Happy New Year 2010

Wishing all the readers prosperity, health and peace in the New Year !

Prepaid Taxi Woes at IGI Airport

The prepaid taxi service at Indira Gandhi International Airport, in my opinion, is the ultimate 'pain - in- the - backside' for travellers. On 21 December I landed from Muscat at around 9.00 PM and the experience I had was nightmarish. The service is suposed to be run by cops (Delhi Police) who only dole out receipts after charging rounded off fares for the farthest point of any area where one wishes to travel. After that the traveller is left to fend for himself clutching his receipt and pushing his trolley trying to find out where the hell to board the taxi from. I was told that the taxi would be available outside Exit No.2 but when I reached that point I found that taxies arriving were already occupied. Enterprising travellers had made a beeline right upto the taxi stand and grabbed the cab there. I found that there were no takers for short distances and foreigners were being given preferential treatment by touts and hangers-on who were helping them find their cabs in the hope of a hefty tip. There was no cop in sight to regulate this chaos. A couple of them were sitting in a kiosk mechanically noting down names of those who were lucky enough to get the cabs. I refused to budge from the point from where I was supposed to get the cab and wasted an hour in the process. When I was sufficiently pissed off by the proceedings, I went back inside the terminal and got back my fare after arguing with the cops for another half an hour. I then rang up a friend and asked him to pick me up - having wasted nearly two hours at the airport. This was the first time I tried to take a prepaid cab from the airport and it will surely be the last.

Flash Floods

On 11, 12 and 13 December Muscat and some other parts of Oman experienced heavy rainfall (by Gulf standards). Muscat received 16 to 18 mm of rain during these days which I think is the annual average. The advent of rain was a welcome sight but it had a sad fallout. Some of the areas which are bordered by hills were hit by flash floods wreaking havoc in their wake. This is a common occurence whenever it rains and the Government makes it a point to issue cautionary notices to be careful and to avoid 'wadis' (dry river beds or runoffs where roads often criss cross each other). At some known dangerous points, the Royal Oman Police even put road blocks to discourage road users. On 11 December some foolhardy people paid no heed to such advisories and ten lives were lost. One of them was an employee from my company who had just spent a month and a half in Muscat before he got swept away and died. Flash floods are very dangerous and can cause untold devastation in a split second. Vehicles of all sizes were tossed around like corks and were battered beyond recognition, a sight I happened to witness later. Rains are a welcome phenomena in Oman but one needs to be wary of the fury of nature.

UP Sainik School Golden Jubilee Celebrations

Following is a news item published in TOI on 11 Dec 2009 after the Upsainian OBA convened a press conference regarding the subject at Lucknow.
Marathon to celebrate Sainik School landmark
TNN 11 December 2009, 05:54am IST
LUCKNOW: The UP Sainik School Old Boys Association (UPSAINIANS), a body of alumni of Uttar Pradesh Sainik School, Lucknow, is organizing the 21.097 km half marathon in Lucknow on December 20 to commemorate the 50th year of the establishment of the school.
The school was established in 1960 with the objective of increasing the number of students joining the armed forces. The school has achieved this objective of sending more than 800 cadets to National Defence Academy/Indian Military Academy which trains the officers of Indian Armed Forces.
The school has the rare distinction of having produced the bravery icon, Param Vir Chakra awardee (Late) Captain Manoj Pandey, who made the supreme sacrifice during the Kargil war and a host of other bravery award winners. UPSAINIAN undertakes activities for supporting the children aiming to join armed forces besides organising other social activities.
The marathon will be the first such run in state. The events on the day will be half marathon, a five km run and a 1 km run. The run is being branded as `Prerna 2009' with an intent to inspire the people of Lucknow. More than 3,000 people are expected to be participating in the run which will be starting from the KD Singh `Babu' Stadium at 7:30 am and traverse through the main areas of the city. The run would be flagged-off by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command.
It will carry a first prize of Rs 1,00,000, second prize of Rs 50,000 and third prize of Rs 25,000. The dream run of 5 kms will carry following prizes, first prize of Rs 15,000, second prize of Rs 10,000 and third prize of Rs 5,000. This dream run will have separate prizes for male and female categories.
The run will also showcase winners of Delhi marathon who will be the star attraction at Prerna 2009. As a special treat to youngsters a special adventure zone is being created by the Indian Army and will feature attractions like hot air ballooning amongst others.
The registration for `Prerna 2009' will commence from December 12 and forms will be available at Dr Mobile, Sri Ram Towers, Hazratganj; Modern Communication, Mithai Walla Chauraha, Gomti Nagar; Mukesh Modern Bazaar, near Punjab & Sind Bank, Alambagh; Vikendra Mobile World, Main crossing chowk amongst others.

A post from 'faujnet' !

Following is a post I came across while browsing through 'faujnet' (of which I am a member -www.faujnet.com ). Those of my 'fauji' friends who are not yet aware of this may like to visit the site and become members. Coming to the subject post, here it is :

Carrear in Banking post Release/Retirement
Dear Friends,
I am Captain Bhaskar Bhattacharya (Retd) from 74 Armoured Regiment, left army in 1992. I am 41st SSC was commissioned in Mar' 1986.
I am presently employed in DENA BANK, one of the nationalised banks and working as Sr. Manager Securirty and Estate. DENA BANK is having majority of their branches in the state of Gujarat and Maharashtra. I thought it is appropriate for me to inform my fauji colleagues about carrear in banking after defence service .

The banking sector though advertises for filling up vacancies of Ex defence officers but the job has following short comings:
1. No initiative at any level for ex officers.
2. No residential accomodation,
3. No infrastructure to perform, No assistant to work for you,
4. Excessive expectation to perform
5. Our post is for support system hence no clear career path
6. No vehicle to perform your duties, except for 2 wheelers which is rather demoralising after leaving defence force in certain authoritative position,
7. Salary is also not to match with the market CTC offered by MNCs.
8. NO family life, no social life as security is not looked upon in high esteem.
9. The people wish to be friendly for canteen facilities otherwise do not care.
10. Dealing with guards directly which otherwise being done by Havildars/JCOs in units.
11. Growth in reaching higher scale is limited to Chief Managers provided vacancy exists.
12. Lateral movement/shift in other department is practically impossible.
13. One is provided with a chair and a table with computer no cabins even after 2 decades of bank service.
Financial, positional, emotional or in all parameters the banking carrear is not rewarding except for RBI openings.

Through this forum I wish to inform one and all to weigh all pros and cons and then select banking as carrear post defence job.
I may be contacted on brc161965@gmail.com.
Thanking you & Regards
Bhaskar
PS : There were some comments appended to this post which I have not attached here. Capt Bhaskar says banking 'carrear' is not rewarding except RBI openings. Must say 'ignorance is bliss' for this remark !

The End of 'अज्ञातवास' !

I had thought of various titles for this post viz : 'Breaking News', 'Arvind Resurfaces', and 'Guests in Oman' but ultimately settled for the one as given above as it seemed the most appropriate. 'अज्ञातवास' means 'exile' (whether forced or self imposed). Well, coming down to the story, I was pleasantly surprised when I got a mail from Capt Arvind Sharma some time back informing me that he and his better half would be visiting Oman around the end of the current month. They arrived on 26 Nov (evening) and I was very excited as they happened to be the first 'guests' I would be playing host to in Oman (Seetu's absence, which was sorely missed, notwithstanding !). We spent half the night exchanging notes catching up on lost time.

Secondly, the whereabouts of Arvind have been a mystery of sorts to all his friends and colleagues of late. His 'resurfacing', thus, is verily an event in itself. Well, let me be the first to break the news - Arvind is presently based in Bahrain. Bahrain is an island kingdom which is a part of the GCC states and is an hour's flying time from Muscat. He has recently landed a damn good job with the Kanoo group . Congratulations Avind and Bravo !!

Another happy event was that 27th Nov happened to be Arvind's birthday - the day when he completed four decades of his life (40 carats). This occasion was celebrated in my house by the three of us and later Arvind treated us to dinner at an Indian restuarant. Following are some photos of the birthday bash and an outing which we enjoyed today (click on the pics to enlarge).

Arvind and me with the 'spread' - pastries & wine !

Arvind 'scored' one by smearing me with pastry.
(It was 'his' day and I got smeared - not done man)
Now the score was even ! Cheers to those who cheer for us !!

Arvind and me with 'Marina Bandar Al Rowdha'

in the background.

Arvind, Anju and myself at the same spot as above.

Photographed on the way back home. Arvind

seems to be emphasizing some moot point !

Remembering Mumbai Terror Attacks !

On 26th Nov 2009 print and audiovisual media was full of news regarding the subject, which was along expected lines, as an year has passed since that blatant attack which traumatised an entire city for nearly three days. On this occasion my friend and fellow blogger Balli has posted a thought provoking and insightful article titled 'We can bring the Change'. It can be read at www.balvindersingh.blogspot.com

For and in depth and minute by minute account of that episode I recommend all should read 'Sixty Hours of Terror : By the Grace of Allah' by Jason Motlagh. It is a very well researched account of the 60 hours when the city of Mumbai was in panic and the entire nation full of uncertainity and indignation. It is replete with photos and accounts of interviews and interrogations. The article can be read in the Virginia Quarterly Review at http://vqronline.org

Do's and Dont's for Security Personnel

In order to augment the basic training input which the national security guards and watchmen are being exposed to, a list of 'Do's and Dont's' in English and Arabic is being published in a booklet form which will be issued to all the security personnel. This will serve as an aide-de-memoire for the security guards. The most important ones will be depicted pictorally or by caricatures to have a better impact (a picture is worth a thousand words !). These 'Do's and Dont's' are not comprehensive by any means and have been framed keeping in mind the local conditions and practices prevalent here. The said list is as follows :

DO’s
1. Keep this booklet/pamphlet with you while on duty.
2. Always obey and follow the policy of the company/department.
3. Wear your proper uniform.
4. Your uniform should be neat and properly ironed.
5. Your shoes should be neat and polished.
6. Shave daily/keep beard and mustache trimmed.
7. Ensure that you have a proper haircut.
8. Wear ‘Massar’ properly in case uniform is not issued to you.
9. Display your identity card on your person while on duty.
10. Be punctual.
11. Be alert and vigilant.
12. Be polite and courteous.
13. Be enthusiastic.
14. Be respectful to all customers/visitors.
15. Be aware of the Company’s locations.
16. Greet and reply the greetings in a friendly way.
17. Keep yourself healthy and fit.
18. Stay calm with an angry customer.
19. Deal respectfully with lady customers.
20. Know your senior staff.
21. Inform your supervisor/superiors about any unexpected or emergency situation.
22. Ensure secrecy of Company information.
23. Make sure you know your duties/responsibilities at every post.
24. Proper duty handing over should be carried out.
25. Be cooperative and build a good relationship with all.
26. Be available and flexible for any Emergency duty.
27. Do simple stretching exercises every hour while on duty.
28. Keep yourself updated about functional processes and procedures.
29. Maintain your cool while speaking over telephone.
30. Be aware of the vulnerable areas, security threats and emergency exits at your location.
31. Ensure that the premises are secure after business hours.
32. Carry a torch with you for night duty.
33. Keep a list of important telephone numbers with you.
34. Be aware of the actions to be taken in case of any emergency.
35. You should know how to frisk and check visitors if required.
36. Keep an eye on the movement of personnel and vehicles in your area.
37. Be aware of hiding places in vehicles which have to be checked.
38. Carry out regular patrolling of your area of responsibility.
39. Ensure that all security gadgets in your area are working properly.
40. Report any breaches of Security to your superior immediately.
41. Ensure proper key management.
42. Ensure that display vehicles are secured.
43. Barriers to be down/gates to be closed when not in use.
44. Make sure the first aid box is available in your post and is to be used in an emergency.
45. Make sure you know the types of fire extinguishers and how to use them in case of an emergency.
DON’T’s
1. Do not leave your post unless permitted by your supervisor or for patrolling.
2. Do not allow entry to any unauthorized person into the premises without permission.
3. Do not come to work under the influence of liquor/narcotic substances.
4. Do not smoke while on duty.
5. Do not chew gum or tobacco while on duty.
6. Do not sleep on duty.
7. Do not engage in unnecessary conversation while on duty.
8. Do not take leave without permission.
9. Do not argue with or shout at customers.
10. Don’t be busy in secondary matters while on duty.
11. Don’t indulge in rumour mongering.
12. Do not use company property or services for personal gain.
13. Do not entertain your friends/relatives in the guard post.
14. Do not listen to music while on duty.

15. Do not bring your laptop/electronic devices to the work place.

'ANAQA' Training Programme for National Security Guards

We have recently emabarked on an ambitious project - that of training the national security guards and watchmen all over Oman -totalling approximately 450 personnel. These security personnel do not have a military or police background and are thus quite clueless about the basic security principles and practices. All this time they were learning on the job and were being imparted training by visiting security officers off and on at various locations. There was no structured training module which was being delivered uniformally to everyone.

A basic training programme titled 'ANAQA' which, in Arabic, means 'SMART' (which is also an acronym for 'Smile, Morale, Alert, Respect and Turnout' - the basic qualities/requirements of any security guard) has thus been launched which is being conducted every Wednesday for a batch of 15 personnel (attendance of a larger number would hamper the operations). The programme contains inputs on knowledge about the company, expectations from the cadre, legal issues and strictures, how to do one's job effectivey, emphasis on discipline, turnout and attitude, consequences of security lapses and practical demonstrations. It is expected that by June 2010 all the nationals would have been trained in this basic module. The fourth batch was trained yesterday. Following are some photos from the programmes conducted so far.

Inauguration of the Programme.
Demonstration on how to check a vehicle properly.
Proper Checking & Frisking Technique.
A session in the classroom.

The inevitable group photo !

High Speed Joyride !

Recently when I was going on a branch visit I saw a funny sight on the road. It is not uncommon to behold such events in Oman but they are rare on the highways where vehicles are zipping past at speeds in excess of 120 km per hour. Since I was accompanying a colleague who was at the wheel, I got an opportunity to click the following photos. The camels were apparently enjoying the ride as they sat side by side in a snug fit in the Toyota Hylux pickup in front of us, unperturbed at the curios stares of other road users. This is what is called a true blend of tradition with modernity !!

"Whatcha looking at man ?" "C'mon, dont bother about their stares !"