It's a stupid world

It's been one-and-a-half month since I joined Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), an autonomous organisation under Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health as a Media Consultant. Having just switched over from a private media organisation, I joined this organisation with quite enthusiasm. But the day-to-day peculiar experiences here are leaving me with cramps in my stomach.

One of the latest incidents occured when I needed to have a photostat copy of a 21-page Information Brochure. As the Director wished to have it edited at the earliest, I expected it to reach me for editing work at least within 5 or 10 minutes from the concerned room. Well, it reached me three-and-a-half hours later that too when I chanced upon to visit that specific official's room for some other information. I was handed over the file.

I somehow appreciated that the 'most important' document's copy was pubished on used print out to save government expenditure. I looked into it and realised it need much time consuming editing work.

Having worked upon it for half-an-hour or so of the left official time, I decided to carry the document to my home. I worked on it late night and finished almost one fourth of it by 2.00 a.m. much to the annoyance of my wife for carrying official work to home. But I knew its urgency. Hence, I ignored her and put in my best of sincere effort to make it read better.

On the following morning, I decided to skip the morning prayer citing the chill and cold overwhelming my mind and body in particular. But I decided to work upon the pending editing work with my gloves and winter jacket on. I finished my work by 12.30 p.m. despite routine highly irritating and disturbing noise of the staff in this Communication and Documentation wing that includes a huge library, meaning silence should have been its prime feature.

Anyhow, I was delighted to have completed my work a bit faster than I anticipated. Now, I required a photostat copy of the edited file as a backup or proof for the work executed, lest it should fall prey to the list of 'misplaced files' of the institute.

Though this section of the institute has a photostat machine as any library should have, but it is a paid service for students.

The Director's latest instructions have made it essential to first have official approval of him before getting even a single page photostated by the staff including the highly positioned individuals to prevent 'misuse'.

As I came out of my cabin for photostat copies of the 'urgently' required and edited file, as the Communication and Documentation officer-cum-incharge of this entire wing comprising exhibition hall, library and multi-media centre of the institute, reminded myself that this is payable. But I needed to have it urgently. Still, it's of no use approaching my own peon for the same service.

I approached one of my senior colleagues for advise for the same. She asked me to visit the Administrative building where another photostat machine has been kept for such works. I visited that place on the first floor. I enquired from one of the four peons deployed there for the photostat service.

His answer left me a bit shaken. He said: "Sahab, you cannot have photostat copy of the document just like that from here even." "But what do I do to have it photostated as it's 'urgent'," I asked.

"Sahab, do one thing. Write an application stating that you need this much number of photostat copies, the purpose, and your position in the institute not forgetting to mention the timing and the date," he said.

I raised my eyebrows in utter surprise at his suggestion-cum-reply and left the place in peals of laughter. I approached my colleague again and shared the incident. Being very kind in nature, she directed our peon to find out another way for some solution. He did find some 'real' solution asking me to make an official entry in the register stating...the purpose, the timing and number of copies marked against my position and name. "But please come after one hour lunch, sahab." he left with no choice but smiling for the rest of the day and attempting this anecdote about this studpid world 'Sarakari Tantra'.


RegardsChaudhary Sandeep Datta