Anna Hazare (part II)– Kappi Kudikalama.
This branch was situate in the first Industrial estate in Kerala. When I became the field Officer, almost half of the industrial units are declared sick or were on the way. A handful of units were working.
One such unit was manufacturing ‘stabilisers’, which was much in demand ( because of the most fluctuated current flow). He was brilliant to make one for each item i.e. one for fridge, one for TV etc. and once a customer always a customer – probably a simile is seen in NI Act.when we say once a bearer always a bearer.
He has a ‘sami’ as accountant cum collector cum manager cum secretary. This ‘sami’ frequently visit the branch that many would have felt that he is an employee of SBT. Usually, I go home only after the entire area goes to sleep ( may be as some would like to say “its your inefficiency sitting late” but I also remember when encountered with the question as to why he didn’t wear watch, the honble defence minister answered that others decide his time and in the case of SBT field officers we would stand by the defence minister’s quote). Unsually one day I wanted to go home a little early say by 6.30 p.m. and Sami also came along. Seeing me tired of a day’s work he asked “ Oru Kapi Kudikalama ?” I without further thinking said “Why not It’s a pleasure”.
There was a good Brahmin’s hotel in Karamana. We had a dosai and coffee. Suddenly it came to my mind that he was my borrower and anybody seeing him paying for me would be detrimental to me. I said “OK I am paying”. When he insisted on his paying I reminded him “you know you are a borrower” – Immediately, he got the point and agreed with a ‘chiri” ( which probably meant – madayan” )
Continues…in next part
No comments:
Post a Comment