SOME PEOPLE -III

 Some people -III

The nagging brand:

People of this version are basically duty-conscious and demanding that their duty-conscience be recognized and acknowledged by all. Being conscious of their duties they are also thorough with the provisions of rules governing the work. They do their jobs well with a self-styled notion that others are not as good. There is a clear degree of self aggrandizement in them. Their state of awareness for the provisions of law is simultaneously good and bad. Such people are fond of “officializing” issues by serving a notice on the authority through proper channel, calling for an official solution to a problem that is neither official nor permanent, like a tentative change of venue. They would all the time keep telling the authority that “I do not mind the dislocation while,

“I still prefer “your” committed statement on this”. They would try to establish their credentials for perfection, recalling how they gave a similar letter on 23-09-1988, to the then authority, still awaiting a reply. Obviously, their intention is not to get a solution but to reiterate their claims of perfection and unfading memory. They are mothers- in -law in their own right [irrespective of their gender] to use an Indian expression for vividity. People who generally nag any one should remember they are rated as casual nuisance.

The versions of characters presented are not the only ones in our ambience. There are more forms and varieties. Another brand is the “Petitioner-Anonymous” to be called PA for brevity. Very rarely they achieve anything. Yet, they take upon themselves a mission of making petitions. Too often, authorities “know” the author. If not, the author’s confidants make it clear to the authorities. If someone desires setting anything right, the best course open is to meet the authorities and apprise them of why a specific solution is sought. I am more than confident that agencies do respond to sensible suggestions, if they are convinced of the honesty behind a suggestion.  PAs create the impression of their being cowards and spineless, taking shelter under anonymity. Even if the utterance has truth, anonymity is the easiest technique of tarnishing the veracity of the statement. On the contrary, any statement owned by a person suggests both honesty and conviction. Except on matters of bomb scare and malpractices in examinations, all anonymous petitions and their authors [or at least the suspected authors] evoke a permanent sense of contempt, quickly ending up in the dust bin. The content of such letters, the references to sequences of events on an issue faithfully betray the anonymity. Besides, the author[s] can be easily “spotted” from the way they go about suggesting the “arrival” of the petition. How can an unconnected person ‘detect’ from unopened mails the floated petition, except by very authorship? Quite often they have been unfailingly spotted. All of them [detected] have received only scant respect from the powers that be as mere scandal mongers. Even some issues have been neglected because of the authorship suspected or detected. Anonymous petitioners are not anonymous as their identity is clear from the sides they take on an issue, the instances quoted and the characteristic defects in usages in the petition. The authorities to whom they ‘claim’ to have posted letters literally “expose” the author[s]. Such authors do not avoid the temptation of verifying the fate of the petition which confirms the authorship.

Other than sensation, anonymous petition [ers] do not to bring about any correction. Once known for making anonymous petition, a person has to carry the tag of a ‘third rate character’ for the rest of the life. In the larger interests of any system, such persons should not be shown any importance.

Each human character is educative in value, so long as we stay free from their influence and learn to “read” them. Yet, we have to sustain equanimity and avoid ill-treating them. To read a “character” one has to detach self from the emotional perceptions that associate with an issue. Besides, neutral disposition helps us to gather differing views on a subject for the sheer necessity of “total information”. Without total information, it is not ideal to arrive at conclusions. At least for the sake of our taking honest decisions, we should cultivate tolerance of all “characters” irrespective of their [f]utility..

To continue                                Prof K. Raman 

SOME PEOPLE - II

The go-betweens:

These are a special category. They take delight in making others believe that they can get ‘anything’ done. These are the most dubious in the sense that they try to project “larger than life” images of self and keep dropping names in an effort to suggest wide contacts. Actually they may have some lower level “contacts” at class IV or III.  Through them, they get to know the names of the top brass in that organization, and keep dropping them through conversations. Because of geographical familiarity with the place they would rapidly move through the corridors and connecting anterooms.

These strides tend to suggest the “value” of these persons, though strictly they do not wield genuine influence as claimed by them. One thing about these “characters” is their silence when confronted for violation of protocols. They would pacify the officials by an unconditional surrender. At such instances, they would scrupulously avoid dropping names and carefully extricate themselves from further embarrassment. Some of these “characters” make money by promising to ‘do’ things quicker. By sheer lower level contacts, they get the jobs done at the least expenditure. Then, they would painstakingly brief the beneficiaries of how they worked through the tough protocols. This display makes the beneficiaries much indebted. A number of people fall prey to their claims until they realize the futility of the trust placed on them. For any failure, they would invent reasons and continue dropping names.

THE DOUBTING THOMASES:

By their very attainments, these are very average people. But, they have very polite approaches. They do not intend being polite but appear so, by virtue of their calculated utterances on anything. They intend eliciting information without obviously looking so. The mere effort to elicit the information has its origin in “doubting” others. They are afraid of raising or facing straight forward questions. The first thing they would do to any one is to make a loud and clear morning’s wish. There are at least two varieties of these people. One variety is intensely in doubt of being totally neglected. The other too is in doubt with varying degrees of it, in relation to the personal priorities to an item. Those with a higher intensity of doubt ensure that we ‘receive’ their morning’s wish. For this, they would intercept while we are walking and come to a point blank range before saying “Good Morning Sir”. The intention is, a morning’s wish shall be registered even if a degree of indecency creeps in. If someone objects to this style of interception, they would not hesitate to tender profuse apologies and rather take it as a route to get closer to us by explaining the well-meant “Good Morning” with no mala fide intentions. At the end of it they would wind up with one more Good morning signaling the cordiality achieved. Those of the lower category of the Doubting Thomas are careful not to irritate any one. They would choose to meet the person concerned only when none is around and “beg” for favour while systematically reminding the authority of their [Doubting Thomas’] contribution to the system. Every now and then they would indulge in typical “Ego appeasement” of the authority by chosen words “You know it best; I need not apprise you of anything”. This is a Shakespearean style of outwitting us. My contention is, if the authority does not require being apprised, then why this very exercise except to be sure that ‘our case has been presented’.  An interesting part of their behaviour is to ensure that none except the authority knows of this interaction; therefore they would hurriedly vacate the scene with a faithful murmur “see you later”. Much to their chagrin, at least a couple of persons doubt the Doubting Thomas and raise nagging questions with that individual. Always the doubting Thomas has a stock reply “I will tell you later”. In the process the person effectively inflates the ego of such inquisitive people. Each of them feels [s] he has a special niche in the mind of the doubting Thomas. If they individually meet “DT” later, each one gets a different idea of totally unconnected things. On a second reference DT tends to forget what [s] he told whom and a new cat is out of the bag. All DTs have the common syndrome of very high self esteem and an earnest belief that the system has not accorded them the due recognition. Much of this is a mere notion and the DTs do not dare raise their claims in any legitimate forum. Another hall mark of all DTs is their uniform attitude of not accepting responsibility while craving for recognition.  What generally works to the advantage of DTs is the common acceptance of their polite utterances with their agenda hidden deep underneath. Their agenda is to win the widest appreciation of appeal while enjoying the status of the most acceptable. By their very nature, they are not outspoken, hesitant to spell decisions and any utterance is soft- worded, carefully drafted to connote humility and cordiality. Strictly speaking, people do not relish unduly soft utterances and do believe that aspirants to authority need to be clear in conviction and honest in implementation. Any one playing soft merely intends “reaching” the top. For them, decision-making is a task of sorts, as they revel in being polite than being purposeful. Therefore DTs can not contribute from positions of authority. With DTs at the helm of affairs, disputes become common place, as they tend to play cordial with every one. An administrator need not be cordial in utterances, but has to be neutral and selfless in the execution of rules. Generally, DTs prefer to be “friendly looking” to all and will certainly run into rough weather as administrators since they can not please every one all the time. The interesting point is, all the appointing authorities like their soft nature as employees, but are hesitant to provide them the positions of authority. Hitherto, I have suggested the shortcomings of DTs. They are simultaneously harmless and useless. It is for others to be alert about the Doubting Thomas of any type lest we should run into confusions. The DTs are afraid of rubbing any one on the wrong side and do not believe in asserting their positions. Have the cake and eat it too is the attitude of DTs, without revealing an iota of this broad agenda. On a promise of “between us”, they share anguish with everyone, stating their “feeling of not-being recognized”.

To continue                                             K.Raman

SOME PEOPLE

 Some people 

The caption is quite broad and therefore vague too. Why I chose this? I have no genuine defence. Yet, I have embarked on this merely in an attempt to bring in some typical characters that we encounter in our daily life. I have employed the term “encounter,” as some of them choose to interfere with everything that goes on in public places and keep pronouncing judgements on anything including bullion rates. For them ‘knowledge’ is a domain not given to anyone else.  So, they assume to have a rightful duty of airing their views as a pronouncement for all to learn from. Many people enjoy these pranks as a means of passing the time. It is taken as a sign of serious deficiency of information among the public. This thought possesses them and they “assume” all “rights” for themselves. They are also fond of dropping names of high profile personalities as if they were next door neighbours confiding top official secrets with them every night. Once they realize that people are attentive to their utterances, they start narrations that can never be verified.

Some of them:

Invariably, they choose to play their craft in queues where people have already formed an orderly file. As if an official nominee, the person would walk along the line surveying the persons by a slanted look, implying that all of them are lesser mortals. Some in the line feel the person plans to intrude and raise an objection renting the air without referring to any one. But, ‘our man’ knows the clarion call and politely tells “very good, this alertness is what the country needs; don’t worry, I shall not violate rules, see I am 3 feet away from the line” He does not stop anywhere, and keeps moving up and down and occupies the tail of the queue after a clean survey. After a couple of minutes some lady comes to see if any one can help her buy the ticket. Our man proclaims ‘do not sympathise with any one. I remember how Shri. Rajiv Gandhi was wiped out in a bomb blast’. People turn curious and ask for his narration of some key points on the incident. He repeats what we have known from newspapers. 

Someone asks “Sir, how did you manage to survive in the blast?” Our man says ‘I have to thank my stars for that blessed call of nature, which took me off the place barely 3 minutes before the catastrophe. From then on I am very alert of new comers.’ How do you spot a new comer?- asks a neighbour. Our man triumphantly declares “it is very easy if you know face reading. I can tell what sort of a man you are”. The neighbour feels unmanageably embarrassed, because he is guilty of some minor vices. Thereafter, the neighbour drops into silence, seriously praying God for the counter to open before any encounter opens.. Now, our man tries to probe the neighbour, for which all replies come in monosyllables. On getting his tickets, the neighbour vanishes putting lightning to shame.

The disturbing brand:

We encounter another category of “the knowledgeable”. These people take delight playing on the nerves of others. They are the most despicable category for the damage they inflict to the morale of people. Often they are well dressed and look convincing.

Such “characters” can be met in hospital corridors when we happen to wait for the doctor to arrive or for our turn. Sitting next to a patient, they would ask for the kind of ailment that [s]he suffers from. Most patients do not know the ailment, except to name the part of the body where the problem occurs. Our “character” would ask “Did you check for hyperacidity? One can not rule out peptic ulcer. From what you say, it could be Duodenal ulcer as well. What antacids you have been taking?

 The patient is baffled by the sheer terms of reference. Instead, he visualizes the character to be a medical professional and asks “Are you a doctor?” For a change, the character stands the interrogation. His reply is a question-“Do I just look a doctor? I am a Dean”. The patient had learnt somewhere that the Dean is the highest position in the hierarchy of Medical units. He stands up in utter reverence. Without giving any useful reply, the Dean moves over to a new entrant and pronounces a judgement that the person appears to have respiratory disorder. The new man, unable to comprehend the technical jargon trembles in fear and asks what sir, it is reshfirachury ---? Our Dean tells it is a breathing problem. The new man replies, “No sir I have a cough”.  The dean suggests, ‘it seems more complicated than what you think’. Now, the first man tells the second that the advisor is a Dean. Together they develop the idea of getting treated by the Dean. At that suggestion, the Dean pathetically tells them that he is a Dean in some college and has nothing to do with treatment. Both of them denounce the man’s uncalled for intervention, as they have lost their priority for calling on the doctor. Sensing danger, the Dean runs off to safety.                     To continue                          Prof. K.Raman

HUMAN MIND

 

 MIND                                                                      

Of the human faculties, the ‘hard to locate’ reservoir of limitless information is the mind. Yes, it can hold finite ideas of infinite volume. At no point, it gets saturated. It appeals to be an entity of expansive potential, storing ideas in the faculty called memory. Biologically, what territory of the human body constitutes the mind is elusive to say the least. Despite our inability to locate the mind, mind locates and recalls information that we may have gathered in some distant past. Ironically, we need not exert ourselves to cull out information that had already gone into our ‘heads’. Since brain holds control over our mind, items are believed to be ‘stored’ in brain. Be that as it may, the mind power is different from that of brain power! 

Mind is an ever-acting system that can work independent of the body. Indeed it is a marvel unparalleled.  It is a marvel, by virtue of its ability to assess even as it stores information in a codified form. The component of assessment relates to identifying the element of facts from those of fiction or fabrication if any. In doing so, the mind recalls silently, all experience of the past in determining the veracity or otherwise of the utterance. Fallibility of judgment arises either from poor discrimination or from taking statements for granted. Yet, the value of mind is supreme, as it relates to conscience-the guiding spirit. On occasions, persons overrule the conscience in a bid to achieve what they perceive as important. Such overruling moments are perhaps the items of conflict between right and wrong, driving the individual to take a position. 

Often, on such intricate moments, materialistic considerations drive the judgment in favour of this or that. Also, it is unfair to suggest that all decisions are materialistic, since a number of decisions do emerge from moralistic considerations. But, without mind nothing can work. However, an inexplicable factor coming in the way of decision-making relates to grooming from childhood, as ‘taking positions’ is based on the value system to which the individual adheres.     

Prof.K. Raman

LAMENTATIONS

Lamentations

 Most people know of lamentations of a soldier. But, why lamentations should be for soldiers alone? Possibly it could be for anyone. Anyone who works hard may lament, for workers alone lament and the few who seldom work too lament that their wages are low.  Lamenting appears to be an aspect of human life. Why people lament – is something that none can appropriately explain. Still, the process is integral to human life albeit its variance in degrees. Indeed it is quite interesting that the cause of lamentation is as varied as the variety of lamentations themselves.

Is lamentation a route to relieve monotony in work /workplace?

Lamentation may not help in mental relief, since its origin in a person owes itself to one’s thought process; being so, the scope for relieving monotony is far low to that of re-living monotony in the same act.  Interestingly, lamenting is not a product of age. Even children beyond the level of grade 5 or 6 begin the game of lamentation; yes it is a game in the sense that it involves the members of the society around us. I do not intend suggesting that members around us are responsible for our predicament. Yet, in a way unforeseen or never conceived, someone causes a ripple which unfailingly expands and ramifies into zones of one’s activity leading to discomfort though not dislocation per se.   A number of items –big or small can silently provoke lamentation; in fact its dimensions are varied. Some instant samples are - score in an examination, inability to complete work on time, dissatisfaction over our work by superiors, complicating our work schedules by inserting extra inputs which may necessitate revamping the entire data analysis, even as the administration fails to recognize the burden and the risk of error in view of the complex data base and so on. While the items so far listed pertain to pressure from work, even non-work criteria may prove cumbersome creating a mental block and destroying peace in pursuit of routine.     Using personal conveyance we rush to work hoping to make substantial progress to the target.  Right at that point our route to workplace is clogged by irate crowds that a relative of one of them died in the hospital, from improper treatment. The crowd of laymen lay siege to all modes of transport and insist on meeting the district Collector at that place of commotion. Would we not lament that our higher authority would not buy these explanations? What a world we are in. After, straining every nerve, a worker [be it of any cadre] would be taxed with more work only to lament again. None ever seeks to know why so much work was left unattended to. But, they readily thrust it on the task force under their care or control. The cycle repeats itself all over again.   

Prof. K. Raman 

PHOTOGRAPHY

                                                            PHOTOGRAPHY

 

       One of the fine arts of human efforts has been photography. As on date, people have come to a stage of technology–based imaging. The present concept of imaging is by a digital process that has eliminated the need for equipment like film, dark room, technique of processing and above all a rigorous training for capturing the situation. There is nothing wrong if things are made easy for the user. But, the revolution in digital electronics has wiped out a whole range of skills which were acquired through systematic training and incessant practice, leaving thousands jobless and redundant. Myself, being  one  trained on all these  intricacies and nuances , feel for all such persons who have been literally orphaned by technology. I realize that quite a few, making a livelihood through small investments have been dislodged too. A MAJOR LOSS FROM THIS REVOLUTION HAS BEEN THE VERY AUTHENTICITY OF A PICTURE. It may require some extensive survey of the steps involved to substantiate my concern for authenticity in a picture. The most basic feature of authenticity is, reproduction of an image in “as is where is” basis. The present day computer-aided digital technology provides enormous scope for modifying a picture. The modification can be in terms of facial features, eye lashes , additions or deletions of identification marks that are typical to an individual. These can be exploited by crime-lovers / criminals to escape detection. With such a facility, falsification becomes quite easy. What do I mean by this observation is, one can plant a totally new background and create an alibi.  On the positive side, one can “put on” rich garments/ ornaments that [s]he has never seen, can go under a different hair style without a slight change in personal appearance. The freedom to change and the non-availability of any “negative” version of the picture make a dangerous combination that can help cheating to a very high level. In critical investigations photo evidence may not stand the scrutiny of law since there is no reproducible image store other than at the origin.  In conventional photography, the “negative” of any picture is the master record and evidence seekers insist on the surrender of the negative to ensure authenticity of a picture. The digital system retains the primary image as an electronic “memory” and the camera may have to be surrendered for fool-proof analysis of a crime. Also, generating of  additional copies requires appropriately equipped printing facility. The camera has to be given to the printing unit for deriving the picture from the digital memory. Being under the control of electronic design , images like 24 x 20” can not be readily made unlike in the conventional mode by enlargement.

What were the earlier rigidities that were to user’s advantage?

The most significant advantage was that photo images were tamper-proof, in the sense that the image was faithfully reproduced as was “held” in the negative. Artificial manipulations of features or surroundings would “show off” as insertions. Legal battles could be won, using the negative as concrete evidence. With the negative in hand it was possible to command any number of copies of varying dimensions even as big as 30 x 24”. Being shot through high resolution lenses and with thorough bred skills, pictures were razor sharp and rich in details. Except if recorded using real high resolution optics, a major casualty of digital reproduction is sharpness itself and resolutions are not brilliant. Digital system has wiped out the need for conceptual perfection as the system works in low ambient illumination. Users’ inadequacies do not come to the fore and everyone passes for a photographer. In the conventional mode only the best workers could make the best pictures.                 

Enormous regulations could be exercised in film processing and printing in the old mode. The most avid workers chose to process their films themselves to ensure absolute quality control. Due care began right from choice of camera , film for the occasion, film speed , process of negatives and quality printing on ideal paper. At every stage care was bestowed as  in a labour ward of the hospital. Quality control was integral to every step especially in chemical formulations, adherence to temperature schedules and dark room protocols. Pictures were thus composed [but not “created”] rather faithfully to give the very best reproduction. Equipment had to obey the worker and now it is the other way round. With the technology in vogue people may seldom realize the worth of workers who had perfected the art so much painstakingly for the sheer pleasure of work. I sincerely wish one day the world turns to them for help, because the perfection that a genuine worker looks for is beyond the scope of gadget-based approach.                         

In conclusion, it is essential  to make it clear that, I am not a reactionary to criticize all that is modern. My lamentation is, a hard-earned skill and a whole lot of task force have been rendered redundant. Already quite a few of our skills especially those involving manual dexterity have been lost / given up in favour of  rapid mass production methods. All such methods have helped quantity in time but not in rugged quality. At least these habits may be nurtured for their value of human skills.       

Prof. K. Raman

THE PATH - VI

 The Path - VI   [ At The Madura College]

If someone takes to the concept of negatively availing of the ambience, it is a reflection of the individual’s short-sighted character. If some one were to say that I would work only if monitored, it implies that the person is irresponsible. Honestly, it should be taken as good faith reposed in workers. My simple observation would set matters right. Certainly the College has been genuinely proud of some brilliant teachers / workers in all departments. Who asked them to be brilliant? Certainly none. It can all be summarized in one sentence Each worker did what [s]he could. [Work / wander / gossip] It is unfair to blame the system. 

Did any one ever suggest us to be lackadaisical in our work? At best one can say there was no reprimand. But, integrity to our duties / work need not await any signal. Those who value their self respect do their very best and others merely squander the wonderful opportunity to prove their worth. Stated in a different way, every one proves his or her worth. The inference is inevitable and infallible. I make the observation to drive home the point that at the level of collegiate teaching, responsibility is very high when trust is placed on us.

To recall my ambience, I too began as a nervous starter, for I had only the confidence but not the experience of handling the live-wire situations of class rooms. Very early in my career, I tried to ascertain why some teachers are more respected. I realized, they always mean business and they do not digress.  It can happen only if the teacher is equipped. The department of Botany had excellent reference material even 50 years ago. Vivid counseling was available from Prof. Sriganesan and Prof. Krishnan. They told us how to go about. We took it as a real blessing instead of displaying stupid inadequacy before students. That way all of us gained a lot from senior Professors. Quite some nuances of teaching specific intricacies of plant development, I have learnt from Prof. Sriganesan. He would precisely peg our doubts and offer the most convincing solutions.                                                         His knowledge was wholesome and he was endowed with fine skills of depicting even complex structures. The most astonishing facet of Prof. Sriganesan was his forthcoming attitude to help junior teachers. For the mere asking, he would pump out voluminous information with consummate ease as if conducting a magic show. He was a model teacher and no wonder he mesmerized all his students by his skills of teaching. With the simplest of words he made the deepest impression of any concept. Undoubtedly we were lucky to have had his counseling and wiser counsel prevailed on our seeking his help. Soon, we recognized the advantage of being knowledgeable and the alert amongst us went about genuinely equipping us in every sphere. The strongest base for successful teaching is absolute clarity in our understanding. It is well with in the reach of any one who honestly wishes to teach. With so much to gather from the ambience, I wish our people make the best of it. After all, the place has to echo the vibrations our great predecessors and it is for us to pick up the right leads. I am reminded of the saying, if there is a will, there is a way. I am sure, if some people regroup their efforts to satisfy the current needs of advanced teaching, certainly they can achieve it. My belief is some lead is needed. I am sure the presiding deity Goddess Meenakshi blesses the institution to forge ahead into luminous radiance in the days ahead. But for the radiant legacy, the institution could not have sustained for so many generations. Am I not right?

Thanks for your patient patronage             Prof. K. Raman