Humor in Uniform : Do you want to be a “fauji” – or – do you want to appear to be a “fauji”...?

Do You Want to Join the Defence Services...? 

NB: 
1. The generic term “MILITARY” includes all the three Armed Forces – Army, Navy and Air Force
2. The generic word “Fauj” refers to all arms of the Military (Army, Navy, Air Force) and the term “Fauji” or “Soldier” refers to all military personnel in uniform of the Army, Navy and Air Force (Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen)]

CAREER ADVICE – LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
Story of a Boy who wanted to “Appear to be a Naval Officer”
A Spoof
By
VIKRAM KARVE

PROLOGUE

There is a difference between being a “fauji” and to appear to be a “fauji”.

I am sure the same holds true for civilian professions as well.

Here is the story of one such officer who wanted to “appear to be a Naval Officer” – rather than – “be a true Naval Officer”

STORY OF A BOY WHO WANTED TO “APPEAR TO BE A NAVAL OFFICER”

Long back – around 30 years ago – a young boy – accompanied by his parents came to see me at my home in Pune where I was spending my annual leave.

The boy – 15 years old – was studying in the 11^th Standard (Class).

He wanted to join the Navy.

His parents – who lived nearby – were from a business background.

I talked to the boy.

I talked to his parents.

Then – from what I had learnt the hard way from my own experience – I advised the boy not to join the Navy.

His parents were angry with me – and they said: “Why are you saying so? Is our son not fit to join the Navy? Our son is very good – look at his personality, his physical fitness, his intelligence, his smartness. Don’t you feel that our son has the aptitude to be selected for the Navy?”

“Of course – he has the APTITUDE...” I commented, “but – does he have the right ATTITUDE...?”

At first – the boy and his parents seemed confused at what I had said.

Then – the parents looked at me angrily – and it seemed that they were getting upset.

Before the parents could react – I said: 

“Well – I feel that your son does not have the appropriate attitude for the Navy...”

I saw that the furious parents now felt that I was demeaning their son.

They were in no mood to listen to any further explanations – so I kept quiet. 

Their ego was hurt.

I could see that now the boy was even more determined than ever to join the Navy just to prove me wrong – as if it were a prestige issue.

The boy cleared the UPSC Exam.

Then – he sailed through the SSB.

Of course – in the Services Selection Boards (SSBs) – they assess “aptitude” – but I wonder if they evaluate “attitude”.

In due course – the smart young boy joined the academy as a cadet for basic training.

I lost track of the boy as I was busy with my own Navy career. 

10 YEARS LATER

Ten years later – the same boy – looking smart in his spotless white uniform of a Navy Lieutenant – was sitting in my office in Mumbai.

He had come to ask me a favour.

He desperately wanted to get out of the Navy.

And – he was wondering – if I could help him out to get out of the Navy

“But why do you want to quit the Navy...?” I asked him with surprise, “You are just beginning your career in the Navy – and you have such a bright future ahead.”

“I just don’t like it over here – I just can’t tolerate my life being controlled all the time – the bloody rules, regulations – and all the bullshit – I can’t stand it anymore,” he complained bitterly.

“So – you don’t like the regimentation – the Navy way of life...?” I asked.

“Yes. I remember what you said 10 years ago when we had come over to your place in Pune. You said that I did not have the right attitude for the Navy. You were right. I should have listened to you...” he said, quite contrite.

Of course – then he went on to list many reasons why he wanted to quit – family pressures (his father was not keeping well and wanted him to look after their family business) – a matrimonial alliance (the girl did not want to marry a defence officer) – and so many other reasons. 

But – the crux of the issue was the Attitudinal Mismatch problem.

I frankly told him that it would be very difficult for him to leave the Navy since he was a permanent commission cadet entry officer.

I advised him that now that he had joined the Navy – it was best for him to continue serving in the Navy – as he had a bright career ahead.

But – I saw that the young Lieutenant sitting in front of me was in no mood to listen to my platitudinous advice.

He had not listened to my advice when I told him not to join the Navy.

Now – again – he did not listen to me when I told him to continue serving in the navy.

I politely told him that I could not help him out in this matter – and that it was best he continue in the Navy at least till he completed 20 years pensionable service. 

But – the young Lieutenant was adamant on quitting the navy. 

He kept submitting his resignation again and again – giving different pretexts each time – and – he made his own life miserable – and – he made everyone else’s life miserable too.

Later – I learnt that his perseverance to quit the Navy had paid off.

He had finally managed to get out of the Navy after a struggle of nearly 3 years – relentlessly pushing his papers – pulling strings – using connections – begging and pleading his case.

13 years of his productive life were wasted – both to him and to the Navy – and finally – he left the Navy with a feeling of bitterness.

MORAL OF THE STORY

During my long Navy career I have seen many such cases of officers who realised that they were misfits in the Navy – and – sadly – they wasted many frustrated years of their lives in misery trying to get out of the Navy.

I am sure you will find similar examples in other professions as well – but – in the civilian world – it is easy to quit your job – and change over to something else.

That is why – before you take up a career – especially a military career – make sure you have the right attitude suitable for that career – LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP. 

EPILOGUE 

“MILITARY” CAREER IN A NUTSHELL

Many youngsters keep asking me about life and career prospects in the Armed Forces (Defence Services) – Army, Navy and Air Force.

So – here are the salient aspects of a Military Career in a Nutshell.

12 UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES OF A MILITARY CAREER IN THE DEFENCE FORCES
Tips from a Military Veteran
By
VIKRAM KARVE

(The generic term “MILITARY” includes all the three Armed Forces – Army, Navy and Air Force)

A career in the Defence Services or Armed Forces like the Army, Navy and Air Force is different from most other civilian careers. 

The unique attributes of a military career entail a distinctive “way of life” that makes a career in the Armed Forces totally different as compared to a career in the civilian world.

Many young persons join the defence services without fully understanding the unique aspects of a Military career and then they feel out of place, mismatched, frustrated and regretful.

During my long Naval career I have seen so many officers who realised that they were misfits in the navy and wasted many frustrated years of their lives in misery trying to get out of the navy.

Please do not let that happen to you.

Do join the Army, Navy and Air Force – but do so with due diligence – with your eyes open and with full awareness. 

It may prove foolhardy to join on a sudden impulse or in a wave of jingoism. 

You must be realistic about choosing your career – whether in the Defence Services or elsewhere – because your career is probably the most important part of your life.

If you have the right attitude and compatible mindset – then a Military career is very satisfying and fulfilling.

But if your attitude in not in sync with the military way of life – then you may get frustrated and your life may become miserable.

That is why – before you join the defence services – make sure you have the right attitude suitable for a career in the armed forces.

“MILITARY” LIFE IN A NUTSHELL

To put “Military” Life in a nutshell – here is a list of 12 Unique Attributes that characterize a Military Career in the Armed Forces (Army Navy or Air Force):

1. HOLISTIC ORIENTATION

2. LIFETIME EMPLOYMENT

3. REGIMENTATION 

4. TOUGH DANGEROUS CHALLENGING WORK

5. MODERATE COMPENSATION PACKAGE

6. MODEST CAREER PROSPECTS

7. NON-SPECIALISED CAREER PATH 

8. CONFORMIST ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE

9. RIGID RANK BASED HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE 

10. INFLEXIBLE HR POLICIES

11. UNSTABLE NOMADIC FAMILY LIFE

12. EARLY RETIREMENT AGE 

If you planning to join the Armed Forces you must ask yourself whether you have the right attitude and compatible mindset to match all these 12 military attributes.

I am sure you understand each of the 12 points mentioned above which are self-explanatory – but – nevertheless – I shall try and elaborate on each point later in my blog. 

In fact – I have already written articles/stories based on most of the above 12 attributes.

Also – it is always a good idea to talk to young officers of your age group to get a first-hand view of life in the respective Defence Service – as serving officers will be more updated and current in this matter.

Remember the Story of the Boy who wanted to “Appear to be a Naval Officer” – and – ask yourself: 

Do you want to be a “fauji” – or – do you want to appear to be a “fauji”...?

All the Best.

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:

1. These tips are based on my own experience and represent my personal views which may not be universal in nature and may not apply to you. You must make your own career decisions with due diligence. 

2. This story narrated in the blog post is a fictional spoof, 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.

3. 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 an abridged extract from a series of career counselling articles written by me Vikram Karve 8 years ago in the year 2010 as a part of my career guidance lectures and I have Earlier Posted this article in my Academic and Creative Writing Blog more than 5 years ago in the year 2013 at urls:  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/07/career-guidance-tips-do-you-want-to.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/08/army-life-in-nutshell.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/07/career-guidance-tips-do-you-want-to_9.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/07/career-guidance-tips-do-you-want-to_4735.html and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/03/fauji-life-in-nutshell-12-attributes-of.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/05/a-military-career-in-navy-attitude.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/11/story-of-boy-who-wanted-to-appear-to-be.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/08/career-adivice-look-before-you-leap.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/03/military-career-in-nutshell.html etc

OLQ – “Officer Like Qualities”

OLQ – OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES
Military Jargon or Nebulous Gobbledygook?
Musings of a Military Veteran
By
VIKRAM KARVE 

OLQ – Military Jargon or Nebulous Gobbledygook...?

If you join the Defence Services – the Army, the Navy or Air Force – as an Officer – you will hear a term of Military Jargon being bandied about freely – OLQ – which is the acronym for OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES

OLQ is a most nebulous term.

In my long naval service – I asked many officers to precisely define OLQ.

Most gave generic answers – but no one was able to precisely define OLQ – or clearly specify what exactly constituted OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES

Everyone had his own subjective concept of OLQ.

To me – OLQ seems a bit of gobbledygook.

OLQ means OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES.

So – by its very definition – OLQ pertains only to OFFICERS.

This means that Personnel Below Officers Rank (PBOR) like Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen are not supposed to have OLQ.

Maybe they are supposed to have SLQ (Soldier Like Qualities or Sailor Like Qualities) or ALQ (Airmen Like Qualities) et al

Does this mean that if you are an Officer – you automatically have OLQ.

Are some individuals born with OLQ.

Or is it vice versa – that you develop OLQ once you become an officer.

Some soldiers/sailors/airmen are promoted from the ranks to become officers.

Does this mean that till they were soldiers/sailors/airmen they did not have OLQ – and the moment they got promoted as officers – overnight they acquired OLQ?

It is all very confusing.

So – let us delve a bit deeper.

WHAT IS OLQ

What is OLQ...?

What are the “Officer Like Qualities” required in a Naval Officer...?

Do you want to know the answer to this question...?

It is simple.

Click the url link below and go to the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page of the Indian Navy Recruitment Website:

Now – have a look at Question No. 3

What kind of “Officer like Qualities” are required for commission in the Navy?

Now click on the Question and read the answer provided:

The candidates who successfully pass the competitive examination conducted by the UPSC, are interviewed by the Services Selection Boards. Officer Like Qualities of a candidate are assessed during these interviews, which last for about 3 to 4 days. In broad terms, the ability of an individual to withstand physical and mental stress, leadership qualities, determination, fighting spirit, clarity of thought, expression, resolve and overall suitability is assessed during the course of the interview.

I am paraphrasing below the relevant extract of the above answer which defines OLQ or Officer Like Qualities:

In broad terms…Officer Like Qualities or OLQ…is the ability of an individual to withstand physical and mental stress, leadership qualities, determination, fighting spirit, clarity of thought, expression, resolve…

(Please note that even here – OLQ is not defined precisely – but the concept of OLQ is explained only in “broad terms”) 

Does OLQ focus more on PERSONALITY rather than CHARACTER...?

From the definition of OLQ given above – it appears that the focus is on “personality” rather than “character”.

It is surprising that core value-based inner qualities like truthfulness, trustworthiness, honesty, forthrightness and integrity are not considered “Officer Like Qualities”.

Is OLQ all about Personality...?

What about Character Traits like Ethics, Moral Values, Honesty and Integrity...?

Are these positive character traits not considered OLQ?

Are these not being assessed by Services Selection Boards?

If OLQ means having a good personality but excludes character traits – then:

Is it okay for an officer to have a good “personality” – but be morally corrupt...?

Is this the reason why so many scams, scandals and acts of moral turpitude are taking place in the defence services in which many senior officers have been alleged to be involved...? 

Should OLQ include “ETHICAL FITNESS”...?

Do you not feel that sound immaculate character attributes and unblemished ethical qualities are an essential part of OLQ...?

Are these moral qualities of character not more important than the personality traits mentioned in the definition of OLQ given in the Navy Recruitment Website...?

What is your view?

Please tell us.

Do you feel that Ethics, Moral Values, Honesty and Integrity are not essential “Officer Like Qualities”...?

Do you think that an officer need not be truthful, trustworthy, honest and forthright under all circumstances?

Do you feel that concepts like “code of conduct” and “honour code” are outdated ideas of the past and have no relevance in the current environment?

Or are you of the view that – in today’s modern world – to succeed in the defence services – an officer needs to be “street smart” rather than straightforward?

Does OLQ mean “STREET SMARTNESS” ?

Does OLQ mean “street smartness” ?

“Street Smartness” is the shrewd ability of how to survive or succeed in any situation using any means.

“Street Smartness” requires you to “Morally Pliable” 

Or – to use an euphemism – to be “Street Smart” – you must have have “Tact”.

So – does OLQ boil down to outwardly having an “Officer-like personality” – and inwardly being “Street Smart”...?

Is this how we want our Army, Navy and Air Force officers to be...?

Do “Character Attributes” like Ethics, Moral Values, Honesty and Integrity have no place in OLQ...?

Do we want “tactful street-smart officers” who shine outside but are hollow inside...?

DO SERVICES SELECTION BOARDS (SSB) ASSESS “ETHICAL FITNESS” ?

If one goes by the answer given in the Navy Recruitment Website which lists the “Officer Like Qualities” which are assessed during the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview – it seems that officer candidates are not being assessed for “ethical fitness”.

When you select an Officer for the Defence Services:

You assess intellectual fitness (UPSC Examination – NDA/CDSE/Naval Academy).

You assess physical fitness (SSB).

You assess “psychological” fitness (SSB).

You assess medical fitness (Military Hospital).

But do you assess Ethical Fitness...?

Why does OLQ not include “Character Attributes” like Ethics, Moral Values, Honesty and Integrity?

Why is “Ethical Fitness” not being assessed by SSBs...?

Is “Ethical Fitness” not a part of OLQ...?

Do we want Military Officers who are “Ethically Unfit”...?

It all depends on the moot question:

What is OLQ ?

I hope some military veteran will enlighten us on this moot point.

What is the meaning of OLQ...?

Do “Officer Like Qualities” only comprise personality attributes and not character traits...? 

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 story 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)

The above post is an updated version of my post WHAT IS OLQ - THE DEFINITION OF OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES posted by me on this blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal on Saturday, July 6, 2013 at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/07/what-is-olq-definition-of-officer-like.html and revised/reposted at url: https://www.quora.com/profile/Vikram-Karve/Writing-by-VIKRAM-KARVE/MILITARY-OFFICER-LIKE-QUALITIES-OLQ and https://www.quora.com/profile/Vikram-Karve/Writing-by-VIKRAM-KARVE/OLQ-Officer-Like-Qualities-a-most-Nebulous-Term-Military-Jargon-or-Gobbledygook

A Story for Ambitious Parents – IIT JEE

Are you an overambitious parent who desperately want your children to succeed...?

I have seen so many overambitious parents who are willing to do anything – go to any extent – make all sorts of “sacrifices” – in order to ensure that their children “succeed” in their academic studies. 

In the Defence Services – I have seen parents “sacrifice” their married life for the sake of their children’s education – the “faujan” mother lives separately with her children in a city which has good educational facilities – while the “fauji” father lives as a “married bachelor” at his place of posting. 

I remember a case where an officer even quit the military so that he could live in Pune and both parents could concentrate on their children’s education.

I have seen parents remove Television (TV) from their homes (and deprive themselves of their main source of entertainment) – since the parents feel that TV may be a distraction to their children and disturb their studies. 

A lady quit her job when her son entered the 9^th class – so that she could devote all her time to him and ensure that he studies properly. 

Most parents spend huge amounts on Tuitions and Extra “Classes” for their children.

Yesterday – I saw an overly ambitious mother “motivating” her son to study hard and prepare well for the IIT JEE – the Joint Entrance Examination for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) 

“You have to get into IIT at any cost...” – she exhorted her son. 

And – just imagine – her son was only in the 9^th class – he still had more than 3 years to go before the IIT JEE. 

The mother was telling everyone about all the things she was doing to ensure that her son clears the IIT JEE with high rank and gets admission into a good IIT and gets a choice branch.

The desperation of the overambitious mother reminded me of a story I had written sometime ago.

Here is the story...

IIT JEE 

Fiction Short Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE 

Pune

May 1972 

At the height of the scorching summer of 1972 – two boys sweated it out in the dilapidated drawing hall of the College of Engineering Pune (COEP).

The two boys were appearing for IIT-JEE – the Joint Entrance Examination for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

From time to time – the antiquated structure vibrated and reverberated as a train thundered close by on the adjoining railway tracks on the south-east mainline from Pune to Mumbai (then called Bombay).

For two full days – Saturday – the 6^th of May 1972 – and – Sunday – the 7^th of May 1972 – the two boys sat in the sweltering heat – writing 4 papers – in English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry – analytical and subjective – each paper of 3 hours duration – 2 papers per day – one in the morning – one in the afternoon.

The papers were tough – and the two boys thought and thought – till their brains went blank – and they wrote and wrote – till their fingers ached – and finally – when it all ended – they collapsed in agony with the sheer mental and physical exhaustion of it all.

While the boys wrote the IIT-JEE exam inside – their fathers waited outside – for the entire two days.

The fathers had personally escorted the boys to the exam venue at COEP in Shivajinagar from their homes in Sadashiv Peth – and back – hiring auto-rickshaws – which was a luxury for the lower middle-class.

During the exam lunch-break – the boys’ mothers – Asha and Usha – came down from their homes bringing cool buttermilk and freshly cooked hot lunch for the boys.

At the end of the exam – both boys said that they had done well – and the parents were happy.

They all lived in Madiwale Colony – a middle class locality in Sadashiv Peth Pune – where most parents with bright sons had one ambition – their son should get into an IIT – and there he would strive for a 9+ point CGPA – a passport to the “land of opportunity” – for higher studies in a good university – the best way for a middle-class boy to migrate abroad – to realize his American Dream – and then – he would find a suitable “NRI” groom for his sister there – so that she could follow.

But in the story I am narrating – the two boys were the “only child” of their parents – and their parents had left no stone unturned to ensure that their sons successfully cleared the IIT-JEE.

Both the fathers worked as clerks in a government office.

They cycled to their offices every day on their old bicycles.

Both of them had sacrificed their dreams of buying a scooter – using the money to pay for IIT Coaching Classes for their sons.

The two mothers too had done all they could to facilitate the studies of their sons – in fact – for the last two years – as their sons were preparing for the IIT-JEE – both mothers thought of nothing else and they were totally were obsessed with their respective son’s studies.

The two families were next door neighbours – they were best friends and had developed a very close relationship.

Now – after the ordeal was over – the parents were happy – the boys had said that they had done well in the exam – and they all eagerly awaited the IIT-JEE results which would be announced in early June.

Pune 

June 1972

The IIT-JEE results were declared.

Asha’s son successfully cleared the IIT-JEE.

However – Usha’s son did not qualify in the IIT-JEE.

And – this changed the relationship between their parents – especially between the mothers – Asha and Usha.

Asha celebrated her son’s success in lavish style – she held a Puja followed by a lavish dinner – for which the entire neighbourhood was invited.

Asha was ecstatic with joy: “I am so happy my son has got into IIT…” she told everyone.

Asha loudly boasted about her son’s achievement in the presence of Usha – and made certain boastful remarks – which were perceived as sarcastic and insulting by Usha – and this caused a fissure in their relationship which was beyond repair.

in due course – Asha’s son went for counseling to IIT Powai at Mumbai – and soon – he joined the same IIT for the B. Tech. Course in Electrical Engineering.

Usha’s son – who had failed to clear the IIT Entrance Exam – joined the local college for the First Year B. Sc. Course (FY) – and he would try for admission to the local Engineering College after his FY.

Those days – you joined IIT after your Pre-Degree (PD/ Class 11) – for the 5 Year B. Tech. Course.

And – you joined other Engineering Colleges after completing your First Year B. Sc. (FY) for the 4 Year BE Course.

The next year – Usha’s son got admission in the local Engineering College.

After completing his B. Tech. – like most IIT graduates – Asha’s son migrated to the US to complete his MS at a prestigious University – and thereafter – he stayed on in the US to realize his “American Dream”.

After finishing his BE – Usha’s son took a job in the local industry in Pune.

As Asha’s son flourished in America – like most ‘parents of NRIs’ – their lifestyle changed – and after some time – Asha and her husband relocated to a posh apartment in the upmarket locality of Deccan Gymkhana – which was bought by their NRI son.

For Usha and her husband – nothing much changed – and they continued to live in Madiwale Colony in Sadashiv Peth.

The ‘emotional distance’ due to the fissure in their relationship – and the ‘physical distance’ between their homes – resulted in Asha and Usha losing close contact with each other.

Even on rare occasions when their paths crossed – Usha scrupulously avoided Asha – and on seeing this – Asha started doing likewise – so – even when they came across each other – Asha and Usha did not talk to each other.

A few years later – Usha’s son bought a flat in a distant suburb near his factory (those days – decent housing was quite affordable in such remote suburbs of Pune).

Usha and her husband vacated their rented home in Madiwale Colony and moved to live with their son and daughter-in-law as a ‘joint family’.

After this – Asha and Usha totally lost contact with each other.

43 years later

Pune 

June 2015 

By now – both Asha and Usha were old widows in their 80’s.

Asha’s son was now well-settled in America.

Earlier – Asha frequently visited her son and daughter-in-law in America for ‘nanny duties’ – but – after a few years – when her grandchildren grew up – and with her son and daughter-in-law busy in the careers – Asha felt bored and ‘unwelcome’ – and so – she stopped her visits to America.

As I told you earlier – Usha lived with her son and daughter-in-law in a suburb of Pune – and over the years – this once remote suburb had now become a much sought after locality.

Whereas Asha’s ‘American’ son had achieved spectacular material success – Usha’s son had a reasonable career in the industry and would happily retire in a few years – and they all lived together as a ‘joint family’ – Usha – her son and daughter-in-law – and her grandchildren who were now in college.

One evening – Usha ran into Asha at a wedding reception at a hotel near Deccan Gymkhana.

In the presence of the newlyweds – to keep up appearances – Asha and Usha exchanged fake smiles of forced geniality.

After the event was over – Usha’s son saw Asha struggling to walk with the help of a walking stick – so went up to help her.

Usha’s son offered to drop Asha home.

“Thanks – but it is okay – I will go by taxi – the reception will call a cab for me…” Asha said.

“Why call a cab…? I will drop you in my car. You live in the same place in Deccan Gymkhana, isn’t it…?” Usha’s son said.

“No – I don’t live there anymore…” Asha said.

“Oh – so you have shifted to a better house…?” Usha asked.

Asha looked at Usha – then she looked at Usha’s son – and – after a pause – Asha said: “No – I haven’t shifted to a better house – I live in an ‘Old Age Home’…”

“Old Age Home…?” Usha’s son asked, surprised.

“Yes – it is quite far away – please call a cab for me…” Asha said.

“No – No – we will drop you…” Usha said.

They all got into the car – Usha and Asha in the rear – and Usha’s son and his wife in front.

After a long time – Asha and Usha talked – about their sons – their grandchildren – their husbands – and about themselves – about the 43 years gone by.

When they reached the ‘Old Age Home’ – Asha said to Usha: “Do you remember how happy I was when my son had got into IIT…? Now – I sometimes wish that he had not got into IIT…”

“What are you saying…?” Usha said. 

Asha said:

“Yes – those days – it was my life’s desire that my son clears the IIT Entrance Exam. 

I wanted him to do well in IIT – and then – go abroad to America for higher studies – and get a good job in the US and permanently settle down there to realize the “Amercian Dream” .

Yes – I was so happy when he was selected for IIT. 

But – nowadays – when I feel lonely – waiting for death in the ‘old age home’ – sometimes – I really feel – that – it would have been better – if my son had not passed the IIT Entrance Exam.

Yes – it would have been much better if he had not got into IIT…” 

There were tears in Asha’s eyes as she was speaking.

VIKRAM KARVE

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Disclaimer:

This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story 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.

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This Blog Post is the Revised and Abridged Version of my Story IIT JEE written by me Vikram Karve on November 25, 2015 and and posted online by me Vikram Karve in my blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/11/iit-jee.html