FB GROUP SHOWS THE WAY - The Hindu

FB GROUP SHOWS THE WAY - The Hindu

For what we have been doing as a pastime, with intention, in MTM is covered in The Hindu today on page 2.  The local reporter came home a couple of days ago and interviewed me on the genesis, early days, activities and other features of the online FB group - Bandar Bandhuvulu - and took a few pictures. 

I didn't pay much attention, and neither did I expect it to show up in the newspaper.  The reason being, some local Telugu language dailies too took some information from us before but that didn't result in any coverage.  Nor did we actively seek any such coverage - preferring not to publicize, in general, in the media.  But Sri T. Appalanaidu, the local staff reporter of The Hindu - sprang a surprise getting this published in his news paper - that too in the Sunday main edition (30 June 2013 page #2).  Although my photo and name (widely unknown part of my name) was used in the report - I just hope it will bring more attention to our group on FB and many more from Bandar will join hands with us to do something concrete on the ground.

Definitely something to blog about...isn't it?! :)

Swasti!!

The IAS of my life

Recently, our whole family has been filled with utmost joy upon learning the news that my BiL - Mr. Gudlavalleti Nikhil Pavan Kalyan - achieved the unthinkable (for many of us, at least).  He secured the 60th rank in the 2011 Civil Services Examinations, the results of which were announced on May 4th. 

He is a humble and hardworking chap in his mid 20's, already a tech professional enjoying a plum job in Adobe India, in Noida.  We have been following his progression from his Intermediate days with interest, all through his 3 trials at the Civils - all of which went to the interview stage, and were confident the third time would be a charm.  Even so, the result pleasantly surprised us all.  Not that we expected a particular rank.  Any rank that would fetch an IAS is good, I thought.  But to get there in style, with a handsome rank - that too ranked 4th in A.P. - was very heartening.

In our private conversations that ensued, we went back in time to see when was the last time an IAS came out of Bandar (MTM).  We couldn't recollect.  So, we started thinking he's the first IAS in the last decade.  We went through many get togethers with that notion, and even had a grand function in the local R.K. Paradise which was attended by about 250 people, who listened intently to what everybody had to say about Chi. Kalyan.  We even had a short Q&A session with him in the end, which was received very well by all.  Kalyan answered all the questions in his natural flair and with a cool head.  It was followed by a sumptuous dinner and photo sessions.

In the other felicitation functions that followed, elders of the town praised this achievement and blessed him.  They recalled how long it had been since an IAS came from the town.  After talking to many people in and outside Bandar, I am led to believe the last IAS from Bandar was Sri GVS Mani (G. V. Subramanian) - son of the local Post Master - way back in 1952.  May be there was one or two more from the town after that.  No body I talked to could confirm.  By all means, it goes to show that Chi. Kalyan is the first IAS in my life time, from Bandar.  That's a great achievement in itself.  Not just for the success in the exam.  But what impressed me the most is the fact that he set his sights on this position/job - when he could very well have enjoyed his life with the job he has without a care in life.  But he planned otherwise, choosing to do something more socially relevant, something that touches people more directly and gives him a chance to serve the people of India. 

Hats off to him for that and may the Lord's choicest blessings shower on him giving him the strength he needs in delivering his duties.

Swasti!!

 

A new Monday...

Having learnt by hearing from her brothers the telugu and english weekdays - Mahalakshmi started reciting them in telugu one fine morning. She went on ... sanivaaramu, aadivaramu... when Chandradithya told her the week starts with a Sunday - aadivaaramu. Then she picked up saying...aadivaaramu, sOdivaaramu, managaLavaaramu... and so on.

That's a first for me to hear sOmavaaramu as sOdivaaramu....and I couldnt' control myself :)

Yes - it's been a looooooooooong time since I wrote last. I'll try to be a little more frequent than it's been so far.

Swasti!!

The Real Shocker

6 months ago I gave a test at the local RTA office and got my learner's permit. The permit said it's valid for 6 months and I could give the road test 30 days after the permit is issued. As usual, I put the permit in my wallet and went about driving. One fine day this month, I realized the 6 month deadline must be approaching, so without even bothering to look at the validity dates I went to the RTA office early next morning and stood in line to take the date for road test.

I haven't driven a car on Indian roads before - although I drove a manual/stick shift car for many years in the USA. So, I thought I would take a few days to get familiarized with it before giving the test.

The line started moving after a long wait - and slowly, but surely, my turn at the window came. The clerk inside took my papers, checked the computer, and asked me to pay Rs. 470 for the road test and gave me a slip. I asked him for 'the available dates after next week'. He said 'come for the test at 1:30pm'. I sought clarification asking - 'which day? I don't see a date on the slip'. He looked up and down at me and answered - 'come at 1:30pm today to the chinta chettu (Tamarind tree) area near the Maseed (mosque). Do you know where it is?' I answered in the affirmative thinking I could easily find out where the Maseed is. I muttered again - 'Can I get it for a later date?'; to which he looked again with the 'don't-waste-my-time' kind of looks and called the next guy in line who was already arching around and in front of me to hand over his application. I felt so unwelcome there and came away from there.

I then immediately called a car driving school number. I saved it in my mobile a few weeks ago, seeing it on the back of a driving school car thinking I should call them and practise a few days before giving the exam.

The instructor answered my call and said he's in the middle of a class. I told him I needed immediate help and that my test is at 1:30pm. He was confused as to how I could sign up for a road test when I haven't taken any classes. I asked where he was and went to him immediately. I explained my situation and sought his help.

He completed his class and told me he will show me what's needed. I got in the driver's seat and he guided me. He also took me to the Maseed testing spot and showed me where the RTA Inspector would stand and what he would ask during the test etc. After driving around a few rounds, we came back home. I grabbed a few bites for lunch and since it's already time for my test, went on my scooter to the Maseed testing location.

After waiting for a while the RTA came with his records assistant. The RTA first cleared those who came in their own cars for the test. Then came the turn of folks who needed a car for the test. A few 'contractors' are waiting with their cars for those like us who need a car for the test. After almost all are done, my turn came. They were sending two candidates each to be tested at the same time. They sent another guy along with me.

We went to the car assigned to us. The navigator asked me to sit in the driver's seat. I sat and tried to adjust the seat and the mirros. The navigator said - 'don't worry. they don't work. Only on setting for them since a lot of people have to use the car every day.' I didn't know what to say.

My hand went to the key in the ignition and left foot went to the clutch. He then said - 'this is a very old car - so the clutch is not working well. I will control the clutch and the brake, you control the accelerator'.

I didn't understand completely what he said at first. I was very puzzled. After a few seconds, I came to my senses and all I could do was smile. Meanwhile, the RTA officer was very busy chatting away with his subordinates and elderly driving license applicants - and didn't even turn towards us. The navigator asked us to go straight and turn right - only to come back half way. All of 200 yards. Then I had to sit in the back while the second applicant came in front of the steering wheel and drove straight to the point where we started.

The navigator then said, the test is done. And collected Rs. 50 each for letting us use his car. We got down and went to the records assistant - and he took our signature in the long book he's carrying. License issued 4 days later.

End of the story.

I was really shocked at the kind of testing being done for prospective drivers. Of course, they are not prospective because almost all of the applicants are already driving the vehicles they are seeking to get the license to drive.

If this is the kind of testing going on at the RTA offices for issuing a driving license, no wonder we see drivers rushing into the 4-lane intersection without looking for the traffic already in the intersection; and coming from bi-lanes into the main streets as if it's all one straight, traffic-free street, and they're the only ones driving on it.

It's not the roads we need to upgrade first. Upgrade the RTA offices, testing and verification procedures before issuing the licenses as also renewals.

Yeah - after 9 months upon our return, we are still learning the ropes of living in our motherland!!

Swasti!!