Visit to Rustaq

After Eid-al-Adha (or Bakreid) in September this year I got an opportunity to visit a historical town called Rustaq which is about two hours drive from Muscat. Mr Saif Salim Al Lamki, an Omani colleague who is a domicile of this place, had been regularly inviting me to visit him during the Eid holidays every year since I have been in Oman. As most of my holidays were spent in India owing to  various commitments I could only visit Rustaq this year thanks to his persistence.

Rustaq was once the capital of Oman and the Rustaq Fort is said to be built four centuries prior to the dawn of Islam in Oman (as per Wikipedia). It is an imposing structure built on three levels, containing separate houses, an armoury, a mosque, cells for confinement and four towers. The fort has been restored and is open to visitors who have to pay a nominal fee to gain entry to the premises.

Rustaq is also famous for its hot springs, the sulphur content of which is regarded as a cure for many skin and bone related ailments. I was fortunate, along with some other colleagues, to avail the generous hospitality of our host who took us on a tour of the town and then laid a sumptuous feast for us to partake. Following are some photos of our visit to this quiet, serene and picturesque location which I am sure will speak louder than words (click to enlarge):

                                                  A blend of History and Modernity !

                                        Entry to the Fort ( with Saif, Bharat and Dipesh)

                                                    

                            Artillery Gun of a Bygone Era ! (Saif can be seen in the background)

                                                        Reinforced Wooden Entry Door

                                                    A View of the Inner Courtyard

                                             View of the Outer Area from the Top Level

                                         Door of a Safe Deposit Area (Presumably)

                                           Imagine 'Boiling' Oil Being Poured on Invaders !

                                    The Fort had it's own Source of Water and Canal System

                                                           Source of the Hot Springs

                                        'Lost in Translation' or is it 'Painter's Devil' ?
                                       A sign near the Hot Spring which in Arabic proclaims
                                    that 'Bathing' is Prohibited instead of 'Thing' in English.

                                           The Best part of the Visit - Hogger's Delight !!

Thanks to Mr Saif Al Lamki, we had a wonderful time seeing the sights and thoroughly enjoyed the traditional Omani hospitality. Our parting query to him was "When are you inviting us to visit Rustaq again ?"

Saud Bahwan Group - Update

I am about to complete 8 years of service at Saud Bahwan Group. When I joined this group in December 2008 I had posted my first impressions about the place (Muscat), my new job and some 'feel good' factors about the company too. During the course of my tenure here I have been getting a lot of queries regarding the cost of living, working conditions, the atmosphere at work, work culture and questions about the place in general from a motley group of folks. The queries were mostly from prospective candidates who were shortlisted by the company during the interview rounds which our HR guys conduct at various places in India. Some were from guys from other Gulf countries who were contemplating a change. Some disgruntled souls who had left the company also posted negative comments about the group. 

Just like I mentioned in my previous post a 'google search' on Saud Bahwan Group must be showing related posts from this blog too. From time to time I have made it clear to such people who e-mailed their queries to me to 'not get carried away' by what I had mentioned about Saud Bahwan Group and the place as these were my personal impressions and were not meant to sway anyone's judgement. There is a lot of information floating around in cyberspace and information can also be gleaned from 'word-of-mouth' sources (friend of a friend of a friend etc, etc) or the local grapevine (which we call 'lungi gupp') in case someone has a friend from Kerela. One should reach a conclusion after thoroughly researching all available inputs. To all such inquisitive folks I must say that my take on life may be diametrically opposite to yours considering my area of expertise, qualifications, experience, designation, age, attitude, level of expectations, etc, etc. 

Some illustrious people who, before leaving the organization for good, go through the 'generally accepted practice' of composing a fine piece of prose in praise of the organization, the wonderful support received from superiors and colleagues and how the company helped them grow into fine human beings and how the experience enriched their lives. Such lavish praise is showered by a majority of folks prior to leaving the company for good. I find it unbecoming on their part to pass negative comments about the workplace particularly when they have been so vocal in their praise while they were here. One such guy posted a comment regarding his fundamental right being infringed upon by having to deposit his passport for 'safe keeping' with the company. Well, if this policy is a 'deal-breaker' for you then don't join the group or if you are in service and this rankles, then 'chuck it' man. As far as I am concerned, it is no big deal for me. I have received my passport well in time whenever I wanted to travel without any fuss whatsoever. Sometimes (and I have traveled a lot of times owing to the court case which I have mentioned in an earlier post) I have got the passport at very short notice and at times no notice at all.

Some other gentleman has commented that the environment is very political and the work culture worse than a Government organization in India. Here again, I must reiterate, that this is an individual opinion and one must take a call on what to do about it if the perception is such. Early in my service I had heard of a saying in hindi which goes thus: "नौकरी  करनी है तो नखरा कैसा ?" We seek employment for various reasons or compulsions and every job has its pros and cons. We do not have the liberty to choose our bosses and if you have to work under some 'stuck up' guy or a 'fuddy-duddy' then it is just too bad mister. Blame it on luck !

As far as I am concerned I am quite satisfied with my lot and things are cool.

CPP - Update

I have received a lot of queries regarding the subject from CPP aspirants from all over during the past six years. A google search on 'CPP' throws up some posts from this blog besides other relevant results. I have tried to reply to most of the mails I got but missed out some owing to other commitments/preoccupation/general feeling of being DWL (Disgusted With Life). My apologies to those people whose queries did not elicit a response from me. While I did get some really weird and 'out-of-this-world' queries (which I am not listing over here), the common ones are as follows :

(a)  Will CPP enhance my chances of getting a better job in Security ?

(b)  Is CPP the best certification for employment in Security ?

(c)  How do I arrange the required 'Course Material' ?

(d)  How about sending me some study material ?

(e)  Name the companies which directly employ CPPs ?

(f)  What is the 'value addition' after getting this certification ?

(g)  Did your professional career get a boost after earning this certification ?

(h)  Does it really help professionally or it just remains on your CV ?

(i)   Is it worth spending so much money on membership, test fees and resources ?

(j)   How relevant is this certification in India ?

Well, guys, thanks for the above mentioned bouncers. I am not going to answer these questions individually but the update I have in mind should clear most of the doubts. Firstly let me remind the present CPP aspirants that I got my CPP certification way back in in 2007. After re-certification in 2010 the same was validated till 31 December 2013. I did not bother to get re-certified thereafter, so technically I am not a CPP now (that is why I don't append it after my name anymore). Thanks to my current job profile, my personal preoccupations and problems, the 'low-crime-rate-country-that-I-work-in', advancing old age and general laziness to some extent, I did not think of re-certification after the validity expired.

The tag of being "Board Certified" in Security did not open any doors for me and neither was it my expectation. I was working in the Reserve Bank of India which besides being a premier institution is also a 'corruption free' (in the words of a distinguished former member of the Board) place to work in. It was a "Sarkari" job which paid well and there was lot of prestige attached to it in the market. When I faced the interview board for my current job, the panel (6 senior management officials) was totally clueless about CPP and I had to explain what it was and how that made me a 'tees maar khan'. When I landed in Oman I found out to my chagrin that no one had even heard of ASIS or CPP. So it did not boost my professional career in any way. I took the test to see if I had it in me to earn the credential. In 2007 there were just 7 CPPs in India (myself included) and I was the first in RBI. I can happily state that I did motivate some other colleagues who are Board Certified today and working in the Reserve Bank of India and some who are not. A whole lot of other guys (who got in touch with me through this blog) also benefited by the material which I had.

However, a lot has changed over the past years in terms of exam content, structure and percentage of domains of Security in which one is tested. My earlier posts related to CPP may not be fully relevant today. The study material recommended has totally changed. Now all that is recommended is the 8 volume POA and relevant ASIS Standards which can be downloaded free of cost (once) in case one is a member. The cost of POA is quite high so it would be a good idea to convince your management to foot the bill for the resource. I know the New Delhi Chapter had bought one set of study material, POA (which was 4 volumes at that time) included, in 2008 or 2009. No idea about other Chapters.

The ASIS website is quite exhaustive and one should go through it carefully to get answers to most common queries. Earning the certification is tough but it certainly gives you recognition within the fraternity. Employers in India today (and not only multi-nationals) are increasingly advertising for relevant certifications. Taking the test will ensure that you gain the required level of knowledge in Security Management, give your confidence a tremendous boost and make you visible within the fraternity. Should one go for it or not, spend so much money and whether it will add value or not  is a matter of personal choice and I will not comment on these choices. Hope that I have cleared the air somewhat ! Wishing all the best to future CPP aspirants.

Resurgence, Revival, Resurrection, Revisting - Bishtblog

After a lengthy hiatus of six years plus, I think it is high time I start blogging again. I have received numerous requests from my friends and acquaintances in this regard. Well, for starters, an update on my status would be appropriate. I am still working with the Saud Bahwan Group at Muscat - going to be nearly eight years now. The past six years have been a roller coaster ride in hell on the personal front owing to a court case in which my sons were framed for a crime they did not commit. On the professional front, things have been hectic but no cribs on that account as the ride has been quite satisfying. So much for resurgence - I better quit my rant now.

Wangdu Phuntsok - RIP

A few days back I was devastated to learn that my dear friend Wangdu Phuntsok passed away on 05 August owing to a massive heart attack. This shocking news came as a bolt from the blue for me. Words cannot describe my anguish at this loss. We became friends in 1966 when I was studying in class V at Bramleigh Towers Cambridge Academy, Mussoorie, and had kept in touch with each other for the past 44 years. Our friendship had stood the test of time and grew stronger with each passing year.

Just last month Wangdu had informed me that he had been honoured with His Holiness The Dalai Lama's award for his dedication and devotion in working for the cause of Tibetans settled all over the world. He was the Director of the Herman Gneimer School, Kathmandu, Nepal as well as a very well known personality in the Tibetan community.

Wangdu was an extremely polite, soft spoken, down-to-earth and humble person. Thoroughly dependable and ever willing to lend a helping hand to the needy, he possessed a great sense of humour and there was always a twinkle in his eye. I can vividly recall all the tricks he used to be up to when we were studying in Mussoorie. He later on moved to Sherwood College, Nainital, to complete his schooling. I am sure everyone whose life was touched by him will mourn his passing away. I pray to the almighty God to give his family the strength to bear this loss.

Adieu my friend. Rest in Peace !

Wangdu (in shawl) receiving the award

Code Number Clocked !

The title of this post is not meant to confuse anyone. When I joined the Saud Bahwan Group in December 2008 I was allotted an employee 'Code No.' My Code No. is 21217 which means that I was the 21217th individual to join this company ( the oldest serving employee as on date is Code No. 4 - employed in 1973 and currently part of the TOP management !!).

Recently, on my way back to Muscat from a branch visit I happened to notice that the odometer on my car was about to show my Code No. as kilometers clocked till date. Not bad - clocking 21217 kms in just a little over one year ! I shot the following pics on this occasion. (click on the pic to enlarge):

Code No. Clocked !
A view of the scenic surroundings
Speed Thrills are Cheap Thrills - Dont try this !

Death of a Soldier

I came across the following poem in one the mail forwards someone had sent me. I found it worth sharing - so here goes !!

He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the family,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew where of he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Natha Singh has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And a pension, meagre & small.

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some Neta,
With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier--
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight to the skin.

He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED YESTERDAY.."

Height of Dereliction of Duty

I was on leave in India from 05 May to 11 June 2010. Proceeding on leave in peak summer is not my idea of fun. The same was necessary as I had to appear for my MA (Final) exam which was scheduled during this period. After the five written papers I was required to face the viva-voce which was held on 11 June 2010. I had to extend my leave because of this as I was told that facing the viva was compulsory and I would not get the degree in case I absented myself. The test was supposed to start at 1000 hrs sharp at the scheduled venue. I reached that place at 0930 hrs and approached the venue incharge to request that my viva may be held as early as possible as I had to leave for Delhi by road since I was catching the morning flight to Muscat the very next day.
Having been assured that I would be amongst the first lot to be tested I waited for the clock to strike ten. And what a wait it was !! Around 1000 hrs there was a sizable crowd of youngsters, some with relevant notes for last minute study and all anxious for the viva to begin. There was no sign of the examiner till 1030 hrs and we were told by the venue authorities that he would be arriving shortly. The same response was given at half hourly intervals till 1300 hrs when “his highness” finally arrived and promptly settled down for “chai –pani”.
By this time I was ready to climb the wall in sheer frustration as the taxi which I had booked for travel to Delhi had already arrived and my better half was in a state of panic. When my turn for the personal interface finally came I was cheesed to the core and the examiner had to bear the brunt of my ire. I do not think I will get good marks in the viva as it was a disaster – but what the hell – this was height of dereliction of duty. Now I know why some teachers get thrashed by their students. Sadly, the lot who patiently waited with me were very docile and I had to be satisfied by the tongue lashing which I gave the examiner. Needless to say that we reached Delhi very late and spent a sleepless night owing to packing and leaving for the airport very early. How we made it in the nick of time is another story !

Timely Response & Quick Wits - A Prerequisite for Effective Security !

During the recent cyclone ‘Phet’ which lashed parts of the Sultanate in the first week of this month attendance of security personnel at their posts was very thin as many stayed indoors owing to heavy rains and overflowing ‘wadis’.
One enterprising security guard who was alone at one of our facilities (normally paired duty) thought he could make a fast buck and none would be the wiser. He drove off with some expensive automobile parts in his vehicle when his reliever reported for duty. The next day all hell broke loose when the workshop staff discovered that the said parts were missing from the shop floor.
The Security Manager in charge of that area went to the site and carried out an investigation which revealed that the guard in question had made a call to someone from a colleague’s cell phone. He could trace out the number which he called and came to know that it belonged to an auto repair shop in the neighbouring town some 20 kms away. He posed as a customer and asked whether a second hand ‘such-and-such’ part was available for his car ? On an affirmative answer from the other end he grew suspicious and visited the repair shop. He asked the shop owner if the part (a high end assembly) had been purchased by him from someone recently and informed him that the matter was under investigation (though it had not been yet been reported).
The shop owner admitted that he had indeed purchased such an item from the security guard whose contact details he had kept. The errant security guard was confronted with this information whereupon he confessed to the crime. The matter was reported to the Police and the culprit is presently behind bars (after following the due course of disciplinary proceedings). This incident has been given wide publicity so that it deters other personnel who may have a similar bent of mind.
It is not surprising that some mischievous elements are present in the large guard force we have. These are exceptions – the ‘bad apples’ in the basket. What is important is that such incidents have to be seen through to their logical end, the bad apples thrown out and wide publicity given for deterrent effect. Timely response and a quick witted approach by the Security Manager saved the day for us. The assembly in question had been sold for Rs 3000/- whereas it’s actual cost was Rs 36,000/-.

Sights and Sounds of Nature

Image via Wikipedia (Map of India showing Uttarakhand - in red colour)

I usually stay with my in-laws whenever I visit Dehradun. They live in the cantonment which is thankfully green and peaceful (and a couple of degrees cooler) as compared to the madhouse that Dehradun has become ever since it was declared the capital of Uttarakhand. Going to the city on an errand has now become such a pain that one tends to postpone the chore unless it is an emergency. Negotiating the 4-5 odd kms now takes an eternity thanks to the phenomenon of traffic jams, ineffective policing and indisciplined and rash drivers who deserve a sound thrashing for all the choas they create on the road. (What a pleasure that would be if I were so empowered - the thrashing I mean !!)
Living in the cantonment, however, has its rewards - especially the area adjoining RIMC - which is green and abode to a wide variety of wildlife. One does not need an alarm clock to wake up early in the morning. The cacophony of the birds does that job very effectively. Living in concrete jungles most of the time I had forgotten the melodious sounds which emanate from the jungles in Uttarakhand. I have tried to record these sounds in the following video clip. Turn up the volume and try to decipher the songs of the mynahs, bulbuls, koels, parakeets, wild fowl, sparrows and ravens. This orchestra starts everyday at around 0500 hrs and I am lucky to have a ringside seat. Living with nature could never be better !