Tuesday, April 30, 2019

“Feel Good” Refreshing Bath and Lingering Fragrance – Mysore Sandal Soap

A “Feel Good” Bath

REFRESHING BATHING and LINGERING FRAGRANCE
Mysore Sandal Soap
By
VIKRAM KARVE

I am feeling good. 

It is a terrible Summer in Pune. 

Today was a sultry hot day  blazing sun, terrible heat. 

Yet – I am feeling good. 

I am feeling good because I have just had a bath with Mysore Sandal Soap

I feel clean and refreshed. 

I smell very nice and pleasant – with the lingering spicy fragrance of Sandalwood. 




I clearly remember my first tryst with Mysore Sandal Soap

Way back in the 1960s  we used to travel twice a year  from the “upcountry” – to Pune – for our vacations. 

Those days – Air Travel was a luxury – and – everyone travelled by the Indian Railways. 

Those days – there were no direct trains from upcountry” stations to Pune (then known as Poona)  and – we had to travel via Mumbai (then known as Bombay). 

So – we came down from the upcountry by famous trains  like the Frontier Mail, the Howrah Mail, the Calcutta Mail or the Punjab Mail  feeling all scruffy and weary  covered with coal dust.

In Mumbai  we got off Dadar in the morning – and went to my grand-aunt’s house in Hindu Colony nearby.

The old-style house had a huge spotlessly clean tiled bathroom  and  it was there that I first discovered Mysore Sandal Soap

It was a leisurely relaxed bathing experience  the soothing lather of Mysore Sandal Soap softening my skin.

And – I would emerge from my bath – fully refreshed – exuding the tantalizing yet subtle lingering fragrance of sandalwood.

Then – after a sumptuous breakfast  we would board a bus from Dadar TT – or catch a local train from Dadar Station to Mumbai CST (then known as Bombay VT)  spend the day loafing in South Mumbai – window shopping, browsing books, a movie and a meal – and then head to Mumbai CST Railway Station – to catch the Deccan Queen to Pune.

Since then  Mysore Sandal Soap is my all time favourite bathing soap  and  I truly enjoy the luxurious bathing experience every morning  and  in the evenings too. 

Being an “old timer” – I prefer the subtle lingering natural fragrance of sandalwood – rather than the overpowering synthetic scent of present day deodorants. 

I believe that it is better to maintain body cleanliness and personal hygiene  which prevents body odour – rather than try to mask your foul body odour by spraying your body copiously with strong smelling deodorants and perfumes. 

A nice soothing bath  skin feeling soft and nourished  feeling clean and refreshed  smelling natural  gently exuding the lingering gentle comforting fresh fragrance of sandalwood   that is what makes me feel good – rather than the present day practice of profusely deodorizing one’s body – till one reeks of artificial overpowering standardized perfume all day. 

Mysore Sandal Soap celebrated its centenary (100 years) three years ago in 1916.

(Mysore Sandal Soap has been manufactured since 1916 when Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, the King of Mysore, set up the Government Soap Factory in Bangalore) 

Here is a picture of the carton of Mysore Sandal Soap. 



I am sure you have tried out Mysore Sandal Soap”.

No...? 

You haven’t used Mysore Sandal Soap yet...?

Then  you must have a bath with Mysore Sandal Soap soon. 

Do have a tantalizing bathing experience with Mysore Sandal Soap”  especially on a hot summer day  and tell us how you liked it.

Morning and Evening  on a hot summer day  have a bath with Mysore Sandal Soap 

You will smell nice  you will feel clean  and  you will feel good”.

You can take my word for it. 

Have a nice day...!!! 

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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Thursday, April 25, 2019

Gallipoli

Today 25 April is ANZAC Day commemorating the Battle of Gallipoli (World War 1) in which a large number of Indian Soldiers fought and sacrificed their lives along with ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand) Troops.

I am sharing an article by Srikant Kesnur on Gallipoli (with the author's permission)

It is about time that we learn about our glorious military history.

*WHOSE GALLIPOLI IS IT ANYWAY?*

(Note - This is a reproduction, with minor *variations and some additions*, of an article written over previous years, on the *Indian connection with the Battle of Gallipoli, in World War 1*. Since we observed the centenary of the end of the Great War, just a few months ago, in Nov 2018, this piece, arguably, continues to be relevant. *In any case, I believe, that History can gain salience only if characterized by presence, persistence and prominence.* Kindly read on, if interested.)

Some battles of the World Wars achieve great fame and recall value. Flanders, Kohima, Alamein, Midway to name just a few. And some are destined to oblivion. Gallipoli would perhaps rank the foremost among them where India is concerned. *And yet we must recall it, if not for anything, at least to remember the Indian contribution. At least today, 25 Apr, which is commemorated as the Gallipoli day. Or ANZAC day as it is known in Australia and New Zealand*.

The campaign has an interesting history. In early 1915, the WW 1 had reached some sort of stalemate on the Western Front. Russia was also facing difficulties in sustaining herself and accessing supplies through the frozen seas in the north. When the Ottoman Turks decided to side with the Central powers (Germany and Austria-Hungary), the Black sea route was also threatened. So Britain hit upon opening a new front in the Dardanelles to seize the Bosporus and ultimately take over Istanbul. *Hence, the plan to launch an amphibious attack on the Gallipoli peninsula, the European part of Turkey.* (Linked Map reference for ease of understanding given at the end). It was also designed as an out flanking manoeuvre by the Brits to penetrate Germany through its 'soft underbelly'. The Ottoman Empire derisively referred to as the 'sick man of the world' was in decline and hence it was presumed that they would just roll over. Another factor suggested in a recent book ‘Great Battles – Gallipoli’ by Jenny Macleod (OUP, 2015) was the British need to defend Egypt, the strategically significant Suez Canal and the route to India. The implication was that drawing Ottoman forces to Dardanelles would reduce the threat to Egypt.

But the invasion of Gallipoli that commenced on *25 Apr 1915 as part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (MEF) was a disaster*. *Led by the British it consisted of troops from Ireland, France, Australia, New Zealand and above all India*. For nine long months, until 09 Jan 1916, the campaign trudged along but the Turks fought hard and would not give up. Both sides took heavy casualties.  *The unexpected (at least to the Allies) loss had far reaching consequences**Winston Churchill lost his job as the First Lord of Admiralty and the idea of approaching Germany from East was put in cold storage. *For the Turks, the victory formed the basis of their new nationhood and their leader at Gallipoli, Mustafa Kemal went on to become the first President of the newly formed Turkish Republic*. A grateful nation went on to christen him Ataturk (Father of the Turks).

The Brits, French and Irish perhaps preferred to forget the war, but to the Aussies and New Zealanders it was a great heroic loss, which in some ways defined their nationhood too. *That’s why 25 Apr is commemorated as the Anzac day in both these countries and observed with due ceremony, dignity and remembrance of the departed*. This battle formed the basis of ANZAC culture which is a strong theme in these nations even today.

*What about India? India was a part of the ANZAC (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) division. More than 5000 Indians took part in the war of which a staggering 1926 were killed and 3863 injured (I have not got my math wrong. Some were injured more than once).* As may be obvious, these *numbers vary a little*. Macleod suggests a slightly higher figure participation figure and slightly lower casualty figure, while noted Australian military historian Peter Stanley actually suggests that *the figure of those who took part is around 15,000* (‘twice or thrice more than previously thought’ to use his own words).

India's Expeditionary Force G (Gallipoli) consisted of 29 Infantry Brigade supported by two Artillery Batteries of 7th Mountain Artillery Brigade. (Mountain Artillery was the only Indian Artillery between 1858 and 1935). Further, Mule Corps from ASC and Transport Corps and 108 Field Ambulance Unit serviced the entire ANZAC division. *In pro rata basis Indians arguably had the highest casualty rate in the ANZAC division because the Aussies and NZ had higher numbers in this theatre.* They had a casualty rate of about 14 % of troops deployed and we about 30 to 40%.

The Indian units that took part in the campaign were 69 Punjab (now 2 Punjab and 1st Bn Bde of Guards. *It is the Seniormost Infantry Battalion of the Indian Army*), 14 KGO Ferozpur Sikh (now 4 Mech Inf) and 1/5 Gorkha Rifles (FF). The other units viz. 89 Punjab and the two Arty elements viz. 1 Royal (Kohat) Mountain Battery (FF) and 3 (Jacob's) Mountain Battery (then manned by Sikh and Punjabi Muslim troops) went to Pakistan, while 1/6 GR and 2/10 GR went to Britain after the partition. And 29 Inf Bde continued to be in the Indian Army's ORBAT (Order of Battle).

*For three years in Nairobi, I was a regular part of the ANZAC day commemorations at the most beautiful and tree lined Ngong Commonwealth war graves cemetery. (See accompanying picture where I am laying the wreath). Usually organised by the Australian High Commission, one of the most moving that I attended was a joint commemoration by Australian and Turkish Ambassadors.* ANZAC day is an early morning service at the crack of dawn, perhaps because the attack was launched at dawn. Once the poignant ceremony was over, we adjourned for tea and special ANZAC biscuits. Thereafter, the Defence Attaches would get together for breakfast and exchange notes. *And each time all the DAs and other guests would be surprised that India had such a large contingent at Gallipoli.*

*Why did the Indian contribution to this doomed campaign go unheard, unsung and unwept?* It was natural for Brits not to focus on it too much. They had lost to an 'inferior' race - the brown skinned Turks - and did not want their loss to be advertised among people of other colour. In any case, Gallipoli had no strategic consequences in the final outcome of the war. Macleod callas it a most *egregious loss that Brits failed to however acknowledge* until more than a decade later. *For Indian national leaders’ pre and post-independence, wars fought under a foreign flag were problematic and met with ambiguous response*. So a war that formed the foundation of nationhood of 3 countries viz. Turkey, Australia and New Zealand, became one of little importance for India. *Sad, because in such wars may be interred millions of heroic tales and poignant moments.*

In fact, I bought the OUP book on Gallipoli in anticipation of reading a great deal about the Indian participation and commemoration. Alas, I drew a blank as the references to India are very few and literature references/footnotes/bibliography/acknowledgements have barely any Indian sources or connection, *indicating how arid this area is as far as India is concerned*. The author herself acknowledges it when she says in her *conclusion “Too little is known about the Indian part of the campaign or of the traces of memory among veterans and their families”*. It is also something to ponder over that *the first dedicated book to Indians at Gallipoli has been written by Professor Peter Stanley, one of Australia's reputed military historians. Titled, “Die in Battle, Do Not Despair: The Indians on Gallipoli, 1915’,* the promotional blurb by the publisher (Helion & Company) *says ‘The Indian story of Gallipoli has barely been told before. Not only is this the first book about their part in the campaign to be published in the century since 1915, but it also tells their story in new and unexpected ways’*. It was published in 2015 but I learnt about it only recently. I have just ordered my copy of the book and hope to read it soon.

The centrality of Gallipoli to the Aussie psyche can be gleaned from the fact that for one tough Ashes series in England, Steve Waugh, arguably Australia's most inspiring Captain, took his team to Gallipoli enroute to England so that they could be motivated by the exploits of their forebears. Can you imagine something like this in India? *For all of Dhoni's brio and Viraat Kohli's aggro, I don't ever see them assembling at Kohima or Rezangla to get inspired. And if, per chance, any of our sportsmen did get into a venture like this, our chattering classes would be hauling them over coals for unnecessarily 'militarising' sport.*

Musing about this aspect of our amnesia to wars in India or India in wars, I recently came across a nice article by a veteran Army officer Maj Gen Balhara. Having received it on whatsapp I cannot be sure of its authenticity but it is what he says that is more important.  *Surmising that ‘It was not just  by chance that the Sun never set on the British Empire’*, (the title of the article) the officer states *that ‘’Every great nation in history, held their Armed Forces in high esteem*’ and …….. that ‘while *some (nations) will never forget their dead, some simply won't remember!*’  Specific to Gallipoli he recollects “Many years ago standing on the Rock at Gallipoli *I had wondered what these Brits & Aussies have in them, that even with a full half century and a quarter gone by they still throng to this desolate place* - thousands of miles away from their homes - only because their nation will never allow the memories of their martyrs to be forgotten. The annual ceremony at Gallipoli is an extremely poignant and emotional affair. 2nd and 3rd generation descendants - some who never even saw the men who fell at Gallipoli, stand in solemn silence grieving with moist eyes and a lump in their throats. Australia sends at least three to four ministers while senior representatives from their MoD as well as Defence Headquarters are also in attendance”.

We have just finished observing the centennial years of the Great War of 1914 to 1918. *It was a War that saw 62000 Indians dead and 67000 injured*. By World War 2, two decades later, we were *at 2.5 Million, the largest volunteer Army in the world*. *Gallipoli may be only a small footnote in the history of war or of Indian Army and it simply might be of no interest to our media and current elites, but to those to who died or were injured in the war, today we must pay homage.*

The last word on this must belong to Kemal Ataturk who told a visiting British, Australian and NZ delegation in 1934 "Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives. You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side Here in this country of ours. You, the mothers, Who sent their sons from far away countries Wipe away your tears, Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well." *Alas, even Ataturk did not know that the Indian Army not only had Mehmets and Johnnies but also Singhs and Gurungs and Kumars and Thambis, all who went by the name of Jawans. *For those wondering whose Gallipoli it was, we must also stake claim*.

*Srikant Kesnur*

First written 25 Apr 17

*Reproduced with minor corrections and additions on 25 Apr 18 and 25 Apr 19*

PS - I owe a debt of gratitude to *Cdr CH Gomes (Retd), my first Commanding Officer in the Navy and a man of many causes including Gallipolli.* He provided much of the content and context for this piece. *I also acknowledge some omissions of last year pointed out by veterans and have tried to incorporate ?them this year*. I will continue to update as I receive inputs and ideas.

PS 2 - Do read this piece below too, if interested for more info. Some facts seem to be at variance with what I have written but the spirit is the same
http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-22/indias-forgotten-soldiers-who-fought-alongside-anzacs/6406086?pfmredir=sm. Another nice piece is https://www.freeperception.com/anzac-and-india/

PS 3 – Maps on Gallipoli can be easily accessed on Google, for example  see https://www.google.com/search?q=battle+of+gallipoli&tbm=isch&tbs=rimg:CQqIKtXnfAXsIjirwKKinmiAlNj4eTbob9vtMiKweWkgIJXEUwuZnn8XSO2fWXiZYncZJTlH8rraptO1-f-aKU69FSoSCavAoqKeaICUEc1QjK

PS 4 – *The  Last word*.  I have often wondered if writing or reminding of such themes has any salience. Does it carry any traction? Is it important to anybody? Does it matter? Is this pop history, a Maggi noodle version of a much complex subject? The answers come in different ways. A few weeks earlier, I was delighted to receive a package which contained a beautiful blue jacket. *It was a gift from my friend Cmde Rahul Gokhale*, who had just returned after a course from Australia. He said he had *picked it up in an ANZAC day sale for me specially*, since I had been writing about this subject. The jacket has the *words Gallipoli in English and Turkish inscribed on it*. I wore it and it fit perfectly. It I not only made my day *but injected the booster dose for this piece.

ANZAC Day - Indian Soldiers Fought in the Battle of Gallipoli

Today, April 25, is ANZAC Day.

I am sharing an article on The Battle of Gallipoli by Srikant Kesnur (with the author’s permission). I have suitably edited the article for easy reading on the digital screen.

WHOSE GALLIPOLI IS IT ANYWAY by Srikant Kesnur

(Note – This is a reproduction, with minor variations, of an article written last year, on the Indian connection with the Battle of Gallipoli, in World War 1.

Since we are observing the centenary year of the end of the Great War (in Nov 1918) this piece, arguably, continues to be relevant.

In any case, I believe, that History can gain salience only if characterized by presence, persistence and prominence.

Kindly read on, if interested.)

GALLIPOLI

Some battles of the World Wars achieve great fame and recall value.

Flanders, Kohima, Alamein, Midway to name just a few.

And some are destined to oblivion.

Gallipoli would perhaps rank the foremost among them where India is concerned.

(And yet we must recall it, if not for anything, at least to remember the Indian contribution. At least today, 25 April, which is the Gallipoli day. Or ANZAC day as it is known in Australia and New Zealand)

The campaign has an interesting history.

The WW 1 had reached some sort of stalemate on the Western Front.

Russia was also facing difficulties in sustaining herself and accessing supplies through the frozen seas in the north.

When the Ottoman Turks decided to side with the Central powers (Germany and Austria- Hungary), the Black sea route was also threatened.

So Britian hit upon opening a new front in the Dardenelles to seize the Bhosphorus and ultimately take over Istanbul.

Hence the plan to launch an amphibious attack on the Gallipoli peninsula, the European part of Turkey.

A Map of the Gallipoli Peninsula in the European Part of Turkey is given below.

When Turkey (Ottoman Turks) decided to side with the Central Powers (Germany and Austria-Hungary), the Black sea route was threatened.

So Britian hit upon opening a new front in the Dardenelles to seize the Bhosphorus and ultimately take over Istanbul (Constantinople).

Hence the plan to launch an amphibious attack on the Gallipoli peninsula, the European part of Turkey.

It was also designed as an out flanking manoeuvre by the Brits to penetrate Germany through its ‘soft underbelly’.

The Ottoman Empire derisively referred to as the ‘sick man of the world’ was in decline and hence it was presumed that they would just roll over.

But the invasion of Gallipoli that commenced on 25 Apr 1915 as part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force was a disaster.

Led by the British it consisted of troops from Ireland, France, Australia, New Zealand and above all India.

For nine long months, until 09 Jan 1916, the campaign trudged along but the Turks fought hard and would not give up.

Both sides took heavy casualties.

The unexpected (at least to the Allies) loss had far reaching consequences.

Winston Churchill lost his job as the First Lord of Admiralty and the idea of approaching Germany from East was put in cold storage.

For the Turks, the victory formed the basis of their new nationhood and their leader at Gallipoli, Mustafa Kemal went on to become the first President of the newly formed Turkish Republic.

A grateful nation went on to christen him Ataturk (Father of the Turks).

The Brits, French and Irish perhaps preferred to forget the war, but to the Aussies and New Zealanders it was a great heroic loss, which in some ways defined their nationhood too.

That is why 25 April is commemorated as the ANZAC day in both these countries and observed with due ceremony, dignity and remembrance of the departed.

This battle formed the basis of ANZAC culture which is a strong theme in these nations even today.

What about India…?

India was a part of the ANZAC (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) division.

5010 Indian Soldiers took part in the war of which a staggering 1926 were killed and 3863 injured (I have not got my math wrong. Some were injured more than once).

India’s Expeditionary Force G (Gallipoli) consisted of 29 Infantry Brigade supported by two Artillery Batteries of 7th Mountain Artillery Brigade.

(Mountain Artillery was the only Indian Artillery between 1858 and 1935).

Further, Mule Corps from ASC and Transport Corps and 108 Field Ambulance Unit serviced the entire ANZAC division.

In pro rata basis Indians had the highest casualty rate in the ANZAC division because the Aussies and NZ had higher numbers in this theatre. They had a casualty rate of about 14% of troops deployed and we about 40%.

The Indian units that took part in the campaign were 69 Punjab (now 2 Punjab and 1st Bn Bde of Guards. It is the Seniormost Infantry Battalion of the Indian Army), 14 KGO Ferozpur Sikh (now 4 Mech Inf) and 1/5 Gorkha Rifles (FF), 89 Punjab and the two Artillery elements viz. 1 Royal (Kohat) Mountain Battery (FF) and 3 (Jacob’s) Mountain Battery (then manned by Sikh and Punjabi Muslim troops) went to Pakistan while 1/6GR and 2/10 GR went to Britain after the partition. And 29 Inf Bde continued to be in the Indian Army’s ORBAT (Order of Battle).

For three years in Nairobi – I was a regular part of the ANZAC day commemorations at the most beautiful and treelined Ngong Commonwealth wargraves cemetery.

Usually organised by the Australian High Commission, one of the most moving that I attended was a joint commemoration by Australian and Turkish Ambassadors.

ANZAC day is an early morning service at the crack of dawn, perhaps because the atrack was launched at dawn.

Once the poignant ceremony is over you adjourn for tea and special ANZAC biscuits.

Thereafter, the Defence Attaches would get together for breakfast and exchange notes.

And each time all the DAs and other guests would be surprised that India had such a large contingent at Gallipoli.

Why did the Indian contribution to this doomed campaign go unheard, unsung and unwept…?

It was natural for Brits not to focus on it too much.

They had lost to an ‘inferior’ race, the brown skinned Turks and did not want their loss to be advertised among people of other colour.

In any case, Gallipoli had no strategic consequences in the final outcome of the war.

For Indian national leaders pre and post independence, wars fought under a foreign flag were problematic and met with ambigious response.

So a war that formed the foundation of nationhood of 3 countries viz. Turkey, Australia and New Zealand, became one of little importance for India.

Sad, because in such wars may be interred millions of heroic tales and poignant moments.

The centrality of Gallipoli to the Aussie psyche can be gleaned from the fact that for one tough Ashes series in England, Steve Waugh, arguably Australia’s most inspiring Captain, took his team to Gallipoli enroute to England so that they could be motivated by the exploits of their forebears.

Can you imagine something like this in India?

For all of Dhoni’s brio and Viraat Kohli’s aggro, I don’t ever see them assembling at Kohima or Rezangla to get inspired.

And if per chance any of our sportsmen did get into a venture like this, our liberal media would be hauling them over coals for unnecessarily ‘militarising’ sport.

We are still observing the centennial years of the Great War of 1914 to 1918.

It was a War that saw 62000 Indians dead and 67000 injured.

By World War 2, two decades later, we were at 2.5 Million, the largest volunteer Army in the world.

Gallipoli may be only a small footnote in the history of war or of Indian Army and it simply might be of no interest to our media and current elites, but to those to who died or were injured in the war, today we must pay homage.

The last word on this must belong to Kemal Ataturk who told a visiting British, Australian and NZ delegation in 1934:

“Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives. You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side Here in this country of ours. You, the mothers, Who sent their sons from far away countries Wipe away your tears, Your sons are now lying in our bosom And are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have Become our sons as well.”

Alas, even Ataturk did not know that the Indian Army not only had Mehmets and Johnnies but also Singhs and Gurungs and Kumars and Thambis, all who went by the name of Jawans.

For those wondering whose Gallipoli it was, we must also stake claim.

*Srikant Kesnur*
First written 25 Apr 17
*Reproduced with minor corrections on 25 Apr 18*

PS 1 – I owe a debt of gratitude to *Cdr CH Gomes (Retd), my first Commanding Officer in the Navy and a man of many causes including Gallipolli.* He provided much of the content and context for this piece. *I also acknowledge some omissions of last year pointed out by veterans and have tried to incorporate them this year*.

PS 2 – Do read this piece below too, if interested for more info. Some facts seem to be at variance with what I have written but the spirit is the same.

15000 Forgotten Indian Soldiers Fought Alongside ANZACs

URL: http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-22/indias-forgotten-soldiers-who-fought-alongside-anzacs/6406086?pfmredir=sm

Friday, April 12, 2019

Pune - Cycling Down Memory Lane

CYCLE TOWN PUNE 
A Punekar Walks Down Memory Lane
By
VIKRAM KARVE

Since I am in a nostalgic mood let me post a story I wrote 9 years ago called CYCLE TOWN PUNE – harking back to memories of the 1960’s and 1970’s when Pune was known as the Cycle Capital of India. 

In theory – it is possible to ride a bicycle even today in the city of Pune – especially on BRTS Roads – which have dedicated “Cycle Tracks”.

But – in practice – it is not feasible to commute on cycles in Pune – since the cycle tracks are encroached upon/damaged and are unfit for cycling (even the pedestrian lanes are encroached and are unfit for walking).

Of course – cycling on roads had become dangerous due to the heavy and chaotic traffic.

But – this was not so in the Pune of Yesteryear – when – the bicycle was the primary mode of transportation in Pune. 

We enjoyed cycling all over Pune City and Camp.

Pune was indeed a “Cycle Town”.

Let me share some memories of those carefree days of cycling.

I am sure you will enjoy these reminiscences – and maybe – this will tempt you to  hark back to your good old days and memories of your hometown too. 

Please do let me know if you liked this article and comment – I look forward to your feedback.

A PUNEKAR WALKS DOWN MEMORY LANE

CYCLE TOWN PUNE – A Memoir by VIKRAM KARVE

When I was a small boy (in the 1960’s) – and later in the 1970’s – we used to cycle all over Pune. 

Pune was a “Cycle-Town”.

In the 1960’s – Poona (as Pune was called then) – was known as the “Cycle Capital” of India – since Pune had the maximum number of cycles.

But – with the advent and proliferation of scooters – this honour of “Cycle Capital” was taken over by Delhi – and Pune became the “Scooter Capital” of India.

Let’s hark back to the 1960’s – and talk about “Cycle Town Pune”

Those days 90% of the vehicles on the roads were Bicycles.

A few Scooters could be seen zipping by – and occasionally – an Ambassador or Fiat Car would appear on the roads.

Auto-rickshaws were beginning to make their appearance – and the PMT Bus was the second-most popular mode of transportation after the bicycle. 

If you do not believe me – you just watch the scene from the iconic Hindi Movie Sangam (1964) – where Raj Kapoor can be seen merrily cycling down Jangli Maharaj (JM) Road Pune (then known as “80 Feet Road” – the widest road in Pune those days).

As I said – in those days – Pune was a “cycle town”. 

You just picked up your bicycle – and you went wherever you wanted to. 

Today – I dare not try to cycle on the roads of Pune – unless I want to land up in a hospital with my bones broken – or worse still – in the morgue – with my body crushed to pulp. 

There is just no place for the poor cyclist to cycle in the murderous traffic of Pune. 

In fact – in Pune – the only place you can cycle are on the cycle-lanes on those small stretches of the BRTS routes – which thankfully have still not been encroached upon (of course – even here – you risk being knocked down by a motorcyclist) – or you can pedal away on those obscure cycle-tracks which take you nowhere.

Those days – in the 1960’s and 1970’s – cycling was the primary means of transportation 

(I cycled a minimum of 20 kms everyday during my college days)

Nowadays – for most young Punekars – cycling is a hobby – a sport – a recreation – a “passion” – or – an “environment friendly” thing to do.

Those days – in the 1960’s and 1970’s – cycling was the primary means of transportation

That’s why today you have all types of fancy bikes (which cost the roof) – and snobbish people want to show off their cycles as “status symbols” whenever they get off their expensive limousines and take a rare bike ride wearing funny outfits and contraptions like gloves, helmets et al.

There are Terrain Bikes, Sports Bikes, BMX Bikes, Racing Bikes – all sorts of hybrid combinations – which look good – but are most uncomfortable to ride. 

Sometime ago – I took a long ride on a youngster’s fancy Mountain Terrain Bike (MTB) 

Since I was used to normal cycles (Roadsters) – I found the MTB uncomfortable to ride. 

And – after the ride –I got such a pain in my “you-know-where” – that I thought I had got Hernia.

In my younger days – it was not “Snob Appeal” – but it was “Utility Value” that governed the Design of Bicycles

The predominant cycle those days was the “Roadster” (in bicycle parlance). 

The Roadster was a utility bicycle designed for practical transportation – unlike the fancy bikes of today which are primarily designed for recreation and for showing-off

The “Roadster” Bicycle was designed for “Occupational Commuting” – and it was designed to give you a comfortable ride. 

As I said earlier – those days – you did not ride a bike to burn calories.

A cycle was the primary means of transportation – and you commuted from one place to another on a cycle. 

Of course – fitness was a by-product. 

In my college days – I used to cycle about 20 Kilometres every day – breathing fresh unpolluted air – and this was healthy exercise. 

We cycled in our normal clothes – and not in “biking wear” – and that’s why the Roadster Design Bicycle had proper mudguards and chain guards to keep it clean. 

In addition to comfort – the qualities we looked for in a cycle were sturdiness, durability and endurance.

A cycle was a permanent long term acquisition – not a “use and throw” item. 

Well – if you go to Bicycle Shop today – you may not find the humble “Roadster” displayed along with those fancy fashionable bikes.

In fact – there is a proliferation of high-falutin Cycle Malls in Pune selling all sorts of fancy and expensive bicycles.

But if you look on the roads – you will see that the redoubtable Roadster is still going strong.

And – if you care to go to the mofussil – you will see that this humble Roadster Cycle is still the predominant mode of transportation. 

And – if you go to those good old cycle marts in Budhwar Peth in Pune – you will see that these unpretentious Roadster bikes are still selling in plenty.

When we were children – there were no “kiddie” or “children’s” bikes to pamper us.

We learnt how to cycle the hard way on the hardy Adult Roadster Bikes – which entailed many falls and bruises – including one on my forehead – the scar of which is prominently visible even today. 

I learnt how to cycle when I was 7 years old – but I got my first cycle in 1968 – on my 12th Birthday. 

Until then – I used to hire a bike on an hourly basis from one of the many “Cycle Marts” that adorned almost every street corner of Pune – or manage a ride my uncle’s cycle whenever he was not using it.

The moment it was announced that I would be getting a bike as a birthday gift – I was very excited.

My friends and I started our market survey.

Which cycle did I want...?

There were so many brands to choose from. 

At the top end was the matchless Humber – the prized crème de la crème brand from Raleigh Cycles. 

The Humber Men’s Roadster had a unique double-fork – a duplex fork design which had two tubes for absorbing shocks better – and a frictionless chain for a smooth ride.

Owing to all these refinements – the Humber Cycle gave you the ultimate in riding comfort. 

Now my Dad had given me a budget of Rs. 200 – and the Humber which cost around 400 bucks was out of the question – as were other premium brands of cycles like RaleighRudgeBuke and BSA

So – I had to choose from HerculesPhillipsHind SuperbHeroEastern StarAvon or Atlas – which were the popular bicycle brands those days. 

At first – I wanted to buy a Phillips Cycle which looked very handsome. 

Every Phillips Roadster bicycle had embossed on its badge its famous motto: 

“Renowned the World Over”. 

But the dealer insisted that I try the latest model of Atlas (which he claimed was sturdy and comfortable – and it had the best bearings – and the cycle was long lasting, economical and ideal for a student like me).

So I took a “test ride” – and I acquired an Atlas Cycle for the princely sum of One Hundred and Eighty Rupees (yes – Rs. 180 only).

I fitted my bike with a dynamo and light (for night riding) – a bell – a carrier – and a sleek stand – and a basket.

As I rode my brand new shining black Atlas cycle – I felt on top of the world.

Here is a picture of me and my large size 24” Atlas Cycle taken 50 years ago in 1968 (when I was barely 12 years old)

Vikram Karve with his Atlas Cycle (Circa 1968)

This Atlas Cycle rendered yeoman’s service (I told you that I said I cycled about 20 kilometers every day) – and my bicycle accompanied me all over on my cycling trips – including one touring UP and Bihar – where we just carried our cycles in the second class train compartment – and we got down wherever we wanted – and cycled away for our sightseeing – and caught a train again at the nearest station. 

No one dared to ask any questions – because we were “students”.

I used my rugged Atlas Cycle for over 15 years – and it was still going strong – when I gave it away to a needy student 

(I was happy to see that this redoubtable bike was fully operational when I last saw it in the year 1998 – when the cycle was 30 years old)

Soon – I bought a brand new Hero Roadster Cycle for around three hundred bucks (Rs. 300 only) – which I used for cycling all around town – whenever I came to Pune on my weekend trips or holidays from Mumbai – where my ship was based. 

Though I had acquired a scooter by then – which I used for “family” outings – I still rode my bike for my solitary travels in Pune. 

Alas – my newly acquired wife refused to ride “double-seat” with me on my cycle – à la Dev Anand and Mumtaz in the movie Tere Mere Sapne – though my wife had been an avid cyclist and she rode a Ladies Cycle herself in college. 

By the way – riding double-seat – and without a light at night – were traffic offences.

If a cop caught you without a light at night – or riding double-seat on your bike – he would deflate your tyres as punishment – and you would have to walk all the way dragging your cycle along. 

For parking your cycle – there was cycle-stands all over – in cinemas – at railway stations – in parks – everywhere.

Till the 1980’s – in Pune – the bicycle was still the most popular mode of transportation – since – in Pune – distances were not that much – and – the traffic was not that heavy. 

But gradually – scooters were slowly taking over – as people were increasingly in a hurry to get wherever they wanted to go.

I quit cycling in Pune sometime in the end 1980’s – because cycling had become increasingly unsafe.

The traffic situation in Pune had become quite bad.

Heavy vehicles, buses, cars and scooters ruled the roost.

And after a few close shaves in the dangerous traffic – I decided to stop cycling on the streets of Pune.

Cycling keeps you healthy. 

Cycling also keeps you stress-free.

Those days – as I cycled to college or work – the physical effort while cycling helped remove my stress – unlike driving a car or scooter in the chaotic traffic of Pune – which drives you crazy. 

Almost everyone cycled to school and college – and – to work and back – all the way from the heart of Pune City – even to far-off places like the factories in Khadki and beyond. 

Cycling was a healthy affordable way of commuting.

Yes – cycling was primarily a means of travel – and not a competitive sport or a means of working out for exercise as it is now. 

Of course – exercise was a byproduct of cycling. 

I have decided to relive those good old days. 

So I am going to get myself a cycle – not a fancy bike – but an a old-style standard roadster bike – maybe I will try out the good old tried and tested Hercules Roadster Cycle this time. 

The only problem is that I will have to find a safe road to cycle on – which is nigh impossible in Pune – or a Cycle Track on the side of a BRTS Road. 

(BRTS = Bus Rapid Transit System)

I eagerly await the removal of encroachments on the Cycle Tracks on the BRTS in Wakad – so all of us can cycle down the bicycle track – as people do on the BRTS route on Satara Road near Padmavati/Bibwewadi.

In the mornings and in the evenings – I watch the serpentine traffic moving at snail’s pace on the Wakad Hinjewadi Road.

I wonder how different things would have been if everyone rode bicycles to work like in yesteryear Pune. 

We would have a more healthy, unpolluted and stress-free Pune.

Happy Cycling.

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:
All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:
No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

  

This is a revised and abridged version of an article that I wrote 9 years ago in 2010 in my series A PUNEKAR WALKS DOWN MEMORY LANE and earlier posted online on my blog in 2011 at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/08/cycle-town-pune.html andhttp://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/02/cycle-town-pune-memories-of-yesteryear.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/04/commuting-in-pune-50-years-ago.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/10/cycle-town-pune-memoir.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/07/pune-cycle-plan-memoir-cycle-town-pune.html etc

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

How to Smile - and Laugh

TYPES OF SMILES AND LAUGHTER 

Your Smile, Your Laugh, Your Personality Signature 

Musings

By 

VIKRAM KARVE

While I was clearing up some old papers in my bookcase – I came across some jottings in an old diary I had made more than 45 years ago – probably while sitting in my university library. 

I had scribbled something about types of smiles and laughter.

Your smile (and your laugh) is like your signature – your very own personal imprint, like a password or a signal. 

Now – I want you to to do this:

Keep a mirror in front of you – and practice each of the types of SMILES described below

and then

HAVE A LAUGH – and observe how you laugh.

Don’t you want to know which type of smile and laugh means what, and which suits you best...?

Come on, get ready, and check it out, and tell us which type of “smiler”and “laugher” you are.

TYPES OF SMILES

Lip smile – Smile only with their lips. 

Cheesy smile – Smile with their teeth. 

Twinkle smile – Smile and Laugh with their dancing eyes. 

Sweet smile – Exercise their chubby cheeks. 

Wry smile – Know something you don’t. 

Tee-Hee smile – Smile with their necks. 

Body smile – Smile wholeheartedly with their whole body. 

And of course – you must have seen fake, contrived smiles of forced geniality.

Could someone please tell me what is the meaning of – “to smile like a Cheshire Cat” – for I have never seen a cat smile – but I can tell you that – Dogs do smile very often...

TYPES OF LAUGHTER 

Hearty Laughter – All heart. 

Belly Laughter – Body, belly and heart. 

Seal Laughter – Barking, high pitch, like a seal. 

Guffaw – Clearing one’s lungs and windpipe. 

Giggle – silly, embarrassed laugh. 

Titter, Snigger, Snicker – mocking laughter. 

Chuckle – A quiet laugh to yourself. 

Chortle – Gurgling laughter. 

We also have a burst of laughter – rolling with laughter – horse laugh – laughing up one’s sleeve (a secret somewhere) – and – laughing one’s head off.

I am sure there are many more types of smiles and laughter.

Dear Smilers and Laughers – do look around – and see whether you observe the above types of smiles and laughs – and don't forget to tell us about some more types of smiles and laughs you have observed and experienced.

I wonder if one’s personality and character is related to the way a person smiles or laughs...?

Now do enjoy yourself – look around and observe how people smile and laugh.

Most importantly – smile and laugh to yourself in the mirror – and draw your own conclusions.

HAVE A HEARTY LAUGH...!!!

HA...HA...HA... 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 
© vikram karve., all rights reserved. 

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

This is a repost of my article written more than 25 years ago in 1992 and posted online in my blogs a number of times including at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/01/your-smile-your-laugh-your-personality.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/10/smiling-and-laughing-types-of-smiles.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2008/12/your-smile-and-your-laugh.html  and https://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/05/your-smile-your-laugh-your-personality.html etc

Grievance Redressal System - Essential Attributes

 7 Important Attributes of a Good Grievance Management System

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES OF A GOOD GRIEVANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 

Musings By VIKRAM KARVE

A good grievance redressal mechanism is a sine qua non of a well-designed and functional Human Resource (HR) Management System.

In order to be successful, a grievance redressal system must possess seven attributes.

SEVEN ATTRIBUTES OF AN EFFECTIVE GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL SYSTEM

1. SIMPLICITY

It must be a procedurally simple mechanism which is easy to use by every employee across the board.

It is best to have a simple form or an online drop down menu where an employee can effortlessly submit a grievance or complaint as he wishes to offline or online or even by SMS callback.

As one of my bosses used to say about grievance management:

“Don’t ask people to pour their hearts out and write long-winded sob-stories and essays – just give them a simple form to fill.”

Yes, a well-designed form can encapsulate the problem more objectively and avoid communications mismatches.

2. ACCESSIBILITY

All employees must have easy access to the grievance redressal mechanism – and – it should be quick and simple procedure to lodge a grievance.

In earlier days – before the IT Boom and prior to the advent of Internet – there used to be cards or forms which could be filled up and put in easily accessible drop boxes which were located all over the workplace, canteens and shop-floors.

Nowadays – in the digital age – it can be an online system which must be easily accessible 24/7 to all employees from their workplace and their homes as well. 

If employees have a grievance – they must know where and how to submit it – and the procedure must be fast and easy. 

With the increasing proliferation of the Social Media – it may be a good idea to make effective use of Social Media in Grievance Management.

3. EFFECTIVENESS

The grievance redressal mechanism must be effective.

The system must work (and it must be seen to work).

There must be proper monitoring, follow-up and feedback to the employees and all concerned about the status and processing of the complaint.

The grievance redressal procedure must ensure that it is made unambiguously and clearly evident to all employees that there is an honest and transparent effort to resolve all grievances in a fair and just manner.

4. EFFICIENCY and PROMPTNESS

The redressal of grievances and resolution of complaints must be done promptly and speedily in an efficient manner within stipulated time frames – so that employees develop faith in the system.

Remember – justice delayed is justice denied.

5. RESPONSIVENESS

The grievance redressal mechanism must be user-friendly and sensitive to the special needs of the employees.

It must be gender sensitized, culturally consonant and in harmony with the prevailing environment.

Most importantly – it must be modern and technologically savvy – and in sync with contemporary times.

Whatever the nature of the grievance or complaint – it must not be trivialized.

Grievances must be treated with utmost empathy and this fact must be evident to all the employees.

There must constant two-way communication between the senior management and the complainant. 

Sometimes a proactive approach is highly appreciated by employees as it nips grievances in the bud.

An impression must be made on employees that all grievances are taken seriously, treated sympathetically and handled with genuine earnestness with the objective of resolving them amicably, speedily and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.

6. NON-VINDICTIVE

An employee must be able to submit a complaint or grievance for redressal without fear of retribution from higher management.

The employee must have no fear of reprisal from those who he is complaining against even if they are his seniors.

Checks and balances must be put in place in order to ensure that there is absolutely no victimization or harassment of the employee who is submitting a grievance or making a complaint and whistle-blowers must be protected.

The system must be absolutely non-punitive and there must not be the slightest perception or even a shred of doubt in the mind of the employees that they will be “punished” for making a complaint.

7. FAIR JUST and TRANSPARENT SYSTEM

The grievance redressal mechanism must function without fear or favour.

There must be total transparency in the procedure and justice must be done and justice must also seen to be done in a free and fair manner. 

A good Human Resource Management System is Just Fair and Transparent. 

SUMMARY 

To sum up – the 7 Key Attributes of a Good Grievance Management System are:

1. SIMPLICITY 

2. ACCESSIBILITY 

3. EFFECTIVENESS 

4. EFFICIENCY and PROMPTNESS 

5. RESPONSIVENESS

6. NON-VINDICTIVE 

7. FAIR JUST and TRANSPARENT SYSTEM

While the 7 points given above are in the context of Human Resource Management Systems  I feel that all these 7 aspects are equally applicable to Grievance Handling Systems pertaining to Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Consumer Affairs, Public Relations, Client Service Organizations and the Service Industry. 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

This is a revised repost of my article on Grievance Redressal System posted online earlier at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/09/grievance-redressal-mechanism-7.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/07/effective-grievance-redressal-for-good.html  and  https://www.quora.com/profile/Vikram-Karve/Writing-by-VIKRAM-KARVE/Grievance-Redressal etc