462010-01-22T15:26:00.001+05:302010-02-19T17:43:41.934+05:30ABSOLUTELY FREE...<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></p><p style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)">Sometimes people lamented that they missed a life time opportunity of getting a coveted job because the postman didn't deliver the interview letter in time.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >That's about postman. </span></p><p style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >These are days of couriers too.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Often we speak of delayed delivery by courier boys. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Local couriers, state and interstate couriers are there. There are also reputed international couriers. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Everything is computerized.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>And the couriers can tell you when the article was dispatched from a particular destination, where it has reached during the course of its journey to the addressee.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Finally when it is delivered is also noted in the computers.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >People these days check their emails for prompt information. sms has also become a dependable mode of communication and one need not totally depend on the postman for his modern communication requirements.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >People just don't write anything.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Not even an application for a job. An ad inserted in a newspaper drew a blank response.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>There was practically no response to the advertisement.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>The reason was that no contact number was given.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)">Next time when this defect was corrected and a contact number was promptly added in the ad, there was continuous flow of enquiries.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Rather than writing an application and waiting for a response through the post offices, people took pleasure in contacting the advertiser over a telephone. Of course this is not a general rule.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)">There are other more interesting experiences.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Recently when an ad was inserted in a local newspaper, there were telephone enquiries. <span style="font-size:0;"></span>The number of telephone calls was something more than what was expected.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >While these people made calls spending their money, there was an interesting interference by a lady. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >She just didn't have money to make a call.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>So she made 18 miss calls. Only then it was noticed by the advertiser. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >When she was asked why she made all these miss calls, she frankly said she had no balance left in her prepaid telephone account.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-family:Times New Roman;" >We were then discovering the latest technique.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)">.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Yes, it was communication. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">She too could reach the advertiser and communicate without a rupee being spent.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">It was a</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">bsolutely free communication!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,51,0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >** *** * </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0)"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p><br /></span></p><hr style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,51,0); HEIGHT: 3px"><br />New Windows 7: Find the right PC for you. <a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/shop" target="_new">Learn more.</a> <p></p>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-14795261861294974072010-01-21T20:24:00.001+05:302010-02-12T21:17:01.028+05:30NO TAKERS FOR JOBS !<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ></span></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">This time I decided to place a few extra chairs in my front office.<span style=""> </span>Front office had enough chairs to accommodate normal visitors.<span style=""> </span>But I anticipated a reasonable rush of candidates for job.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">The ad in the local newspaper about job vacancy appeared only yesterday.<span style=""> </span>Since then my cell phone had been ringing continuously. Calls from far and near.<span style=""> </span>Both men and women.<span style=""> </span>They asked me the details of job.<span style=""> </span>Salary that could be expected.<span style=""> </span>Office timings.<span style=""> </span>Other prospects.<span style=""> </span>They were all asking me the same question over and over.<span style=""> </span>I had been giving the same reply too.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:Arial;" >.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:Arial;" ></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">I took pains to explain all the details to all candidates.<span style=""> </span>I offered the aspirants for job the same salary and same working conditions.<span style=""> </span>The previous employee was happy with these conditions.<span style=""> </span>And this time too I didn't anticipate any problems.<span style=""> </span>It was my hope there would be a number of applicants.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">My anticipation was proving to be reasonably correct.<span style=""> </span>If the number of telephone calls received was any indication, the response was really good. An encouraging one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">I gave interview appointments to the applicants over telephone itself.<span style=""> </span>Some of the candidates appeared to meet job criteria as per details given during telephonic discussion.<span style=""> </span>They were called for interview in the morning session itself.<span style=""> </span>Less favoured candidates were called for the after noon session.<span style=""> </span>Out of about 100 telephonic calls received, I had short listed about 30 candidates.<span style=""> </span>Even from this list, I had finally called about 20 candidates only.<span style=""> </span>They were sure to come for interview next day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">Early morning itself I was getting ready.<span style=""> </span>My wife also reminded me about the candidates coming for interview.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">I set out early.<span style=""> </span>When I reached the office, watchman greeted me. Asked why I reached office so early.<span style=""> </span>I didn't say anything.<span style=""> </span>Just smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">Immediately as I reached my office, I asked my office help to place more chairs in the front office.<span style=""> </span>At least nobody should stand while I interviewed the candidates. That was my intention.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">Then I quietly occupied my seat.<span style=""> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">I looked at the clock.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">It was 9.25 am.<span style=""> </span>It was 9.30 am. It was 9.45 am.<span style=""> </span>Minutes ticked away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">When it was 10 o'clock, it was quite sure that none from my favoured list had turned up.<span style=""> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">But even then, I continued to sit.<span style=""> </span>I was growing a little impatient but still hopeful. I consoled myself, maybe people were in the habit of reaching late.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">By noon none had turned up.<span style=""> </span>And I felt that surely by evening it was going to be a total shock for me. I had my fears.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">Oh! after a while I saw a lady in her middle ages coming to the office.<span style=""> </span>I thought she could be a candidate.<span style=""> T</span>hen I remembered that I had not called anybody of her age.<span style=""> Still I had a bright hope in my mind she would be a candidate for interview. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><span style="">But she shocked me. Rudely so. </span>She just asked if she could use toilet facilities in the office!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:Arial;" >.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">Alas when I was about to rise for the day, a couple of candidates appeared on the scene.<span style=""> </span>But both of them did not answer the job requirements.<span style=""> </span>By then I was a sad, disappointed man…</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">Finally a young boy appeared on the scene.<span style=""> </span>He was an undergraduate doing distance education. He said he had gone to the city corporation office to collect unemployment allowance. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">There was no scope for an interview.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">Say yes or no was the question.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">……<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">In the evening I returned home.<span style=""> </span>I was totally a tired man.<span style=""> </span>Alone in my car, I drove past the pedestrians and the city crowds. When I reached the city corporation office, the queue of the unemployed was still there.<span style=""> </span>They were all waiting to receive unemployment allowance given by the government to the jobless persons.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">But elsewhere surely no takers for jobs!<span style=""> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:Arial;" ></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:Arial;" ></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:Arial;" >** <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">***</span> *</span> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-family:Arial;" ></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></p><hr /><br />http://windows.microsoft.com/shop <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Windows" target="_new">Find the right PC for you.</a> <p></p>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-88835074153419766442010-01-20T06:38:00.001+05:302010-02-05T18:05:59.556+05:30CUSTOMER AND BRANCH CAMMANDO FORCE !<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#993300;">SERVICE STORY: MY LIC DAYS</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#993300;">BY PG.POOCHERY</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#006600;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>He knew that no ordinary pleadings would work in this office. "I've come taking a peg. Without that I know I can't get things done here," a customer who came to the branch centre proclaimed loudly. A coarse man he is. But what he said was loud enough and clear too. He is a government transport worker. He had come determined to give a 'fight' that day. His announcement was <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>that he had taken a "small", but everybody present in the office got sudden notice that it was a case of a "large". It was out of humility only he had talked of a "small"! In fact, he had come fully drunk.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>………</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:#003300;"><strong><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Battle</st1:place></st1:city> lines were immediately drawn. Staff members of the branch centre suddenly got ready to meet the challenges posed by this person.</strong></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>People in the branch centre had also commendable, equally strong and very proud track record. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>Here an officer himself was in the influence of "small" things throughout the day. It was a case of "small" with a difference. He would disappear from the office to have an easy sip every now and then. He had a team of followers in the branch centre. 'Together and severally' they were making frequent encounters with illicit liquor.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>Another branch leader himself was a former member of such a group. Now he claims he doesn't have such things at least during office hours. But he would go to his favourite club direct from the office. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>Administrative head was no different. He would go on announcing to all, time and again, that he was "not afraid of anybody". A real tiger he is, he is now old enough and about to retire within a couple of years.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>Then there were other tigers too who would pounce upon anybody anytime.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>Their favourite pastime was travelling by cycle for going out for official matters. Unfortunately cycle tyres got deflated almost daily. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>One of them is easily disturbed. He would come rushing and announce in a perturbed voice, "sir somebody has deflated the cycle tyre" that morning also. And he was helpless! Poor guy. He had to accept auto-rikshaw charges that day much against his wish! </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>Another member in the branch force was a clerk in the records section – a fighter. He would sometimes make such fantastic demands that the height of the table he is using should be cut to size. Only then he could use the same and do his work. Till that is done, he would strike work with immunity.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>The list is not complete even now. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>There was also a 'politician' among them who didn't bother much about these worthless things and petty quarrels. He would rather 'vanish' from the office with cash to be deposited to the bank as soon as the office opened up for the day's business. He will return to the office after bank hours on the plea that there was "heavy rush" in the bank counters.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>One day he left the office with all cash given for depositing in the bank and never returned to the office thereafter. Finally he was given marching orders and the case was handed over to the police.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>Another quiet gentleman working there once stealthily put the cash box somewhere in the record room instead of keeping the same in the Safe. But he had only good intentions. Action was taken. Please don't jump into conclusions. No action was taken against him but he was promoted to the next post at the earliest possible opportunity.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>There was a stationery specialist - another guy in the branch commando force who could be pressed into action at short notice. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>He would go to the stationery shop for bulk purchase of requirements of the branch for a month. Then a chunk of the stationery would be kept outside. Only the balance portion would be taken to the office. If there is no check and items are accepted by the concerned section without a question, he would return the stationery items kept outside to the stationery shop itself and get cash back. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>One more person: a mentor. He won't come out openly but he would freely give advice. He was an experienced adviser and supporter of this group.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>A commentator: A seemingly harmless gentleman. He would make comments. Almost continuously. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>Then, also a Gestapo: He would find out the in and outs of everything happening and inform the concerned persons – often higher offices. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>A charmer. He had a fascination towards the other sex. He used to come very early to the office and was seen spending his time quite usefully.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>To crown it all, the Branch centre had two other gentlemen who were transferred to another office for the reason that they made indecent advances towards women.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>Both of them were later promoted. Let nobody blame the office that they did not do anything at all !</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>………</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>Now the customer on one side and the branch commandos on the other side took positions facing each other. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>An imminent attack looked a certainty. Both the sides had equally competent people and they were ready to meet any challenge from the other side. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>Marching sounds were heard. Bugles and trumpets were blown. The atmosphere was surcharged with tension. </strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>But, to the relief of all, better sense prevailed at the last moment and nothing untoward happened.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#003300;"><strong>Both the sides retreated to safe grounds after a while…</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:#003300;"><strong><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">*** ** * </span><br /></strong></span><hr /><br />New Windows 7: Find the right PC for you. <a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/shop" target="_new">Learn more.</a> <p></p>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-61185328796374535522010-01-17T11:51:00.001+05:302010-02-05T15:15:40.580+05:30HIRED AND FIRED...<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;">"Telephone is switched off," is a message we get very often these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Somestimes, your cell phone may indicate:"connection error". </span>To me, these messages have some other import.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I receive such messages from a cell phone of a 'new generation' company executive or manager, often I presume that he has left the services of the company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;">He may be "out of range" for some days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Afterwards he may send a terse message noting the new cell phone number. It means, he has joined a new job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;">From somewhere he is fired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Elsewhere he is hired. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">When a cell phone goes on ringing and is not attended repeatedly, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>there is a tacit message in store for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">An imminent danger of 'fire' is then smelt. With a fair degree of accuracy there is the forecast that the services of the concerned person are being switched off… That's how some companies work these days. It is easy to get a job. Quite easily he may be fired too.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">One day I was making my usual telephone call to an insurance office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was told from the other end, she was leaving that job. She requested for my help for a new placement.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">I said, I didn't know anybody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But I promised to do something.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I talked to a friend of mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He is the country head of an insurance company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> When I talked to him over telephone,</span>I particularly noted a 'pause' in his talk. For a moment he paused and suggested that I talked to his regional chief. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Maybe, he didn't deal with such matters directly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Moreover he also knew that the regional chief of the company was personally known to me. It is a fact that </span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I knew him but I didn't want to approach him with a recommendation. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">The job aspirant was a smart girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She had in the meantime<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>directly approached the local branch centre of the company and secured the job without anybody's intervention.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;">A couple of weeks elapsed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">I received an invitation from the local office of the insurance company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The occasion was the inauguration of the branch centre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Inauguration was to be done by my friend. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:#006600;">On the day of inauguration, he came by a morning flight from Mumbai.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;">After the inauguration ceremony I introduced to my friend the new employee working in his office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">The regional head of the company was also with the chief when I introduced the employee.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">"She is Ms. so and so," I said. "It was for her sake I had talked to you," I told him. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;">My friend only smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;">But his regional head overheard my talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Suddenly he rose to the occasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Promptly seized of the opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">He was in a mood to please his chief.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">So he made the announcement: "yes, yes….I did it".</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I could not help wondering how he had done it without even knowing the girl prior to her appointment. That was at best the aggressive claim of a marketing man. Nothing beyond that. </span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I had only made a casual reference to my friend about the person seeking the job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No name or any other details were ever given to him. I didn't also meet or talk to his regional chief any time. Then how is it that he made this appointment!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:#006600;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;">The fact was that this girl had secured the job on her own. Nobody else had really intervened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">She got this job. After a couple of months she left the job also on her own only to join another new generation company!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">….</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">When I heard the claim of the regional chief, I remembered a girl who had come to attend an interview in my office. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;">Then she had stayed at my place. Attended the interview. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>She got the job also purely on her own merits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#006600;">But she sincerely believed that she got the job because of my efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">For many years thereafter she used to come to my place with sweets.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#006600;">***</span></p><br /><p align="left"></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:100%;color:#e36c09;"></span></p><p align="left"><hr /><br />http://windows.microsoft.com/shop <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Windows" target="_new">Find the right PC for you.</a> <p></p>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-51243040747775866242009-12-30T15:13:00.001+05:302010-01-18T18:32:40.365+05:30INLAND LETTER PREMIUM NOTICES - WHO IS THE AUTHOR OF THIS DESIGN ?<p align="left"></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:100%;color:#e36c09;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color:#993300;"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></p><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:100%;">One day I received a telephone call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A friend of mine was at the other end. He told me his assistant was on leave and some work in the office was lying unattended as he could not do it on his computer. I could not believe his words. <o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>In the late seventies, he was working as a Programmer in the Corporation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After many years of service, he had retired in the cadre of Branch Manager. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Such a person should normally know computer operations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:100%;">That is a sad story of the Programmers in the Corporation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Some of them do have some knowledge for the reason that they have learned the lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But most others are not having any grasp of the subject, that is programming.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I recently met a lady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She said that her husband is working as divisional engineer in the telephones department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But she added, to become an engineer (that too divisional engineer) one need not have any knowledge of any engineering subject.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The programmers in the corporation are also so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They merely coordinated the work of computer section and other departments and therefore they were merely coordinators. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The problem is that when you call them Programmers, a certain amount of ego develops. In fact they suffered from the fabulous designation <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>the corporation has so generously given to them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>They come to be regarded as the last word in computer matters. Therein lies the danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Whatever they say is the final word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is also that they do not like an outsider making a suggestion on matters relating to computers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:100%;">At present premium notices are being sent in 'Inlands'. The corporation has saved hundreds of crores of Rupees by sending premium notices in Inlands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think these changes were introduced in the Nineties.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I had prepared this design for printing premium notices in Inlands and submitted to the Corporation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That was in the late Eighties that I prepared this design and published in my book 'Methods'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Since I submitted the book to Mr. Chidambaram, Managing Director personally while he was on a visit to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place st="on">Goa</st1:place>, I can confidently say that the design was available to the Corporation since then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I travelled throughout the length and breadth of the country and met all computer specialists in the Corporation to examine the design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What I experienced was stiff resistance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They merely said it was not possible to introduce the change I requested for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What they said was that it was not technically feasible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Resistance was the same at central office or zone office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The design was discussed at the Zone Training Centre at Chennai and the 'computer specialist' there, who had come from EDP department of central office, had declared : it is not technically feasible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Arial Rounded MT Bold';color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:100%;">When I withdrew from the scene, you will find that the same very design was introduced by the Corporation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And the original author of the design is still groping in darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Maybe there is yet another author elsewhere in the Corporation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He must have taken away all the credits for this innovative work!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color:#993300;"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color:#993300;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">***</span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><hr /><br />New Windows 7: Simplify what you do everyday. <a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/shop" target="_new">Find the right PC for you.</a>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-38403848518516837002009-12-29T22:42:00.001+05:302010-01-10T13:46:47.211+05:30WORK IS WORSHIP, NO QUESTIONS PLEASE!<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></b></p><p><b><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:#990000;">SERVICE STORY: My LIC days.</span></span></b></p><p><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#990000;">PG.POOCHERY</span></strong></p><p><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Once again let me think aloud, what is 'efficiency'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is the "competence or the ability to do something well or achieve a desired result without wasted energy or effort".<o:p></o:p></span></span></b> </p><p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I found some competent managers at the local accounts department and also in a branch office. </span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family:Bookman Old Style;color:#000080;"></span></strong></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">They lacked initiative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Beyond doing a work in a particular manner, they could not give a thought why they have to do it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Unfortunately, I would say, that is the organisational culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Nobody is taught to ask questions why a particular work is done or not done? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It was observed that an assistant was always busy in a department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He had bundles of cheques before him on his table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>From morning to evening, he entered particulars of these cheques in a register and at the end of the day, these cheques were forwarded to the nearby branch office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At the branch office, the process of making entries was repeated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">What was more surprising was the fact that these cheques were received every month from different government offices functioned in the branch area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">When the branch was opened, servicing of these policies was transferred from divisional office to the branch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ever since it was the practice to forward the cheques for payment of premium from divisional office to the branch office. </span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></o:p></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Believe it or not, let me tell you, this practice continued for about ten years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></o:p></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Nobody thought for a moment why these cheques were received at the divisional office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Again it was nobody's concern at the branch why these cheques were invariably received at the branch duly redirected from the divisional office. For all of them it was just a work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> They had enough time to do it. </span></span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></o:p></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">One day that relevant question was asked: why these cheques were being received through the divisional office every month? </span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Letters were written to offices which sent these cheques to the divisional office. There was follow up. Within a couple of months the problem was solved. Result: That poor man at the accounts department was rendered jobless.</span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Had it not been for this initiative and intervention, this practice would have continued as an office procedure for years to come.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And, say in the year 2050, a person visiting this department would have seen a poor assistant still engaged in writing in a register with bundles of cheques lying before him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></o:p></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And at the other end in the branch office, another assistant would have entered the same particulars of cheques in a register, without a remorse or a question being asked.</span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After all, work is worship! <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">*** ** *<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><br /><p align="left"></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:100%;color:#e36c09;"></span></p><p align="left"></p><br /><br /><br /><hr /><br />http://windows.microsoft.com/shop <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Windows" target="_new">Find the right PC for you.</a>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267667881506016034.post-203866494240360782009-12-29T17:27:00.001+05:302010-01-10T14:04:07.584+05:30AN ACTUARY'S VETO!<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal" align="right"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';"><span style="font-size:100%;color:#333399;"><strong>SERVICE STORY : <span style="color:#006600;">My LIC days.</span></strong></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Bookman Old Style;color:#333399;"><strong>by PG.POOCHERY</strong></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family:Bookman Old Style;color:#800080;">.</span></strong></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></b> </p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">What is efficiency?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Plain dictionary meaning of the word 'efficiency' is, the ability to do something well or achieve a desired result without wasted energy or effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The new business department of life insurance corporation used to copy out certain details of insurance proposal papers on a form called 'review slip'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A decision will then be taken by the underwriter and recorded on the review slip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is an efficient practice continued in the corporation since its inception.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It was sometime in the late seventies, I raised the question why these details are being copied out on this review slip for taking a decision?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was the practice in the erstwhile insurance companies to procure business through its business centres all over <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> and to send the same to the head offices for final decision or 'underwriting' as it is known in insurance parlance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">At the head offices, these papers were underwritten by such important persons like managing directors or actuaries or top management level officers. It was difficult for them to go through each and every detail of these proposal papers and take a decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Moreover there was also language problem since some of the proposal papers were in local languages.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It was therefore the practice in these offices to take out important details necessary for underwriting and prepare a review slip for facilitating the decision making process. It was practically difficult for these important persons to scan through each and every proposal papers to arrive at a decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For the reason that even there were proposal papers in vernacular also, it was found necessary to prepare a review slip in English at the procurement stage itself and send the same to the head offices.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This review slip was therefore an inevitable part of the office system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But then, many years passed by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>These private insurance companies were nationalised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>More and more divisional and branch offices were opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The work of underwriting was transferred from head offices to the local divisional offices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And from divisional offices to branch offices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was complete transformation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">From managing directors and actuaries, the work was transferred to lower level officers in divisional offices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And finally when the work was decentralised to branch offices, underwriting work came to be handled at the clerical level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Even higher grade assistants demanded review slips for underwriting purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Only when the details are rewritten on review slips, he would underwrite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Maybe on an average such an assistant received two or three or five or ten proposal papers daily. Even with the time required for preparing review slips, it was possible to go through actual details on the original proposal papers itself and note down his decision then and there itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The only requirement was the provision of sufficient space somewhere on the proposal paper, preferably on front page itself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then I designed a proposal-cum-review slip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When this proposal paper is used, there was no need to prepare a review slip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I prepared a book titled 'methods' which included this proposal-cum-review slip along with several other suggestions for work improvement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">On an invitation facilitated by Mr. Chidambaram, Managing Director, I visited central office at Mumbai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There I had discussion with management systems department and actuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Actuary Mr. Ramakrishnan was of the opinion that as long as all the questions in the proposal form are retained, he had no objection to the proposed changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then it was decided to bring about the desired changes. The secretary of the concerned department and his officers were present when the details of the circular letter were discussed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was also a proud man to be present in that meeting at the central office. Eventually the circular was issued to divisional offices.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">***<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I returned to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Calicut</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had a discussion with the local division head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the meanwhile he had also received the circular from the central office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>To my dismay I found that this proposal form in the revised <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>format was not introduced at all at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Calicut</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For sometime it was the excuse that there was huge stock of old forms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thereafter I didn't hear any reason at all. But the neighbouring divisions had introduced the new method of completion of proposals. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><span style="font-size:100%;">That was a prejudice of a local division head. Who am I to discuss such matters with Central Office and get a circular issued?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Great things should come through great people in the organisation. Actuaries thought, such ideas should come from actuaries only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:purple;">This division head had passed a few papers of this actuarial course. Perhaps he also thought that it was his prerogative to think aloud on such subjects. And surely not an employee working under him!</span></b><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">*</span></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:navy;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I only wondered what would have been the plight of the division if the division head had completed the whole actuarial course!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';color:#99ccff;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></i></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:'Bookman Old Style';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></o:p></span></b></p><br /><p align="left"></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:100%;color:#e36c09;"></span></p><p align="left"><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><hr /><br />New Windows 7: Find the right PC for you. <a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/shop" target="_new">Learn more.</a>PG.POOCHERYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363749082360868859noreply@blogger.com0