Thursday, July 03, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Are we developing ?
Around May 06 I had joined “Mahaveer driving school” near my place along with my Mom and we both had obtained our four wheeler’s license on the same day. They had provided us two copies, an original and a duplicate, which looked exactly the same apart from its thickness. I had carried the duplicate license copy along with me when I travelled to onsite and had left my original with my parents.
Day I lost my wallet
A fine Sunday afternoon in July 07 I was lying on my bed and was surfing and was spending my day in a very lazy lousy manner ( I never miss an opportunity to be that way ;) ) when my roommates Maneesha and Kavya suggested why not we go and do some shopping. Though I am not a shopaholic type of person I just kicked myself out my bed and came down with them. When we were near the parking lot I realized I had just grabbed my mobile and purse and forgot to grab my car key. I unluckily and with carelessness placed my mobile and purse on top of the car and went up to grab the keys when my roommates stood there chatting. Once I was back with keys I just forgot about the things placed on the car roof and just drove till the shop which was not even a mile away. Parking the car I realized what a blunder I had done. Got out to find my mobile; stuck in the moon roof, but purse gone missing. I searched near the parking lot and as well drove back the same road to see if I could find it back but it was just gone. I drove the ladies back to the shop and started making calls to get the cards blocked while they were shopping. I had all my bank ATM cards, Kansas drivers license, Indian drivers license, 200$ around in cash, couple of photographs and to add to my bad luck my SSN card ( I had been to the bank the previous day and had to show my SSN to get my credit application processed ). Once I was done with the call I joined my roomies and spent the rest of the day not bothering about the lost items any more.
During the next week I was able to get my ATM cards replaced, duplicate SSN issued, Driver’s license reissued with least effort. I as well went to the police station to register a complaint as I had lost my SSN and as well find the things I need to do to avoid getting into any kind of trouble.
Day at Kansas city police station located near 123rd Metcalf
I was there with Kavya somewhere around noon. As soon as we entered we found a lady cop all equipped talking to a guy and few other cops involved in some work behind the meshed window. Once they were done they politely called me near the window and asked how they could help me. I very well remember the politeness in their tone, friendliness in their body language and “we are over here to help you” kind of attitude portrayal. I let them know I had lost my purse and was there to give a complaint when the lady cop asked me to wait while someone would come and help me out. Irrespective of their behavior there still stood a fear in me on how it shall be further.
There was a charming young cop (I definitely wanted a snap of him; I somehow have fallen for most of the cops I have come across in US geee J ) who walked towards me and asked me to step into a room. I asked Kavya to wait for me over there and went in. He made me take a seat on the other end of the table and asked me if I would want to a glass of water or anything. He checked if I am comfortable and said a couple of lines so I could relax and sit over there. I wasting no time started telling him what had happened when he started noting down everything I said on a sheet of paper. He comforted me not to worry about anything and said he shall do his best to find my purse. I let him know that I had lost my SSN ( I was damn sure he is gonna yell at me atleast ) due to my stupidness. Surprised I was to hear him say “It happens mam by everyone, once in a while. You be careful going forward and I hope you shall not get into such troubles and winked J “. He gave instructions on which credit bureaus I need to register so I could track any fraud if at all happens using my lost SSN. He asked me couple more questions trying to get every other information about the way the purse looked, all the items present in it and as well handed me over a card with his number and told me I could get in touch with him in case I have forgotten to mention something or I need any help. Once we were done he started speaking to me casually and side by side got the complaint filed and handed over to me the printed copy with the case number. I forgot to mention all this while he had placed his laati and pistols on the table ;)
I never got back my purse btw but I am definitely more than satisfied by the way I was treated even though I was an “Immigrant” and I only know how more comfortable I have felt living in US post this experience J.
Coming to the real reason which motivated me to write this blog
Once I was back in India this September I looked for the original copy at my place. Definitely it was not with all my other documents and found was not with my parents. I and Mom scanned thru all the documents we had quiet sometimes but was not present. I asked my Dad and papa was damn sure I have just lost it and confirmed wasn’t there with him. Knowing my nature anybody would easily agree I would have lost: P. I finally made up my mind to give up searching and get a duplicate issued.
Firstly I searched in the website to know the procedures to get the same. I figured out until and unless I knew the license number there is no ways to get the same. My first shock is it. I definitely had no photo copies made :P.
As a next try I thought since me and my Mom got license on the same day that too one after another my license number should be either a number ahead of hers or behind hers but how to confirm. Since I had got the same from the driving school I gave a call to them to find if they can search the same and let me know. For a week continuously I called to the driving school to hear “Madam is not there call up in the evening “ if I call in the evening it would be call up in the morning L. Finally I was fed up I called them up once again but left being polite and started speaking to the operator. The conversation went somewhat like this
He “ Madam illa amele maadi ( after hearing the whole story again )“
I couldn’t resist and said “I have been hearing the same from previous one week. I call in the morning … afternoons … evenings could I at least know when your Madam would be there? “
He “No we don’t know. Call up later (in a rude tone) “
I continued “At least give me your Madam’s number I shall call her up myself”
He “We cannot give you like that”
I “At least let me know if you can dig the detail out. Or wouldn’t it be possible?”
He “ It would be difficult as we need to dig too many records”
I “I could give you the exact date I took the test as my Mom as well took the test on the same day. I could let you know the person who took the test and as well my mom’s license number. I am almost sure the DL number is a digit ahead or behind hers” and I gave all the details.
He acted to note down everything and asked me to drop in to the office so he could search.
I politely said I am at office and just damn stuck up with things so may not be able to drop in. I asked him if he could search and either give me a call or if he wants me to call up after few days by which he could do the search.
He replied to me back in a rude tone saying “Adella agolla ri, you have to come down and sit here so I could search”
I again asked me if he needs some time to search I could give a call some time later or if needed some days later
He “Agalla antha helilva. You should come and sit here then only I shall search “
I just lost my temper here and said “ I guess I have not called up a government office who require me to be present there to give information and I guess I am not asking someone else’s information. If you still need somebody I can send my Mother but I definitely can’t drop in. You please let me know your Madam’s number I shall talk to her itself. “
He replied back saying “Avdhu govt office tarane. You send your mom I can search”
I asked when is the good time for her to drop in so he shall have time to search.
Shocking was it to hear him say “We are buzy until, next two weeks ask her to come after that. “
I just was exhausted I said ok and ended the call.
Mom’s visit to the driving school
It was a Thursday afternoon I was not feeling good and was at home. My mom had been to the market and happened to come in front of the driving school. She just walked in to find the Madam available. She told her that I was trying to get my lost license and if she could help. The lady was damn polite and said definitely she would. We have all the records and it should not take much time to dig the information out. She suggested my mom to get a police complaint written telling I had lost my license and my snaps. She asked her to bring the necessary things and fill a form and she could get my duplicate license reissued for a cost of 800 to 900Rs. My mom gave a call to me and checked if I could drop down for a while so we could get the complaint written. I was desperate to get the same done and somehow rushed to the police station.
My mom asked me to get a sheet of paper from the nearby book store when I asked why? She replied back “don’t you want to write a complaint”. I smiled at her and said “Are you kidding!! . Please don’t tell me the cop is gonna ask me to get my own sheet of paper J “ . I just asked her to walk in with me. There where couple of constables sitting. One was buzy talking to someone other was buzy doing what? I cannot make out J .
I waited for a minute and finally stepped ahead and said “Sir I wanted to lodge a complaint. I have lost my purse in which I had my license and need a complaint reported to get my license reissued”.
He asked “ What ? “ waking up from his sleep is it L. I repeated the whole thing once again. He told me to get a written complaint so he could sign and seal :P. I was embarrassed is it in front of my mom J. We walked outside to the nearby bookstore. I paid a rupee to get two sheets of paper of bad quality but which would serve my purpose :P. I came back to the station and wrote the complaint. I went back to the constable and showed him the same when he said “Ok get a photocopy madam “and gave a dirty stare which was like “Don’t you know that much”. I was not shocked when my mom had a warm smile on her face. She definitely knew J.
I once again walked out of the station to a nearby Xerox center and got a photo copy paying a rupee for a copy:P. I walked again to the constable when he blindly signed and sealed the same.
I just walked out with my mom saying “ If I come here at 12 in the night with my grievances am I expected to get a complaint written and photo copy bought :P. Which shop would I go in search for then? blah blah blah” I was definitely fuming L.
My mom said “This is India. You are no more in US J “we both walked to the nearby Photo center while I shared the experiences I had in US with the cops.
I got my snaps which the shopkeeper said would give after an hour (I had none at home bad luck again is itL). We both went back home. After around two hours me and my Mom collected the snaps and went to the Driving school.
Bad luck again the lady had gone and there was this phone hero sitting :p.
My mom spoke to him when I thought to shut my mouth and keep myself away from him. He again was talking in his own rude manner “agolla madam…. Time beku….. chk madi heltini…. We don’t need this complaint and snaps… take it back we shall give a call if we find it” He did some drama of searching it and then said “I guess it’s not here. We need to search in old records. Blah blah blah… “. Finally he said “Getting a duplicate is a lengthy process madam. Give the details and go we will call up. You cannot get at least for the next one month”. I finally got fed up signed my mom to get up so we could leave and come back when the Madam is there.
I came back home and thought to give the test once again and get a new one issued rather beating around bushes to get a duplicate.
I got it… I got it…. J
Dad recently was going thru the car documents to get the insurance details. Premium had to be paid in a couple of days when he found my license lying with it. He gave me a call and informed me when I was just filled with joy. (Pain is at last over:P. I was not been able to go to the test center for a new license:P. ). I quarreled with dad for a while but was definitely damn happy J
Reason to write the blog
I am a proud Indian but I am definitely ashamed when I look at our system, our society and adding to the pain is my experiences in US which forces me to compare. US without doubt a developed country but are we developing?
Day I lost my wallet
A fine Sunday afternoon in July 07 I was lying on my bed and was surfing and was spending my day in a very lazy lousy manner ( I never miss an opportunity to be that way ;) ) when my roommates Maneesha and Kavya suggested why not we go and do some shopping. Though I am not a shopaholic type of person I just kicked myself out my bed and came down with them. When we were near the parking lot I realized I had just grabbed my mobile and purse and forgot to grab my car key. I unluckily and with carelessness placed my mobile and purse on top of the car and went up to grab the keys when my roommates stood there chatting. Once I was back with keys I just forgot about the things placed on the car roof and just drove till the shop which was not even a mile away. Parking the car I realized what a blunder I had done. Got out to find my mobile; stuck in the moon roof, but purse gone missing. I searched near the parking lot and as well drove back the same road to see if I could find it back but it was just gone. I drove the ladies back to the shop and started making calls to get the cards blocked while they were shopping. I had all my bank ATM cards, Kansas drivers license, Indian drivers license, 200$ around in cash, couple of photographs and to add to my bad luck my SSN card ( I had been to the bank the previous day and had to show my SSN to get my credit application processed ). Once I was done with the call I joined my roomies and spent the rest of the day not bothering about the lost items any more.
During the next week I was able to get my ATM cards replaced, duplicate SSN issued, Driver’s license reissued with least effort. I as well went to the police station to register a complaint as I had lost my SSN and as well find the things I need to do to avoid getting into any kind of trouble.
Day at Kansas city police station located near 123rd Metcalf
I was there with Kavya somewhere around noon. As soon as we entered we found a lady cop all equipped talking to a guy and few other cops involved in some work behind the meshed window. Once they were done they politely called me near the window and asked how they could help me. I very well remember the politeness in their tone, friendliness in their body language and “we are over here to help you” kind of attitude portrayal. I let them know I had lost my purse and was there to give a complaint when the lady cop asked me to wait while someone would come and help me out. Irrespective of their behavior there still stood a fear in me on how it shall be further.
There was a charming young cop (I definitely wanted a snap of him; I somehow have fallen for most of the cops I have come across in US geee J ) who walked towards me and asked me to step into a room. I asked Kavya to wait for me over there and went in. He made me take a seat on the other end of the table and asked me if I would want to a glass of water or anything. He checked if I am comfortable and said a couple of lines so I could relax and sit over there. I wasting no time started telling him what had happened when he started noting down everything I said on a sheet of paper. He comforted me not to worry about anything and said he shall do his best to find my purse. I let him know that I had lost my SSN ( I was damn sure he is gonna yell at me atleast ) due to my stupidness. Surprised I was to hear him say “It happens mam by everyone, once in a while. You be careful going forward and I hope you shall not get into such troubles and winked J “. He gave instructions on which credit bureaus I need to register so I could track any fraud if at all happens using my lost SSN. He asked me couple more questions trying to get every other information about the way the purse looked, all the items present in it and as well handed me over a card with his number and told me I could get in touch with him in case I have forgotten to mention something or I need any help. Once we were done he started speaking to me casually and side by side got the complaint filed and handed over to me the printed copy with the case number. I forgot to mention all this while he had placed his laati and pistols on the table ;)
I never got back my purse btw but I am definitely more than satisfied by the way I was treated even though I was an “Immigrant” and I only know how more comfortable I have felt living in US post this experience J.
Coming to the real reason which motivated me to write this blog
Once I was back in India this September I looked for the original copy at my place. Definitely it was not with all my other documents and found was not with my parents. I and Mom scanned thru all the documents we had quiet sometimes but was not present. I asked my Dad and papa was damn sure I have just lost it and confirmed wasn’t there with him. Knowing my nature anybody would easily agree I would have lost: P. I finally made up my mind to give up searching and get a duplicate issued.
Firstly I searched in the website to know the procedures to get the same. I figured out until and unless I knew the license number there is no ways to get the same. My first shock is it. I definitely had no photo copies made :P.
As a next try I thought since me and my Mom got license on the same day that too one after another my license number should be either a number ahead of hers or behind hers but how to confirm. Since I had got the same from the driving school I gave a call to them to find if they can search the same and let me know. For a week continuously I called to the driving school to hear “Madam is not there call up in the evening “ if I call in the evening it would be call up in the morning L. Finally I was fed up I called them up once again but left being polite and started speaking to the operator. The conversation went somewhat like this
He “ Madam illa amele maadi ( after hearing the whole story again )“
I couldn’t resist and said “I have been hearing the same from previous one week. I call in the morning … afternoons … evenings could I at least know when your Madam would be there? “
He “No we don’t know. Call up later (in a rude tone) “
I continued “At least give me your Madam’s number I shall call her up myself”
He “We cannot give you like that”
I “At least let me know if you can dig the detail out. Or wouldn’t it be possible?”
He “ It would be difficult as we need to dig too many records”
I “I could give you the exact date I took the test as my Mom as well took the test on the same day. I could let you know the person who took the test and as well my mom’s license number. I am almost sure the DL number is a digit ahead or behind hers” and I gave all the details.
He acted to note down everything and asked me to drop in to the office so he could search.
I politely said I am at office and just damn stuck up with things so may not be able to drop in. I asked him if he could search and either give me a call or if he wants me to call up after few days by which he could do the search.
He replied to me back in a rude tone saying “Adella agolla ri, you have to come down and sit here so I could search”
I again asked me if he needs some time to search I could give a call some time later or if needed some days later
He “Agalla antha helilva. You should come and sit here then only I shall search “
I just lost my temper here and said “ I guess I have not called up a government office who require me to be present there to give information and I guess I am not asking someone else’s information. If you still need somebody I can send my Mother but I definitely can’t drop in. You please let me know your Madam’s number I shall talk to her itself. “
He replied back saying “Avdhu govt office tarane. You send your mom I can search”
I asked when is the good time for her to drop in so he shall have time to search.
Shocking was it to hear him say “We are buzy until, next two weeks ask her to come after that. “
I just was exhausted I said ok and ended the call.
Mom’s visit to the driving school
It was a Thursday afternoon I was not feeling good and was at home. My mom had been to the market and happened to come in front of the driving school. She just walked in to find the Madam available. She told her that I was trying to get my lost license and if she could help. The lady was damn polite and said definitely she would. We have all the records and it should not take much time to dig the information out. She suggested my mom to get a police complaint written telling I had lost my license and my snaps. She asked her to bring the necessary things and fill a form and she could get my duplicate license reissued for a cost of 800 to 900Rs. My mom gave a call to me and checked if I could drop down for a while so we could get the complaint written. I was desperate to get the same done and somehow rushed to the police station.
My mom asked me to get a sheet of paper from the nearby book store when I asked why? She replied back “don’t you want to write a complaint”. I smiled at her and said “Are you kidding!! . Please don’t tell me the cop is gonna ask me to get my own sheet of paper J “ . I just asked her to walk in with me. There where couple of constables sitting. One was buzy talking to someone other was buzy doing what? I cannot make out J .
I waited for a minute and finally stepped ahead and said “Sir I wanted to lodge a complaint. I have lost my purse in which I had my license and need a complaint reported to get my license reissued”.
He asked “ What ? “ waking up from his sleep is it L. I repeated the whole thing once again. He told me to get a written complaint so he could sign and seal :P. I was embarrassed is it in front of my mom J. We walked outside to the nearby bookstore. I paid a rupee to get two sheets of paper of bad quality but which would serve my purpose :P. I came back to the station and wrote the complaint. I went back to the constable and showed him the same when he said “Ok get a photocopy madam “and gave a dirty stare which was like “Don’t you know that much”. I was not shocked when my mom had a warm smile on her face. She definitely knew J.
I once again walked out of the station to a nearby Xerox center and got a photo copy paying a rupee for a copy:P. I walked again to the constable when he blindly signed and sealed the same.
I just walked out with my mom saying “ If I come here at 12 in the night with my grievances am I expected to get a complaint written and photo copy bought :P. Which shop would I go in search for then? blah blah blah” I was definitely fuming L.
My mom said “This is India. You are no more in US J “we both walked to the nearby Photo center while I shared the experiences I had in US with the cops.
I got my snaps which the shopkeeper said would give after an hour (I had none at home bad luck again is itL). We both went back home. After around two hours me and my Mom collected the snaps and went to the Driving school.
Bad luck again the lady had gone and there was this phone hero sitting :p.
My mom spoke to him when I thought to shut my mouth and keep myself away from him. He again was talking in his own rude manner “agolla madam…. Time beku….. chk madi heltini…. We don’t need this complaint and snaps… take it back we shall give a call if we find it” He did some drama of searching it and then said “I guess it’s not here. We need to search in old records. Blah blah blah… “. Finally he said “Getting a duplicate is a lengthy process madam. Give the details and go we will call up. You cannot get at least for the next one month”. I finally got fed up signed my mom to get up so we could leave and come back when the Madam is there.
I came back home and thought to give the test once again and get a new one issued rather beating around bushes to get a duplicate.
I got it… I got it…. J
Dad recently was going thru the car documents to get the insurance details. Premium had to be paid in a couple of days when he found my license lying with it. He gave me a call and informed me when I was just filled with joy. (Pain is at last over:P. I was not been able to go to the test center for a new license:P. ). I quarreled with dad for a while but was definitely damn happy J
Reason to write the blog
I am a proud Indian but I am definitely ashamed when I look at our system, our society and adding to the pain is my experiences in US which forces me to compare. US without doubt a developed country but are we developing?
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Can I ? ( For my Love )
I happened to look at sky yesterday evng when i saw the Moon and a bright star on top of it...
which insptred me write this ...
When you are the Moon
Can I be a star gazing at you ?
When you are the Sun
Can I be a sunflower smiling for you?
When you are the Sky
Can I be a Cloud flowing with you?
When you are the Ocean
Can I be the Bay hugging to you?
When you are the Rock
Can I be the wave kissing you?
When you are the Tree
Can i be a Bird nesting on you?
When you are the Seashell
Can i be a Pearl within you?
When you are the Lungs
Can i be the Air filling you?
When you are the Heart
Can i be the Blood flowing in you?
When you are the Body
Can I be the Life inside you ?
Can i be the Life inside you?
Can I?
which insptred me write this ...
When you are the Moon
Can I be a star gazing at you ?
When you are the Sun
Can I be a sunflower smiling for you?
When you are the Sky
Can I be a Cloud flowing with you?
When you are the Ocean
Can I be the Bay hugging to you?
When you are the Rock
Can I be the wave kissing you?
When you are the Tree
Can i be a Bird nesting on you?
When you are the Seashell
Can i be a Pearl within you?
When you are the Lungs
Can i be the Air filling you?
When you are the Heart
Can i be the Blood flowing in you?
When you are the Body
Can I be the Life inside you ?
Can i be the Life inside you?
Can I?
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Back at home sweet home
After an year and 9 months i am back in Banaglore; back in my home town; back at my place :D. The place looks so lively and i again feel i am "Living". Want to write more but i am completely out of time. Some more later :)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
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