Mistake: His is more acceptable than his

It is really puzzling: a mistake is recognized – but since it was done by a person whose job is to check others’ mistakes, the mistake is authorized.

Can it be really true?

My wife’s niece appeared for her 12th in Tamilnadu State Board exam this year. When she got her marks, she was worried and surprised, since she was surely expecting more. So, after a lot of deliberations, she applied for re-evaluation (or whatever) of a few subjects.

When she had a look at the xerox copy of one of the papers, she was relieved to realize that the totalling was wrong and the correct totalling would yield an additional six marks.

End of the story?

No.

She has been informed by the Board that the mistake cannot be accepted since the special invigilator (who verifies a few papers at random to see if the teachers who correct the paper do the job correctly) has cleared the correction – and hence

NO CORRECTION CAN BE DONE ANY MORE.

Can we believe it?

Less Doctors Needed….

No, I do not have anything against doctors.

The title of the post is a PJ. Weird logic. Will explain it later.

Of late, Bangalore (probably India; probably the world) is becoming impatient. There is absolutely no sense of compassion. Of course, we are never known for letting the people cross the road when we are inside the vehicle – and we just race to beat the pedestrians. Try to take your vehicle from a side stream to a main stream. You will be doomed for eternal in the same spot. You have to be just aggressive.

I am not referring to it.

The recent tendency for the people is just to reach the flash point at the drop of a hat. Last Sunday, I was surprised to find two decent looking people fighting with each other. What was more worrying was that one of the wives was also very active in the fight. I think it was to do with somebody beating a queue – which he claims he did it by mistake. The other guy was threatening that they would go to cop etc.

I know that this behavior is attracting some social scientists’ attention to understand why it happens and what could be the mechanism to solve this issue. Until then, let us see if we can introduce compassion for about 2 feet around us.

———

ps:what is the link to Doctors, did you assk? Well…if impatients (OK – I mean impatience) increases, it means that patients’ count is decreasing and that would mean less doctors are required. Hi…Hi…Hi….

Airtel Background

Two indispensable facilities: Mobile and Credit Card share one common trait: they are like a Porsche. If you are not careful, you will get a Royal ride. To borrow from Tamil, you should look at their SMS, Emails and bills with ‘castor oil in the eyes’.

I was recently given the ride by Airtel on my life-time-pre-paid connection. On 29-Apr-2008, they suddenly thanked me (garlanding the scape goat?) for subscribing to some back ground music facility. And in fine print (OK…OK…SMS does not have fine prints yet), a deduction of Rs 20 was done. (And it was to repeat every month!) It was immediately followed by another thank you SMS for downloading the song. Rs 10. Actually we remember receiving several SMS’s – but had deleted most of them.

So, Rs 30 down the drain.

Suddenly it occured to us: deja vu. I had the same problem a few weeks back. That time, Airtel convinced me that I should have subscribed to it. I gave the benefit of doubt that time.

But, this time definitely not. We did not subscribe to it. Nor we downloaded it.

Then started the hunt.

Oh…there is another trait for Credit card and Mobile. You cannot easily reach them for making complaints. It would be deeply buried in options. I dialed 98450 98450 followed by 2(for English) – 4 – 9 to reach an operator.

I had spoken to quite a few operators from that date. One Sudhakar was very diplomatic: he said that the system was down and he wanted me to call after one hour. (If the system was down, why was my call directed to him?)

After a lot of struggle, I managed to reach Anita, floor supervisor who explained to me that since I chose to subscribe to the facility, no refund would be given. At least she was kind enough to give me the fax number to which I could make a complaint.

Assuming the fax number is not a shredder, I hope to get a response to the letter I am hoping to fax on 19-May. If the response is not favourable, should I consider TRAI or Consumer Court? Any suggestions?

I am giving below the letter I am planning to send as well as the details of the SMS I received from Airtel until now on this topic.

============================

19-May-2008

From

XXXXXX

To

Operations Manager

Airtel, 98455 00121

Sub: Getting charged for unsubscribed service

Dear Sir / Madam

On 29-Apr-2008, without an explicit request by me, I was forcefully charged Rs 20 for background music facility in my mobile. I had a few more SMS saying that I was getting charged Rs 10 each for songs downloaded. I never requested for registration – nor for downloading.

I have been talking to various operators (29-Apr:Reference Number 0429290597, 30-Apr:0430312391, 10-May: 0510130212, 17-May: 0517022483, 0517029068, 0517036431, 0517050343) that I did not apply for the facility and I should be refunded the amount. Until 10-May, I was assured that the refund would happen soon. In between I received messages on 3-May and 12-May that my problem had been resolved. But, on 17-May, I was informed that I would not be given any refund.

I think it is just unfair – since I never subscribed to the facility and never downloaded the song(s). I had exactly the same problem a few weeks back. I was charged for the same facility (background music) though I did not subscribe to it. That time I thought that I could have been wrong. But, the recurrence of the event makes me convinced that the subscribers are charged for the mistake from the Service Provider’s side.

I deserve a response and the refund in this case.

Please let me know your response and in case you are not entertaining my request, please advise me of the escalation path so that I can approach the next person / agency with my complaint.

With regards

Yours sincerely

XX

===============================

17-May-2008, 9:54:15	121	Thank you for contacting Airtel. Your request reference number is 0517050343
17-May-2008, 8:51:51	121	Thank you for contacting Airtel. Your request reference number is 0517036431.
17-May-2008, 8:40:48	121	Thank you for contacting Airtel. Your request reference number is 0517029068.
17-May-2008, 8:18:09	121	Thank you for contacting Airtel. Your request reference number is 0517022483.
12-May-2008, 15:44:34	<no number>	Dear customer,w.r.t your complaint regarding Back Ground Music has been Resolved. Thank you – Airtel.
10-May-2008, 14:15:39	121	Thank you for contacting Airtel. Your request reference number is 0510130212.
3-May-2008, 17:20:54	<no number>	Dear Customer, w.r.t to your complaint against BGM connection is resolved .We thank you for your feedback and patience – Airtel
30-Apr-2008, 22:59:13	121	Thank you for contacting Airtel. Your request reference number is 0430312391.
29-Apr-2008, 22:09:54	121	Thank you for contacting Airtel. Your request reference number is 0429290597.
29-Apr-2008, 21:20:20	543214	Congratulations! You have subscribed to Background Music and Rs20 has been charged. Now talk to anyone with your favourite music in background.Just dial 57775
29-Apr-2008, 21:20:12	543214	The Background Music has been changed as per your request and Rs10 has been charged. Now dial 777 followed by 10-digit mobile no. to talk with Background Music

Lumbini Gardens Visit

In Bangalore, either you should ‘drink’ or you should ’swim’. Otherwise, spending time is tough. (OK – somebody says that you could bowl or just visit malls!)

When we had my wife’s nephews with us, we did not know what to do. Since we do not ‘drink’ (and do not believe in making the young boys drink), taking them to a swimming pool was the next choice. How about Country Club, Yelahanka? Good choice.

But there was a hitch.

The father of one of the boys had a whiff of our plan and called us to say that the boy should not be allowed to swim – since he had been having problems in the past immediately after swimming.

My wife came to the rescue. She had a paper clip from the past which talked of the Lumbini Gardens, near the Hebbal flyover (in Bangalore). A quick look at the internet (http://www.lumbinigardens.com) fixed the plan. The nearness gave me the confidence to drive the car myself -rather than asking my driver to come on a Sunday.

The gardens are located conveniently within the City Limits and have several activities near and on the Nagavara lake. (Of course, the very interesting activities – judged by the name – like a bull ride, skiing etc. were out of order). We had a fantastic time. Apart from the boat and pedal-boat facilities there are ‘bungi’ jumps, wall climbing, cricket and rides. Of course, swimming pool with periodic waves too. The rates are reasonable (apart from one time entry fee of Rs 30 per head, each event is priced from Rs 10 through Rs 30. Swimming would cost Rs 70). The eating places and ice creams also offer reasonable prices. (Of course, you cannot bring your eatables inside. The logic beats me. May be, the organizers are scared that the visitors may just spread a sheet and start eating! But, fortunately, water is exempted, though the drinking water is available free inside. It is a different unfortunate story that I spent Rs 90 on water without knowing about this!)

So, what is the dark lining in the silver clouds? Parking. It is free – but the crowd is so much. When we went around 1PM, parking was not a big deal. But when we returned around 5, oh…oh…the place was full of wheels. They were parked on both sides and the cars were allowed to go in between both ways too. With a lot sweating, I managed to get the car to the main road and headed home.

Strong recommendation from me.

Looking for Baguns…(bay-guns)

It is always puzzling: the services start with some facilities promptly offered in the beginning. With passage of time, the facilities are quitely withdrawn.

A few days back, I travelled in (Tamilnadu) State Express Transport bus from Rajapalayam. (There is another blog entry on the same). It was an AC bus and every passenger is supposed to be given a blanket. But, not in this bus. And you know the human nature: if you think that there is no scope of water, you will suddenly become thirsty. (My son always proves this: suddenly he will ask his mother – hello, it is my wife only – if she has some water. If she has, he would say: “OK, thanks”. If she does not have, he will report very thirsty – with relevant emotion in his face!)

Where did I leave? M…OK…this bus conductor did not give me a blanket. While we were adding to the ground water supply on the way, I was asking the driver if we would get a blanket. The driver said that they were short of supply and hence might not be able to supply blanket. But, I do not know why he took pity on me (my father used to call it ‘kitten trust’) and said that I should ‘quite’ly request the conductor.

The conductor was surprised by my request and passed the buck saying that I should talk to the driver. I answered in confirmation. He nodded his head. But the blanket was not forthcoming.

But, surprise…surprise…After the lights were off and there was absolute darkness, a shadow came near me and dumped a blanket on my table.

Thank you, Conductor Sir!

While I was lucky, my wife’s nephews (there is another blog entry too) traveled to Bangalore from Chennai. This time it was a private bus operator – KPN. But they decided not to be different from the Government bus. They told the passengers that there were no blankets in that AC bus, since it was a spare bus! The poor boys started hiding behind the curtains.

I think Karnataka Government buses (KSRTC) are very sincere. They promptly give water, blanket and a scented tissue too. So, let us all hail KSRTC.

ps: Bagun is a Tamil King, believed to be a part of the last set of seven philanthropist, like Pari. He is supposed to have given his blanket to a peacock which was shivering in cold.

A few good men

I remember a Tamil story, by Naa Parthasarathy long back. It was entitled ‘Ganges has not dried yet’. A very touching story proving India still have good samaritans.

Of course, my belief is not on Indians alone – but the entire world. Not every one is bothered about the return on investment when they do something good.

My belief got strengthened on 10-May-2008 when two of the nephews of my wife were put in a bus from Chennai (to Bangalore) alone. One was 14 and the other 13. Not impossible ages for independence, but, if you realize a typical South-Indian life cycle, they are still ages for protection below parents’ wings.

The A/C KPN bus was supposed to leave at 1.30PM to reach Bangalore around 9.30PM. The troubles started from the word go. The bus left around 2 PM (with the passengers being fried in the peak summer – peak day’s heat). And it covered (to quote one of the boys) 5 KM on 20 minutes, making the crew realize that they were better off changing the vehicle. And they did – with about 40 minutes wait. A similar A/C bus (but with the seats a little inconvenient) was deployed. By the time they reached Bangalore it was around 11.20PM.

So, who are the few good men in the above episode?

No, it was one good man in the above episode. He is Karthik and lives in Adambakkam, Chennai. He gave his mobile to the boys to make the calls to us to keep us informed of the delay and was in constant touch with me and the parents of one of the nephews. We offered to reimburse the expenses. He was very magnanimous and said that he was not spending a fortune. I also understand that he helped the boys get some food on the way.

Thank you, Karthik.

Unfortunately, I could not get an opportunity to see this face-less angel – since he got down before the picking point I had for the boys.

If it happens, it is not miracle….

I had an unexpected income of Rs 55 today.

It is an interesting story. A few days back, when there was a clash of the titans (an ex-chief minister visited a water fall and a current-chief minister apparently reacted), the earthly souls started plugging the communication and tranport means. My love for money (rather against the wastage of it) made me take a bold step – and I decided to travel to Madurai in KSRTC bus. (In the sideline:I had booked my ticket in Semi-deluxe and somehow assumed that it should be better than Sarige. But, guess what – the reverse is true!)

That was not a problem.

KSRTC bus had a smooth sailing – I mean driving and I visited my mother. For return, I had the tickers booked in a new Tamil Nadu State Transport bus – an AC one from Shengottah to Bangalore. Good bus…(but what happened inside – is a different blog)…

It was smooth all along until Hosur when all the hell broke. Hosur was simply a sea of buses and heads. It was the end of travel. Period. The message from Karnataka was simple: if you insist on Cauvery from here, we do not want your car-vary! (No meaning for ‘very’ – but it gives a good rhyme!)

What to do? Simple (‘Living in Bangalore with Rajini Saaru….’ – a radio FM item!). Kanna – just go ahead and catch hold of a KA registration Sumo and get dropped at Madivala, paying Rs 200. Take an auto from there to  your home.

Remember – when buses stop, private owners laap. (I mean, laugh).

OK – still you are not into the miracle part, right?

In Hosur, the bus conductor who was a nice man, put his autograph in all the tickets and said that  we can send a claim to the Transport authority (Tamilnadu). What….money back from Government agency? Is it not usually quoted as an example for ’sugar cane into the mouth of an elephant?’ (OK…for a simple person, is it not like putting the paste back into the tooth paste tube?)

I wanted some fun – and I did send the leter (typed in Tamil Unicode – see the attachment below). Can you guess … I got the money back. Rs 55. (Of course, that I spent about Rs 25 in courier is a different matter). The money order came from Branch Manager, State Express Transport Corporation, Tamilnadu, Sengottai 627 809.

And the time it took? Reasonable. I applied on 10-Apr-2008 and got the money today through Money Order.

Was the money sent because  I wrote the request in Tamil? Not sure.

Here is the letter I sent:

அனுப்புநர்:
S Sundararajan
……..

பெறுநர்:
STATE EXPRESS TRANSPORT CORPORATION LIMITED, No. 2, “Thiruvalluvar House”,
Pallavan Salai, Chennai 600 002

நாள்: 10-ஏப்ரல்-2008
அன்புடையீர்
வணக்கம்.

நான், 7-ஏப்ரல்-2008 அன்று, இராசபாளையத்தில் இருந்து, முன்-பதிவு செய்யப் பட்ட பயணச் சீட்டுடன், பெங்களூருக்குப் பயணம் செய்தேன். பேருந்து எண்: 881.

ஆனால், துரதிர்ஷ்ட வசமாக, பேருந்து, ஹோசூரிலேயே நிறுத்தப் பட்டு விட்டது. நடத்துனர், பயணிகள் தாங்களாகவே, ஏதாவது ஏற்பாடு செய்து கொள்ள வேண்டும் என்று சொல்லி விட்டார். அதன் பிறகு, நான், 200 உரூபாய்கள் செலவழித்து, பெங்களூர் வந்தடைந்தேன்.

இம்மாதிரி சமயங்களில், பயணிகளின் சிரமத்திற்கு எவ்வாறு ஈடு செய்வீர்கள் என்று எனக்குத் தெரியவில்லை. பேருந்தின் நடத்துனர், பயணச் சீட்டில் கையொப்பமிட்டுக் கொடுத்து, அஃதை உங்களுக்கு அனுப்பச் சொல்லி, அறிவுறுத்தினார். அவர் அறிவுரையின் படி, நான் இக்கடிதத்தையும், பயணச் சீட்டையும் தங்கள் பார்வைக்கு அனுப்புகின்றேன்.

இப்பயணச்சீட்டிற்கு எத்தனை பணம் திரும்பப் பெறும் தகுதி உள்ளதோ, அஃதை, தயவு செய்து, என் விலாசத்திற்கு அனுப்பும் படி வேண்டிக் கொள்கின்றேன்.

மிக்க நன்றிகளுடன்,

தங்கள்

…….

BI

Did you think of Business Intelligence? No, it is not.

it is actually Body Intelligence or if you want, Bangalore Intelligence.

Here is a quiz: if you are travelling in a non-AC transport from Chennai to Bangalore overnight and have your eyes closed – can you say when the train is reaching Bangalore?

Yes – you can. Your body can say. It will suddenly feel pleasant and slowly go to feeling cold. If you manage to open your eyes (from the heavy sleep), you will see people switching off the fan – which was a dire necessity until then – and closing the windows hurriedly. OK – you have reached Hosur (if you are coming from Salem side) or Bangarappettai

From Periyar film

There was an interesting scene in the Tamil film ‘Periyar’. A few guys would be doing ‘thithi’ for their people who have passed away. When Periyar enquires about it, he is told that the people are doing it with the belief that the dead people will receive the offerings in the ‘other world’. In the next scene, Periyar is shown throwing water from a river outwards, drop by drop. When asked, he says that he is trying to make sure that the people in his village will receive this water.

Surely a great lesson for the believers! But, I think, Periyar probably has not heard about Money Order. When you pay the money to your post office and believe that it will be delivered in another post office several miles away, is there anything wrong in our belief?