MUMMAI DABBAWALAS :
* Each dabbawala gets paid about two to four thousand rupees per month.
* More than 175,000 or 200,000 lunch boxes get moved every day by an estimated 4,500 to 5,000 dabbawalas, all with an extremely small nominal fee and with utmost punctuality.
* According to a recent survey, there is only one mistake in every 6,000,000 deliveries, statistically equivalent to a Six Sigma (99.9999) rating
* Owing to the tremendous publicity, some of the dabbawalas were invited to give guest lectures in top business schools of India, which is very unusual.
Everyone has given the above statistics.Absolutely everyone.All I say is that they haven't been to Chennai and travelled in an auto.
Beep!beep!
"Take an auto from the bus stand.It's kinda far to walk"-was the message from my friend who had reached the venue long before even when I boarded the bus.I scurried from my seat and jumped out the bus. All I did was give an anxious look when four autos lined up.Yup,that's all it takes for these drivers to find out who needs them.Throw some perplexed and worried look and they would be in front of you in no time.I bent down a bit and said the destination confidently.Dealing with autowalas is as difficult as explaining insurance policy to a grumbling person.You need to sound confident to pull it off safely.If they find that you are not sure;they follow their own suite. "50 rupees ma" he said.I nodded a no and said "it's too much".
The second strategy while dealing them-always make it less than what they ask for-whether you are sure or not about the place.
"40",he said. "No, 30"I replied.He frowned ,grumbled,acted like leaving and eventually agreed.They always do that.Eventually agree to you.
The vehicle was in full swing even before I got into it.Now I know why an auto has many rods across-to save you.One master turn and he drove in full speed.I don't even remember sitting;I was waving in mid air.Thanks to the roads and all the sudden U -turns in the area.
The rides at MGM(amusement park at chennai) cost almost 50 to 100 but this came for just 30.He halted such a way that for a second you can feel the soul pulled out of the body(exactly,that dementor effect from the harry potter series). At the signal,he had a face that Michael Schumacher would have loved to witness.Full of vigour and ferocious.The signals are not meant for them-govt's mistake.
My hero here stole through the tiny spaces where even human dared not to go.I have always been fascinated by mazes but this was extraordinary feat that has just been missed out in the Guinness world record.Again the vehicle throttled and partially galloped(you read it perfect -it's galloped).Every bump on the road was made evident and I couldn't stop cursing the govt,the driver and myself while he did his part by shouting at all the drivers and people on the road.It gives them thrills,I guess.
Adding to all the woes and curses,I didn't know the exact location of the place I was supposed to go.
"Stop on the right;I will ask that paan fellow".The vehicle screeched while halting.Even before I could make an attempt,he shouted "hello!!How do I go to...?".
The paan fellow took his own sweet time and mumbled something that I didn't understand but the driver nodded.The coaster ride began again.I swear I lost half of my spine in that 15 minutes journey.
I was spared from the brutality when I saw my friend waving on the other side of the signal.
"stop near the car.ya,the place where the blue shirt fellow is standing".
He halted in a style yet again.I just threw myself outside,gasped for air and gave him the money.The notes were crumbled and rolled in my hand.He grabbed it and disappeared in search for another prey.
My friend couldn't see my desperation."How much ?"he asked.
"Just 30",I said "but the experience- priceless".
Conclusion:Autowalas in chennai are faster,more or less accurate (they make sure u reach the place),earn lot more than most engineers do;).So,They too can give guest lectures at IIMs.Watch out folks.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
This n That
Sometimes it is not intended but turns out humorous-my college days..
1)6 hours of Engineering Drawing because the sir had not completed the "portion".
"When the L.V. of the structure or the building...."
Suddenly I raise my hand n say 'Excuse me sir,I have a doubt".
The whole class is woken n every head turn towards me.
Sir is startled.
After few secs of silence,he asks "out?? u said want to go out??..ya, pl do".
2) In lab,swapna n me were working on a circuit but whatever we did ,the needle in the ammeter simply didnt budge.
"hey sugan,get another ammeter pl"
Sugan was also our batch mate(in fact 3 others who were chatting in the corner were our batch mates)
Promptly she found one.No use-it still didn't work.
"shall we get another transistor?". Even that didn't work.
"cha",I said finally,"I have a feeling that we are making a fundamental mistake".
Swapna turned towards me ,slapped her forehead,went to the corner and switched on the main.
3) On the very first day of college,Gaay and I were discussing about book banks.
Just to clarify our doubts,we turned behind n asked the girl "Where are you planning to get your textbooks?which book bank?"
She cleared her throat and said "British Council Library".
No expression on our faces,our eyebrows lit up n we turned front.
The girl(Mini-now my close friend) and I hardly visited the college library in the four years.
4)Once outside the networking lab.
"hey subha,got ur lab shoes??" my batch mate asked.
"Nope,I didnt.Jus the way we planned.Dont worry,they will allow us in".
Jus as luck could have it,HOD came.
"where are your lab shoes?"
Everyone looked at each other and then at me.I was the only one who seemed composed.
"Maam,it's only networking lab and we are going to work on computers.So,no shocks."
"hello!!Computer runs on 220 V.Quite enough to kill you!!",she said.
"Then why is that we remove our shoes when we go inside the computer lab", I asked.
Got a point,I thought.Everyone grinned at me.Felt like their saviour.
"subhashree!!You are lazy enough and give excuses like this??This is not the way to talk or argue.Rule is a rule"
We were made to stand out for three whole hours.
5) Lab n me have something to do with each other.
Once I came barging inside the lab after doing some errand for our symposium.I
put on the coat as I was entering.Didnt realise staffs were seated there.
Then one of them called out for me.
In all that hurry and with a confused expression I moved towards him.
"Any idea what lab is this?",he asked.
Ok,after three weeks,this should have been easy.
I gave a blank look,then turned towards my batch and asked "hey!!sir has a good question.What lab is this?"
He was shocked and put his hand on the head.Jus few minutes back, he had been telling his colleagues that our batch was the most sincere.(it's not my fault)
6) There was this staff who had a annoying habit of conducting "so called GD" everyday in class.
She would come up with abrupt topics and make students talk on it.I was called out everyday.
But my other classmates usually dont bother or jus say 'no idea'.
So,I decided to make it clear to her that I was not interested too.
"What would have if we had no reservations?",she asked one fine day scanning the entire class,"subhashree,tell me.."
I took this as an opportunity and said "I have no clue ma'am.Absolutely clueless".
She hadn't expected this from me and silently moved towards the board.I was glad she got the point.
Out of blue,She suddenly turned and asked "Subhashree,stand up and tell me -why dont you have any clue?"
I gave her a blank stare.Think I cursed myself too.
1)6 hours of Engineering Drawing because the sir had not completed the "portion".
"When the L.V. of the structure or the building...."
Suddenly I raise my hand n say 'Excuse me sir,I have a doubt".
The whole class is woken n every head turn towards me.
Sir is startled.
After few secs of silence,he asks "out?? u said want to go out??..ya, pl do".
2) In lab,swapna n me were working on a circuit but whatever we did ,the needle in the ammeter simply didnt budge.
"hey sugan,get another ammeter pl"
Sugan was also our batch mate(in fact 3 others who were chatting in the corner were our batch mates)
Promptly she found one.No use-it still didn't work.
"shall we get another transistor?". Even that didn't work.
"cha",I said finally,"I have a feeling that we are making a fundamental mistake".
Swapna turned towards me ,slapped her forehead,went to the corner and switched on the main.
3) On the very first day of college,Gaay and I were discussing about book banks.
Just to clarify our doubts,we turned behind n asked the girl "Where are you planning to get your textbooks?which book bank?"
She cleared her throat and said "British Council Library".
No expression on our faces,our eyebrows lit up n we turned front.
The girl(Mini-now my close friend) and I hardly visited the college library in the four years.
4)Once outside the networking lab.
"hey subha,got ur lab shoes??" my batch mate asked.
"Nope,I didnt.Jus the way we planned.Dont worry,they will allow us in".
Jus as luck could have it,HOD came.
"where are your lab shoes?"
Everyone looked at each other and then at me.I was the only one who seemed composed.
"Maam,it's only networking lab and we are going to work on computers.So,no shocks."
"hello!!Computer runs on 220 V.Quite enough to kill you!!",she said.
"Then why is that we remove our shoes when we go inside the computer lab", I asked.
Got a point,I thought.Everyone grinned at me.Felt like their saviour.
"subhashree!!You are lazy enough and give excuses like this??This is not the way to talk or argue.Rule is a rule"
We were made to stand out for three whole hours.
5) Lab n me have something to do with each other.
Once I came barging inside the lab after doing some errand for our symposium.I
put on the coat as I was entering.Didnt realise staffs were seated there.
Then one of them called out for me.
In all that hurry and with a confused expression I moved towards him.
"Any idea what lab is this?",he asked.
Ok,after three weeks,this should have been easy.
I gave a blank look,then turned towards my batch and asked "hey!!sir has a good question.What lab is this?"
He was shocked and put his hand on the head.Jus few minutes back, he had been telling his colleagues that our batch was the most sincere.(it's not my fault)
6) There was this staff who had a annoying habit of conducting "so called GD" everyday in class.
She would come up with abrupt topics and make students talk on it.I was called out everyday.
But my other classmates usually dont bother or jus say 'no idea'.
So,I decided to make it clear to her that I was not interested too.
"What would have if we had no reservations?",she asked one fine day scanning the entire class,"subhashree,tell me.."
I took this as an opportunity and said "I have no clue ma'am.Absolutely clueless".
She hadn't expected this from me and silently moved towards the board.I was glad she got the point.
Out of blue,She suddenly turned and asked "Subhashree,stand up and tell me -why dont you have any clue?"
I gave her a blank stare.Think I cursed myself too.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
An article in the newspaper(omg!!)
19 dishes on the menu at food shortages summit
Patrick Wintour and Patrick Barkham
As the food crisis began to bite, the rumblings of discontent grew louder. Finally, after a day of discussing food shortages and soaring prices, the famished stomachs of the G8 leaders could bear it no longer.
The most powerful bellies in the world were compelled on Monday night to stave off the great Hokkaido Hunger by fortifying themselves with an eight-course, 19-dish dinner prepared by 25 chefs. This multi-pronged attack was launched after earlier emer gency lunch measures — four courses washed down with Chateau-Grillet 2005 — had failed to quell appetites enlarged by agonising over feeding of the world’s poor. The G8 gathering had been seen as a “world food shortages summit” as leaders sought to combat spiralling prices of basic foodstuffs in the developed world, and starvation in the developing world.
But not since Marie Antoinette was supposed to have leaned from a Versailles palace window and suggested that the breadless peasants eat cake can leaders have demonstrated such insensitivity to daily hardship than at the luxury Windsor hotel on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. After discussing famine in Africa, the peckish politicians and five spouses took on four bite-sized amuse-bouche to tickle their palates. — © Guardian Newspapers Limited, 2008
Patrick Wintour and Patrick Barkham
As the food crisis began to bite, the rumblings of discontent grew louder. Finally, after a day of discussing food shortages and soaring prices, the famished stomachs of the G8 leaders could bear it no longer.
The most powerful bellies in the world were compelled on Monday night to stave off the great Hokkaido Hunger by fortifying themselves with an eight-course, 19-dish dinner prepared by 25 chefs. This multi-pronged attack was launched after earlier emer gency lunch measures — four courses washed down with Chateau-Grillet 2005 — had failed to quell appetites enlarged by agonising over feeding of the world’s poor. The G8 gathering had been seen as a “world food shortages summit” as leaders sought to combat spiralling prices of basic foodstuffs in the developed world, and starvation in the developing world.
But not since Marie Antoinette was supposed to have leaned from a Versailles palace window and suggested that the breadless peasants eat cake can leaders have demonstrated such insensitivity to daily hardship than at the luxury Windsor hotel on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. After discussing famine in Africa, the peckish politicians and five spouses took on four bite-sized amuse-bouche to tickle their palates. — © Guardian Newspapers Limited, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Driven by passion
A song on lips in melancholy melody,
A desire in heart vociferous and audacity,
A goal set at an aeon length,
A mind set upon sea level depth,
To reach the zenith and nadir ,
To live a life of passion wilder.
A desire in heart vociferous and audacity,
A goal set at an aeon length,
A mind set upon sea level depth,
To reach the zenith and nadir ,
To live a life of passion wilder.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
gundu vandu..
I AM FAT.I declare that to the world .Cha yenna declare ??pathalaey theriyum:(.
Is being fat..ok ok..some choose to say chubby bad? Hmmm..not fair,I am not obese(psst..have done that weight-height ratio thingy many a times). Occasionally, one or two people tell you that you have put on extra pounds.Just grin and joke about it-matter solved.But what do you do when 7 people on average tell you that every day??..look at the mirror ,turn one side then other side,pull in your tummy and again turn one side and finally find out that the reflection occupies more space than it did previously.(Mirror thappa irrukum oh??..possibile..try maximum excuses).
After excessive brooding (with lays packet in hand),I decided to take measures.My friend suggested that I go to Gym.Many people suggest that but it makes sense only when there is a need.Honestly.I hate Gyms.One-you need to to move every muscle and two-I don't know how half the instruments work.(pathetic..seri free vidu). Alas, I wanted to try it anyway. There was a gym in my own quarters where I live.(Apa escape,no instructor).Even before I could savour the happiness, one guy (almost a hunk ) enters.Why are there mirrors all over the place?I went red when the guy gave an astonished look.Cant blame him-he was seeing something like a hippo riding a cycle.He suddenly asked-'what are you doing'?.Even before I could answer,couple of advices and suggestions poured.Never interrupt an expert.After vigourous nodding of head I left the place and made sure I change the timings from next day.
Good things dont last for long.Next day I went into the gym late evening making sure that the guy wasnt around and worked out(ok,in my own opinion..my experience my way) and at night every muscle made its presence.Too much pain for a single day and Gym plan dropped the very next moment.
Dieting was the next step.Not fair at all-All tasty things are fattening.I love food(what is it called-epicure ah..whatever).I simply couldnt keep my hands off many things.I tried my best,I assure you.Even the salads and juices idea didnt last for long(hey,even my family needs to keep a check on the prices..inflation ,you see ,has affected everyone..then how can we afford vegetables and fruits?:)).
Walking is good and helps to keep fit.Simple and easy I thought.Actually it was, till my dad intervened.His walking and my jogging matched.Why does he have to walk so fast and maintain the same speed for all 8 rounds around the park.First , I was brisk but by the end of 5th round ,I paced like a snail and in the final round- collapsed.So,plan slowly dropped.
'It isnt working',I thought.Keep a check on the dresses you wear.Like my dad says 'yethu irruko athu thaan varum and theriyum'(fav dialogue for photos n poses).Dresses didnt make any difference.
After all that,I decide to stay and eat healthy and so as my first step- declare it to everyone.Phew,article completed...crush crush crumble crumble.. and so my lays packet.
Is being fat..ok ok..some choose to say chubby bad? Hmmm..not fair,I am not obese(psst..have done that weight-height ratio thingy many a times). Occasionally, one or two people tell you that you have put on extra pounds.Just grin and joke about it-matter solved.But what do you do when 7 people on average tell you that every day??..look at the mirror ,turn one side then other side,pull in your tummy and again turn one side and finally find out that the reflection occupies more space than it did previously.(Mirror thappa irrukum oh??..possibile..try maximum excuses).
After excessive brooding (with lays packet in hand),I decided to take measures.My friend suggested that I go to Gym.Many people suggest that but it makes sense only when there is a need.Honestly.I hate Gyms.One-you need to to move every muscle and two-I don't know how half the instruments work.(pathetic..seri free vidu). Alas, I wanted to try it anyway. There was a gym in my own quarters where I live.(Apa escape,no instructor).Even before I could savour the happiness, one guy (almost a hunk ) enters.Why are there mirrors all over the place?I went red when the guy gave an astonished look.Cant blame him-he was seeing something like a hippo riding a cycle.He suddenly asked-'what are you doing'?.Even before I could answer,couple of advices and suggestions poured.Never interrupt an expert.After vigourous nodding of head I left the place and made sure I change the timings from next day.
Good things dont last for long.Next day I went into the gym late evening making sure that the guy wasnt around and worked out(ok,in my own opinion..my experience my way) and at night every muscle made its presence.Too much pain for a single day and Gym plan dropped the very next moment.
Dieting was the next step.Not fair at all-All tasty things are fattening.I love food(what is it called-epicure ah..whatever).I simply couldnt keep my hands off many things.I tried my best,I assure you.Even the salads and juices idea didnt last for long(hey,even my family needs to keep a check on the prices..inflation ,you see ,has affected everyone..then how can we afford vegetables and fruits?:)).
Walking is good and helps to keep fit.Simple and easy I thought.Actually it was, till my dad intervened.His walking and my jogging matched.Why does he have to walk so fast and maintain the same speed for all 8 rounds around the park.First , I was brisk but by the end of 5th round ,I paced like a snail and in the final round- collapsed.So,plan slowly dropped.
'It isnt working',I thought.Keep a check on the dresses you wear.Like my dad says 'yethu irruko athu thaan varum and theriyum'(fav dialogue for photos n poses).Dresses didnt make any difference.
After all that,I decide to stay and eat healthy and so as my first step- declare it to everyone.Phew,article completed...crush crush crumble crumble.. and so my lays packet.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Is it that way or is it pessimism??
*Life usually gives something like Hobson's choice-take it or leave it.(I always choose to leave it.)
*Always feel used.
*Nobody hates ; same time nobody likes .
*Always experimented with.
*Give more,expect less in return.
*Want to do more,eventually do nothing
*Always feel used.
*Nobody hates ; same time nobody likes .
*Always experimented with.
*Give more,expect less in return.
*Want to do more,eventually do nothing
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The numerology..*cough cough*
I love numbers.Not quants or the ones you break your heads over but one's date of birth and blah blah blah.Hey come on!Don't tell me you haven't looked up at tarot cards or got interested in some rare predictions.So,Here it is-my take on numbers.
Make sure you comment so that I can improve on my numerological skills;)
People born on (only date of birth and not month or year)
01,10,19,28-Dominant,Optimistic,possessive,stick to their principles.
02,11,20,29-Fickle minded,very friendly,loves to have fun,trendy.
03,12,21,30-Very friendly,soft spoken,a bit introvert(still experimenting:))
04,13,22,31-Very smart,friendly but not close to anyone,talented,lazy.
05,14,23-Love their family than anything,fickle minded,soft spoken,spend thrift.
06,15,24-Very smart and talented,modest,love to show off,enjoy life to maximum,hardly depressed.
07,16,25-creative,lazy,popular,friendly,lives for the moment.
08,17,26-(I consider this a powerful number) Ambitious,talented in a particular thing and will eventually get it,bold,extrovert,will not stick to a person anytime.
09,18,27- Soft spoken,secretive,helpful(still experimenting)
Post in your views .Will include all that.
Make sure you comment so that I can improve on my numerological skills;)
People born on (only date of birth and not month or year)
01,10,19,28-Dominant,Optimistic,possessive,stick to their principles.
02,11,20,29-Fickle minded,very friendly,loves to have fun,trendy.
03,12,21,30-Very friendly,soft spoken,a bit introvert(still experimenting:))
04,13,22,31-Very smart,friendly but not close to anyone,talented,lazy.
05,14,23-Love their family than anything,fickle minded,soft spoken,spend thrift.
06,15,24-Very smart and talented,modest,love to show off,enjoy life to maximum,hardly depressed.
07,16,25-creative,lazy,popular,friendly,lives for the moment.
08,17,26-(I consider this a powerful number) Ambitious,talented in a particular thing and will eventually get it,bold,extrovert,will not stick to a person anytime.
09,18,27- Soft spoken,secretive,helpful(still experimenting)
Post in your views .Will include all that.
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