I want to blog regularly.... But I am writing this after 18 months. I did not realize this. Phew!
I always liked the subject "conflict". How it happens? What type of people creates it? What situations trigger conflict?
In my early career I loved to see "conflict" at work and even at times dragged to it unknowingly. I always thought that was the way to show aggression, to put across a point or a tool to not bend self or to score a point on someone. During this period of my career, I thought this is the way to get good recognition but then created maximum hatred. I looked back and realised that it never created any wealth but destruction in the long run.
As per me, creating conflict is natural behavior of few people and also few creates it for individual /selfish -materialistic benefits knowingly. I changed myself drastically when I reflected the simple advice given by mother who died in her 30s when I was a child. She advised me to observe a person in a very simple way .... see how he/she behaves when crossing someone... as per her three situations can happen. First, both will stop for a second and give way. Second, one will stop automatically and the other will pass without a smile, greeting or eye to eye contact. Third, both will not stop and will cross same time. The judgement to first situation is both are genuine and gentle, second, one who stops is gentle/cultured while the other is aggressive and in the third both are aggressive and can create instant conflict. Identify those and be away!!! I related this to day to day life in various ways. You can see people seeking permission and creating consensus whereas few pouncing on you. Why is this behavior? Why cant people be patient, content and create consensus? I could not find the answer till today and if that was found, conflict at work place, family, country and in the world would not have been there.
Thus, I strongly belief that conflict is always created by people purposely for some sort of gain........ every thing ........difference of opinion, different perspectives or beliefs OR expectation. There is no situation where one cannot find a solution patiently and amicably. If we look at Mahabharatha , we can see conflicts being created at many places. There are personalities like Sakuni only to create conflict - guiding benefit but resulting in destruction overall later. You may see this kind of personalities in our walks of life and they will create conflicts continuously. How do you identify and treat them is one of the capability one should develop.
As per me, constructive criticism should always be encouraged and not "conflict". The meaning of conflict - to come into collision or disagreement; be contradictory, at variance, or in opposition; clash; to fight or contend; do battle; fight, battle, or struggle, especially a prolonged struggle; strife; controversy; quarrel,conflicts between parties;discord of action, feeling, or effect; antagonism or opposition, as of interests or principles; a conflict of ideas; collision; incompatibility or interference, as of one idea, desire, event, or activity with another - all are negative. I hate conflict and over the years, I realized that conflict only leads to destruction - even there could be some short term gain - and it is never constructive.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Who will win Modi or Rahul?
Kedarnath Temple Disaster is giving an advantage to Modi. It is amazing the way he has taken advantage of the situation and for being with his native people. I am reading in the news that NaMo landed there, created a task force, held discussion continuously till early morning with 2 IAS Officers and an IPS Officer as to how he can help the Gujaratis to reach home safely. This is something commendable and shows his concern for the public who are in trauma. On the other side Rahul Gandhi is not seen anywhere in the scene!!! He just not seen anywhere in the media too. One can argue that Kedarnath Temple issue is related to a State and he may be busy in strategizing as to how can he take India to next level. Will people of India appreciate this and his absence?
I always respected and admired politicians on various issues. I have great respect for Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Atal, Bal Thackery, Sushma Swaraj, Narasimha Rao and recently Jairam Ramesh and Narendra Modi. They led from the front. We are witnessing the debate that next Prime Minister will be Narendra Modi or Rahul Gandhi. We know Narendra Modi has very authoritative way of functioning. This is possibly benefit for a State because the complete administrative control is with Chief Minister but may not be the case when NaMo becomes Prime Minister because very few states are run by BJP. Is he good in working in consensus model?! Now let us consider Rahul. Though he carries a charm to attract public in his rallies, he disappears from all critical incidents and controversies. A strong Leader need to drive from the front. How can India trust a Leader who does a disappearing act at every critical juncture!
While NaMo is emerging as an undisputed Leader of choice for PM within NDA, Rahul Gandhi needs to travel a long way. Same time, it may not be easy for NaMo to become the PM as BJP may not get full majority as the internal rivalry may bring down the party. Congress on the other hand has to do some real wonders and godly act to capture the capital once again.
At this point in time, I am not seeing any political party heading for clear majority. Meantime, let us enjoy M-ODI - one day international of Modi till Rahul jumps in to the fray with a 20/20 series.
I always respected and admired politicians on various issues. I have great respect for Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Atal, Bal Thackery, Sushma Swaraj, Narasimha Rao and recently Jairam Ramesh and Narendra Modi. They led from the front. We are witnessing the debate that next Prime Minister will be Narendra Modi or Rahul Gandhi. We know Narendra Modi has very authoritative way of functioning. This is possibly benefit for a State because the complete administrative control is with Chief Minister but may not be the case when NaMo becomes Prime Minister because very few states are run by BJP. Is he good in working in consensus model?! Now let us consider Rahul. Though he carries a charm to attract public in his rallies, he disappears from all critical incidents and controversies. A strong Leader need to drive from the front. How can India trust a Leader who does a disappearing act at every critical juncture!
While NaMo is emerging as an undisputed Leader of choice for PM within NDA, Rahul Gandhi needs to travel a long way. Same time, it may not be easy for NaMo to become the PM as BJP may not get full majority as the internal rivalry may bring down the party. Congress on the other hand has to do some real wonders and godly act to capture the capital once again.
At this point in time, I am not seeing any political party heading for clear majority. Meantime, let us enjoy M-ODI - one day international of Modi till Rahul jumps in to the fray with a 20/20 series.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Believe only after you experience!!!
Sometime you spend sleepless nights thinking how to tackle new Boss. Or get head ache when thinking to go to office and meeting the Boss.
Earlier I narrated my experience with my Boss... Debashish. Now..... suddenly it changed and I got a new Boss, Mr. Vinodh Chelambathodi, Global Head - HR.
His appointment was most secret one in the Company and this created a hurricane on joining. There were lot of rumous .........he is short tempered, very agressive, going to fire all old timers, creating his own Team ...can abuse and say "get out"...... unending!
When Debashish resigned, my function got merged with HR and I started reporting to Vinodh. |Many people mentioned me that Vinodh meeting a new prospective Head of Recruitment every week and my days are counted. Watch out!!! I was very worried!
I started inter acting with Vinodh slowly. First, I found him to be very simple ....and transparent.... getting along with seniors and juniors very easily. I used to work from a different location far from Corporate Office so all I heard is conversations from different people. One thing I immediately observed on my visit to Corporate Office was that he goes for a Tea or Lunch break with junior most people to nearby joints. One of the indicators of simplicity. Though worried about my job in my mind, I went with him couple of times and found him to be very approachable and at ease. I saw him communicating serious tasks in normal conversations and found those very interesting. Many in his capacity will call you to the Cabin and as a Student you need to sit in front of the Boss, take notes and then execute.
I planned to go to Palakkad for my niece's marriage and while taking leave approval he asked me how am I returning. And suggested why cant I accompany him while return. I never expected this from a Boss who is going to end my life in Polaris. I must detail this out ... as I was on a vacation, I did not carry formal shirts and when Vinodh asked me to accompany him I started worrying what to wear. I told Beena that I will have to purchase a new plain shirt. I dressed up very formal (including my cufflinks) and landed at Ottapalam where we decided to meet. It was a shock when I met him, HE is in a Jean, Tee and wearing a Reebok Slipper. I was completely out of place. We got into the Car and I told him "Vinodh I am feeling very bad .. will change this shirt to a Tee ... I had to change. That is my Boss, Vinodh. Then, during my journey from Ottapalam to Kochi and then to Chennai, I got to know him better and found that he is absolutely transparent and simple. Rest everything is stories.
My function Talent Acquisition Group is the most thankless one.... and it may be in most of the companies. So, my job is to deal with escalations on every day basis and Vinodh will be in cc in almost all mails. One wonderful thing I observed is the way he deals with escalations. You would have seen Bosses who will push you to the water when you are already drowning, contrary whenever I go to him with tension, he will be the "coolest" person on earth and will advise in one sentence what to do. He will support you completely.
I always found him very open to take suggestions and gives free hand. He has deeper understanding of the subject and quickly understands the challenges being faced. Very good in empathizing with you. He is one person who will make you think beyond the limits. Vinodh's idea of adopting "gamification" in HR was an eye opener for me. I never had any idea OR heard of this. After this, I started thinking applying "Total Football" concept in Recruitment and currently mentoring the Team as how to follow SPIRIT of any game ..the spirit of a T20 Cricket or a Football Match.
It is amazing to know that Vinodh had different interests ... he likes to go for movies, parties and to Temples. But his main interest is GYM... GYM.... I cannot accompany him to any Gym but got wonderful opportunity to visit Sabarimala along with him and his friends. Everything was well organized to the dot. I repeat ... in all these occasions .. he demonstrated his simplicity. Now, very interesting turn in my life is that I am going to report another new Boss .... Ghana Syam who comes from Delivery background and no more with HR Department. What it means is that I need to bow out of Vinodh's leadership and this is very painful for me. I am definitely going to miss all the conversation about HR strategies, gamification, movies, Gym, Parties ...... big list of things. I am opening a new page in my Career. However, I will love to work with Vinodh any time in my life. Vinodh .. none can match you and you are amazing!
Earlier I narrated my experience with my Boss... Debashish. Now..... suddenly it changed and I got a new Boss, Mr. Vinodh Chelambathodi, Global Head - HR.
His appointment was most secret one in the Company and this created a hurricane on joining. There were lot of rumous .........he is short tempered, very agressive, going to fire all old timers, creating his own Team ...can abuse and say "get out"...... unending!
When Debashish resigned, my function got merged with HR and I started reporting to Vinodh. |Many people mentioned me that Vinodh meeting a new prospective Head of Recruitment every week and my days are counted. Watch out!!! I was very worried!
I started inter acting with Vinodh slowly. First, I found him to be very simple ....and transparent.... getting along with seniors and juniors very easily. I used to work from a different location far from Corporate Office so all I heard is conversations from different people. One thing I immediately observed on my visit to Corporate Office was that he goes for a Tea or Lunch break with junior most people to nearby joints. One of the indicators of simplicity. Though worried about my job in my mind, I went with him couple of times and found him to be very approachable and at ease. I saw him communicating serious tasks in normal conversations and found those very interesting. Many in his capacity will call you to the Cabin and as a Student you need to sit in front of the Boss, take notes and then execute.
I planned to go to Palakkad for my niece's marriage and while taking leave approval he asked me how am I returning. And suggested why cant I accompany him while return. I never expected this from a Boss who is going to end my life in Polaris. I must detail this out ... as I was on a vacation, I did not carry formal shirts and when Vinodh asked me to accompany him I started worrying what to wear. I told Beena that I will have to purchase a new plain shirt. I dressed up very formal (including my cufflinks) and landed at Ottapalam where we decided to meet. It was a shock when I met him, HE is in a Jean, Tee and wearing a Reebok Slipper. I was completely out of place. We got into the Car and I told him "Vinodh I am feeling very bad .. will change this shirt to a Tee ... I had to change. That is my Boss, Vinodh. Then, during my journey from Ottapalam to Kochi and then to Chennai, I got to know him better and found that he is absolutely transparent and simple. Rest everything is stories.
My function Talent Acquisition Group is the most thankless one.... and it may be in most of the companies. So, my job is to deal with escalations on every day basis and Vinodh will be in cc in almost all mails. One wonderful thing I observed is the way he deals with escalations. You would have seen Bosses who will push you to the water when you are already drowning, contrary whenever I go to him with tension, he will be the "coolest" person on earth and will advise in one sentence what to do. He will support you completely.
I always found him very open to take suggestions and gives free hand. He has deeper understanding of the subject and quickly understands the challenges being faced. Very good in empathizing with you. He is one person who will make you think beyond the limits. Vinodh's idea of adopting "gamification" in HR was an eye opener for me. I never had any idea OR heard of this. After this, I started thinking applying "Total Football" concept in Recruitment and currently mentoring the Team as how to follow SPIRIT of any game ..the spirit of a T20 Cricket or a Football Match.
It is amazing to know that Vinodh had different interests ... he likes to go for movies, parties and to Temples. But his main interest is GYM... GYM.... I cannot accompany him to any Gym but got wonderful opportunity to visit Sabarimala along with him and his friends. Everything was well organized to the dot. I repeat ... in all these occasions .. he demonstrated his simplicity. Now, very interesting turn in my life is that I am going to report another new Boss .... Ghana Syam who comes from Delivery background and no more with HR Department. What it means is that I need to bow out of Vinodh's leadership and this is very painful for me. I am definitely going to miss all the conversation about HR strategies, gamification, movies, Gym, Parties ...... big list of things. I am opening a new page in my Career. However, I will love to work with Vinodh any time in my life. Vinodh .. none can match you and you are amazing!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Vacation!!!
I met Preman, my old friend after twenty years. He still looks younger...great feeling. His daughter studying in class 8th and Preman asked me "Enthanda Vacation Plan?" (What is your vacation plan). Hmmmmm..... I asked..... vacation plan? My son Vishnu just started training in one of the top IT Companies in Pune and my life has completely changed....so no more so called "vacation".. that happens in May and June every year for school going kids.
However, we used to enjoy the "vacation" ..1990s. It was interesting......every year after the "vacation" we will be in huge debt!! Every year we had to struggle for train tickets..... invariably use Railway Board contacts to get a last minute reservation!! Every year our LONG journey in sleeper class (that was the best we could afford) in Kerala Express from New Delhi to Palakkad used to be most memorable ones... getting down at station and stand in a long queue to fetch water, playing rummy with the fellow passengers, my son's pranks and meeting his demand to buy a Twinkle or a potato chip packet, my wife's complete "rest" in the train....i.e sleeping for hours together.... and experiencing wonderful hot climate inside the train.....with no fan...no water in loo....stale food served in the train....and entertainment by the Beggars!!!
There is an unforgettable incident in our "vacation" chapters..... :). It used to be very difficult to get train tickets.. however.......I had right connection at all Government Offices including Railways. With great difficulty, my friend in Railways arranged for three berths...Beena started packing bags, making ready enjoyable snacks, Poori and Lemon Rice for the journey of three days. I went to nearby ATM to get some cash and we all set to go!! Autowalla is at door step. Now time to count bags, check .. my purse.....all doors in the house... all electrical appliances and then the last one..... Ticket. Suddenly I realised that the ticket is missing....... if we lost ticket there was no hope in those days to make it second time!! Happy Husbands can think of what all happens in the situation..... it is real fun... shouting, argument, blame, scream!!!
Beena advised me to be cool and to go and check whether I lost it near the ATM.. where I went to take cash... we were loosing time! I am using all the force to walk fast... not able to due to the tension. I reached ATM ... checked with the Security Guard and few over there whether they could see any Train Ticket lying any where..... I got response... Nahi.. No..Nahi Ji..... I was sure of cancelling the trip! Disappointed!!
While returning I came across a Cow busy in eating all that lying near road side... in Delhi, Cows will eat anything ..... and then I saw a small paper piece similar to the Train Ticket flying in the air...near to the cow. I wanted to check whether it is my ticket and by that time it is almost near to the mouth of the Cow. I was afraid as to how will I ?? Frankly, I fear .... unpredictable behaviour right??!! However, like Dharmendra or Salman Khan.... I jumped in front of the Cow and don't know what I did but screamed .....shooo......... pooooo...... kooooooo.....kha..kha... .due to tension I was not able to shout also........the Cow would have wondered what is this happening.... but shown mercy..... turned back. I got hold of the small piece of paper and then closely checked..... yeah it is my ticket. I reached my house in a minute and we started!!
This was one of the funniest experiences in my life but most adventurous!!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Experience Good Boss!
In my last 24 years of service, I worked with many Bosses. I can remember almost all of them and their value add in my career.
I reached current level only with hard work. But I am indebted to the Seniors I worked with. I still cherish the guidance they have given me from time to time. Learnt different strategy, methods, working in a process oriented way and other tips and tricks by working with them directly or indirectly:
The Leaders are - company and designation relate to the period I worked with them:
1. S.S. Bhandari in Jaipur - famous Chartered Accountant
2. P.S. Marwah, Head - Electrical & Instrumentation - Lakshmi Cement
3. S.K. Wali, Head - Mechanical - Lakshmi Cement
4. B. Kant, Head - Civil - Lakshmi Cement
5. M.K. Chaudhari, President - Diamond Cement
6. N.L. Hamirwasia - MD - Mysore Cements
7. N. Lodha - CFO - Mysore Cements Ltd
8. R. C. Sodani - VIce President - Finance - Diamond Cements
9. D.V. Pendharkar - Head - Marketing - Diamond Cements
10. C. V. Soumyan, Head - Sales - Diamond Cements
11. P.K. Das - Vice President - Marketing - Diamond Cements
12. Samar Mishra - Vice President (Operations) - Intelligroup Inc, NJ, US
13. Manjunath Dattatreya - Vice President (Operations), Intelligrup, NJ, US
It is not only me, many others enjoyed working with these Leaders.
My journey from Intelligroup to Polaris Software Lab Limited, Chennai was not a smooth one. I joined LGS Hyderabad and Mastek Mumbai and both did not work out well. I got an offer to join Polaris, Chennai; but my reporting was changed from day one - from COO to Head HR. The first two and half years was the toughest time I gone through in my life. I believe in astrology and my time was also not good. I cannot blame any one. This period was so bad that my performance was under question. I got entangled with multiple issues and was looking for guidance and support.
My life got changed in early 2010 when Mr. Debashish Ganguly joined Polaris as Head of Resource Fulfillment Group. As soon as he was offered by Polaris, I got calls from few sources that I am going to get a good boss. I did not believe it! However, I knew that Debashish has seen big company and bigger picture and he is highly qualified... IIT & IIM. On joining, he decided to work with the same Team and did not change any one - made some structural change - it was a surprise because any new Boss always try to bring in his or her own old colleagues and change structure..... isolate the seniors already in place... and what not. He gained the confidence of all the Team members and given us guidance to achieve the set goal. Some structural changes were made and I was given due respect in the system through my responsibilities were reduced........ I am thankful to him. He gave confidence to the Team that any "HEAT" will be taken care of by him while any "CREDIT" will be to the Team. We had complete support of our COO, Mr. Govind Singhal. You have to be little lucky to work under Govind...... all are not blessed! The Team started performing and we won Chairman Excellence Award and Quality Award. Wow... what an experience........ what a change!!! I feel lucky to head the Recruitment Team.... every one slogged day and night!
(a) impartial and never encourage coterie
(b) guide and support you whenever you are stuck
(c) take risk, take blame and protect the Team - our job anyway thankless!!
(d) mentor and guide you when you commit a mistake
(e) give you long rope to perform
(f) understand your constraints and show empathy
(g) drive you to reach the ultimate goal - success and satisfaction!
This piece is dedicated to my Boss, Mr. Debashish Ganguly.
Job Description - Re-post
When any business requirement comes, it is very necessary that a constructive dialogue happens between the Recruiter and Hiring Manager on the Job Description given.... hence one MUST insist for a detailed JD for every position. Post meeting one should publish Minutes of Meeting to all stake holders. During this meeting one should keep in mind following needs:
1. Understanding the business need - as to why the customer looking for a new addition.
2. Role of the candidate to be recruited - as to what exactly this individual will do in the project
3. Experience level and location
4. Domain expertise needed - including the sub modules
5.Expectation of customer at project site-political dynamics, environment etc.
6. Expectation of the final interviewer on skill level, complexity etc
7. Project status - what stage OR which part of SDLC - Requirement Gathering, Build, Test, UAT, Go Live or Support
8. Project type - application development OR for support - what percentage of enhancement/configuration involved OR is it a Level 1, 2, 3 OR 4 Support project.
9. Tools, Technology, Front end, back end exposure needed.
10. Soft issues - like working in the night, requirement of 24/7 on call support, travelling etc.
I have seen Recruiters just jump to any requirement that is raised by a Hiring Manager and then submit profiles which ultimately get rejected. Utter wastage of productivity. Until and unless we are clear as to what the Business needs; niche and critical requirements can hardly be closed easily.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Guruvayoor visit
I wanted to visit Guruvayoor since January 2009.
Unni's vacation is going on. Beena and Unni decided to go to Pune and then to Hyderabad on June 12th. I thought June 2nd week end was perfect and suddenly decided to go to Palakkad to have darshan of Guruvayoorappan and also visit other temples. I got rail ticket through Tatkal scheme; to and fro as wait list 1. All my friends told me it will get confirmed. Jai Ho!!
Chennai to Palakkad journey was quite fine. I met an entrepreneur from Calicut who is into supplying Printers and also running a sophisticated printing unit there.
I decided to take Kerala State Transport (KSRTC) Bus from Palakkad to Guruvayoor. Since child hood I am fascinated about KSRTC Bus and the ride. The schedule was to start at 6 pm but it started almost half an hour late and then itself I lost the hope of late evening darshan.
I reached Guruvayoor around 9pm and started searching for accommodation. All Hotels in and around KSRTC Bus Stand displayed a board "House Full". I saw one decent Hotel and thought to check what is the deal. When I reached the Reception, one guy ..may be Manager... watching quietly Television without even minding any one entering the area. I took courage and asked him ..Is there any room available?...he replied sarcastically........."Cant you see the Board"........that is typical Kerala attitude and style. I disappointed and started checking with Auto Drivers. This is a trick I played long time back as the Auto Drivers will have tie ups with Hotels and they get us a room. To my surprise, no Auto Driver is ready to speak with me........then I checked with one senior Driver.....do you know any place where I can stay a night......he replied "Saaar dont try here because no one will give room to a single person due to security issues" . I was taken aback. How can Guruvayoor hotel owners stamp every one visiting there in single as Terrorists OR to suicide. I again tried with couple of others and every one of the same opinion. I was having only one option and that is to try at Krishna Inn, one of the high end Hotels in Guruvayoor. I reached Krishna Inn in an Auto. The Lobby Manager confirmed that there is room available at Rs. 1660 plus tax. I had no option but to spent money. Normal charges at Guruvayoor is Rs. 350/- per day to Rs. 850/-. He diplomatically checks with me when will I vacate, whether I will see the early darshans, is this my first visit to the Hotel etc to make sure I am not a Terrorist OR going to suicide there. Not only that, he took complete charge from me in advance..........to ensure there will be no outstanding even if something fishy happens. I felt pity for the Manager as the Hotel management would have trained him to ask diplomatic questions to the customers who reach there alone after 10 pm. I also felt funny. Krishna Inn, if you know, is a beautiful place to stay and I was very thrilled to get a room. But this was till entered the room. I have a habit of checking "news" before I go to bed. I switched on the Television. First, the TV remote wont work. The Electrician comes and advised me not to touch the TV or the remote. The service was pathetic as I could not get a mineral water bottle for an hour. Then the Room Service guy knocks at mid night to get signature on the bill. Phew....This disturbed my sleep and I could get up only at 5 am.
I reached Temple premises around 5.30am and as usual there was long queue. Slowly slowly I reached inside and had a brief darshan.
I was to travel back to Chennai on the same day. As mentioned, my ticket was WL 1. Unfortunately, it remained as WL 1. I visited Palakkad station and met all the Ticket Examiners on duty for help. I could not get any help and then decided to fly from Coimbatore. I had to make 100 calls to different people to ultimately know that there is a Spice Jet flight from Coimbatore to Chennai at 10.40am and I can book the ticket over telephone. It was a good experience as within five minutes I could get a confirmed ticket through Spice Jet toll free line. I booked a cab from Palakkad to Coimbatore. The early morning drive was fantastic.
I felt helpless and sad end of this visit and cemented my belief that Kerala will never improve and God cannot change arrogance of Keralites.
I had to shell out huge money for this two days visit and the challenges faced by me driving me to go to Guruvayoor once again.
Unni's vacation is going on. Beena and Unni decided to go to Pune and then to Hyderabad on June 12th. I thought June 2nd week end was perfect and suddenly decided to go to Palakkad to have darshan of Guruvayoorappan and also visit other temples. I got rail ticket through Tatkal scheme; to and fro as wait list 1. All my friends told me it will get confirmed. Jai Ho!!
Chennai to Palakkad journey was quite fine. I met an entrepreneur from Calicut who is into supplying Printers and also running a sophisticated printing unit there.
I decided to take Kerala State Transport (KSRTC) Bus from Palakkad to Guruvayoor. Since child hood I am fascinated about KSRTC Bus and the ride. The schedule was to start at 6 pm but it started almost half an hour late and then itself I lost the hope of late evening darshan.
I reached Guruvayoor around 9pm and started searching for accommodation. All Hotels in and around KSRTC Bus Stand displayed a board "House Full". I saw one decent Hotel and thought to check what is the deal. When I reached the Reception, one guy ..may be Manager... watching quietly Television without even minding any one entering the area. I took courage and asked him ..Is there any room available?...he replied sarcastically........."Cant you see the Board"........that is typical Kerala attitude and style. I disappointed and started checking with Auto Drivers. This is a trick I played long time back as the Auto Drivers will have tie ups with Hotels and they get us a room. To my surprise, no Auto Driver is ready to speak with me........then I checked with one senior Driver.....do you know any place where I can stay a night......he replied "Saaar dont try here because no one will give room to a single person due to security issues" . I was taken aback. How can Guruvayoor hotel owners stamp every one visiting there in single as Terrorists OR to suicide. I again tried with couple of others and every one of the same opinion. I was having only one option and that is to try at Krishna Inn, one of the high end Hotels in Guruvayoor. I reached Krishna Inn in an Auto. The Lobby Manager confirmed that there is room available at Rs. 1660 plus tax. I had no option but to spent money. Normal charges at Guruvayoor is Rs. 350/- per day to Rs. 850/-. He diplomatically checks with me when will I vacate, whether I will see the early darshans, is this my first visit to the Hotel etc to make sure I am not a Terrorist OR going to suicide there. Not only that, he took complete charge from me in advance..........to ensure there will be no outstanding even if something fishy happens. I felt pity for the Manager as the Hotel management would have trained him to ask diplomatic questions to the customers who reach there alone after 10 pm. I also felt funny. Krishna Inn, if you know, is a beautiful place to stay and I was very thrilled to get a room. But this was till entered the room. I have a habit of checking "news" before I go to bed. I switched on the Television. First, the TV remote wont work. The Electrician comes and advised me not to touch the TV or the remote. The service was pathetic as I could not get a mineral water bottle for an hour. Then the Room Service guy knocks at mid night to get signature on the bill. Phew....This disturbed my sleep and I could get up only at 5 am.
I reached Temple premises around 5.30am and as usual there was long queue. Slowly slowly I reached inside and had a brief darshan.
I was to travel back to Chennai on the same day. As mentioned, my ticket was WL 1. Unfortunately, it remained as WL 1. I visited Palakkad station and met all the Ticket Examiners on duty for help. I could not get any help and then decided to fly from Coimbatore. I had to make 100 calls to different people to ultimately know that there is a Spice Jet flight from Coimbatore to Chennai at 10.40am and I can book the ticket over telephone. It was a good experience as within five minutes I could get a confirmed ticket through Spice Jet toll free line. I booked a cab from Palakkad to Coimbatore. The early morning drive was fantastic.
I felt helpless and sad end of this visit and cemented my belief that Kerala will never improve and God cannot change arrogance of Keralites.
I had to shell out huge money for this two days visit and the challenges faced by me driving me to go to Guruvayoor once again.
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