Memories of My Navy Life – My “Literary” Boss

Humor in Uniform

The Navy has a diverse variety of individuals – with personalities and characters across the spectrum – and – so – I came across many unforgettable characters during my long career in the Navy. 

One such unique characters was my “literary” boss.

MY “LITERARY” BOSS

Unforgettable Memories of My Wonderful Navy Life

A Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE

When I was in the Navy – I once had a “literary” boss.

You may be surprised – since you may think that “faujis” have their brains in their boots.

But – I came across plenty of accomplished creative persons in the Navy – writers, artists, cartoonists, singers, musicians, dramatists, actors, painters, photographers etc

And – I have seen many such talented persons in the Army and Air Force too. 

After our customary Monday morning meeting – I said to my Boss: 

“Sir – I hope you haven’t forgotten about the “open mic” session on Friday evening...”

I was referring to the “open mic” session at the Kala Ghoda Arts and Literary Festival which was going on nearby at Rampart Row

My Boss looked at me and said: 

“Of course – I will be there to read my poetry – and – I am keen to hear poems of all the poets too...” 

“I have already sent our names, Sir – we will get 10 minutes each. The venue is the David Sassoon Library Gardens – it is opposite the Jehangir Art Gallery. The event starts at 6 PM in the evening...” I said.

“You take me there – pick me up from my office on Friday evening – I will bring my “civvies” along – and – we will walk down there...” he said.

On Friday morning – my Boss called me to his office.

“Do me a favour – can you read my poems this evening at the Poetry Reading Session...?” he said to me.

Before I could speak – my Boss handed me a diary – and he said: 

“I have flagged three of my best poems – but you can choose a few more – if there is time.”

“What’s wrong, Sir – why aren’t you coming yourself...? Don’t you want to read your own poems...?” I asked.

“Of course I want to be there and read my poems – and – I want to hear all the poets too. But something important has come up – so – I cannot come to the Kala Ghoda Festival this evening...” he said.

“Sir – what can be more important than this poetry session – especially for a poet like you...?” I asked.

“Some bloody delegation has come – and – there is a cocktail party for them...” he said.

“I know, Sir – the circular came on Wednesday – but I am skipping the cocktail party...” I said.

“You can skip it – but – I cannot skip it. After all – I am a bloody Admiral – and – my absence will be conspicuous. In fact – I did try to wriggle out – but COS said that CinC wants all Flag Officers to attend...” the Rear Admiral said, looking quite disappointed.

Next morning he called me to his office – and – he wanted to know all about the Poetry Reading Session.

I told him everything – what an enriching literary experience it had been – and – I told him how much his poems had been appreciated.

“Sir – I wish you were there – literary people had come from all over – and – there was such excellent work being read – and – Sir – so many Poets wanted to meet you and discuss your poems...” I said.

“I wish I had been there...” he said, disappointment writ on his face.

“How was the cocktail party...?” I asked, trying to cheer him up.

“It was like all monotonous official cocktail parties – bloody waste of time – the same boring shop talk – and do you know – all the while – I was thinking of you enjoying in the Kala Ghoda Festival...” he said.

“Never mind, Sir – maybe next year…” I said.

“Who knows where I will be next year...? If they don’t promote me – I may even retire this year and go to my hometown. I am really regretting that I missed this “once in a lifetime” chance...” he said, with disappointment.

He looked quite dejected – so – I did not say anything.

Then he looked at me and said: 

“You are lucky – you can still do whatever you want to do – in your leisure – but – ever since I became a senior officer – I have lost control of how to spend my time.”

As I walked back to my office – I wondered about the irony of the situation.

Though he was the Boss – he did not have any control on how to spend his time.

And – though I was not a “Big Boss” – I had control on my time to a much larger extent.

And it was this loss of control on his time that was making the Boss unhappy.

MORAL OF THE STORY

This rather trivial incident taught me one thing:

IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY – YOU MUST TAKE CONTROL OF THE WAY YOU SPEND YOUR TIME

Once you have taken control of your time – you are free to spend your time in doing those things that make you happy.

So – the “Moral of the Story” is simple:

“The ultimate test of true freedom is when you have complete control of your time...” 

It is true  – isn’t it...?

THE ULTIMATE TEST OF TRUE FREEDOM IS WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETE CONTROL OF YOUR TIME

So – Gaining Control over your Time is the First Step towards Freedom and Happiness.

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. 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)

This Story was written by me Vikram Karve around 4 years ago on 18 October 2013 and First Posted Online by me Vikram Karve in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog at10/18/2013 11:39:00 PM at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/10/how-to-be-happy-first-step-to-happiness.html  and revised and reposted on 08 July 2015 at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/07/humor-in-uniform-time-freedom-happiness.html  and later at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/09/literateur-in-uniform.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/06/humor-in-uniform-my-literary-boss.html

LITERATEUR IN UNIFORM

It is always a pleasure to meet a “Literateur” in Uniform.

Last weekend I attended the PUNE INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL 2015 – PILF2015

I was pleasantly surprised to meet a Military General avidly participating in the Literary Festival and he even presided at a book launch.

This reminded me of a “literary” boss I came across during my long career in the Navy.

I had written a post about him in my blog earlier – around 2 years ago in October 2013.

Let me delve into my “Humor in Uniform” Archives and pull out this article for you to read:

“LITERATEUR” IN UNIFORM

Unforgettable Memories of My Wonderful Navy Life

A Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE

When I was in the Navy – I once had a “literary” boss.

Yes – you may be surprised – since you may think that “faujis” have their brains in their boots – but I came across plenty of accomplished creative persons in the Navy – writers, artists, cartoonists, singers, musicians, dramatists, actors, painters, photographers – and I have seen many such talented persons in the Army and Air Force too.

“Sir – I hope you haven’t forgotten about the ‘open mic’ session on Friday evening,” I said, after my customary Monday morning meeting with the Boss. 

I was referring to the ‘open mic’ session at the arts and literary festival which was going on nearby.

“Of course – I will be there to read my poetry – and I am keen to hear poems of all the poets too,” he said.

“I have already sent our names, Sir – we will get ten minutes each. The venue is the David Sassoon Library Gardens – it is opposite the Jehangir Art Gallery. The event starts at 6 in the evening,” I said.

“You take me there – pick me up from my office on Friday evening – I will bring my civvies along and we will walk down there,” he said.

On Friday morning – my Boss called me to his office.

“Do me a favour – can you read my poems this evening at the poetry reading session?” he asked.

Before I could speak – he handed me a diary – and he said, “I have flagged three of my best poems – but you can choose a few more if there is time.”

“What’s wrong, Sir – why aren’t you coming yourself? Don’t you want to read your own poems?” I asked.

“Of course I want to be there and read my poems – and I want to hear all the poets too. But something important has come up – and I cannot come to the Kala Ghoda Festival this evening,” he said.

“Sir – what can be more important than this poetry session – especially for a poet like you?” I asked.

“Some bloody delegation has come – and there is a cocktail party for them,” he said.

“I know, Sir – the circular came on Wednesday – but I am skipping it,” I said.

“You can skip it – but I cannot skip it. After all – I am a bloody Admiral – and my absence will be conspicuous – in fact – I did try to wriggle out – but COS said that CinC wants all Flag Officers to attend,” the Rear Admiral said, looking quite disappointed.

Next morning he called me to his office – and he wanted to know all about the poetry reading session.

I told him everything – what an enriching literary experience it had been – and how much his poems had been appreciated.

“Sir – I wish you were there – people had come from all over – and there was such excellent work being read – and – Sir – so many poets wanted to meet you and discuss your poems,” I said.

“I wish I had been there,” he said, disappointment writ on his face.

“How was the cocktail party?” I asked, trying to cheer him up.

“It was like all bloody official cocktail parties – bloody waste of time – the same boring shop talk – and do you know – all the while – I was thinking of you enjoying in the Kala Ghoda Festival,” he said.

“Never mind, Sir – maybe next year…” I said.

“Who knows where I will be next year? If they don’t promote me – I may even retire this year and go to my hometown. I am really regretting that I missed this once in a lifetime chance,” he said with disappointment.

He looked quite dejected – so I did not say anything.

Then he looked at me and said, “You are lucky – you can still do what you want in your leisure – but ever since I became a senior officer – I have lost control of how to spend my time.”

As I walked back to my office – I wondered about the irony of the situation.

Though he was the Boss – he did not have any control on how to spend his time.

And though I was not a “Big Boss” – I had control on my time to a much larger extent

And – this loss of control on his time was making the Boss unhappy.

MORAL OF THE STORY

This rather trivial incident taught me one thing:

IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY – YOU MUST TAKE CONTROL OF THE WAY YOU SPEND YOUR TIME

Once you have taken control of your time – you are free to spend your time in doing things which make you happy.

So – the “Moral of the Story” is simple:

“The ultimate test of true freedom is when you have complete control of your time”

So – gaining control over your Time is the first step towards Freedom and Happiness.

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. This story is a 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)

This Story was written by me Vikram Karve around 2 years on 18 October 2013 and First Posted Online by me Vikram Karve in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog at10/18/2013 11:39:00 PM at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/10/how-to-be-happy-first-step-to-happiness.html  and revised and reposted on 08 July 2015 at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/07/humor-in-uniform-time-freedom-happiness.html

WHY WE FOLLOW RITUALS CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Humour Wit Wisdom

WHY WE FOLLOW RITUALS CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Do you believe in rituals? Or follow customs and traditions? 

Are you superstitious? 

Then – you must read this witty story titled – THE MYSTICAL CAT – from my Teaching Stories Archives.

THE STORY OF THE MYSTICAL CAT

Ancient Wisdom Teaching Story

Narrated By

VIKRAM KARVE

The military is steeped in tradition.

There are many customs, traditions and rituals.

I remember – there was a custom in the Army – in the Artillery – where you do not light more than two cigarettes with a single matchstick.

There was a logical reason for this practice during World War I – when – in the darkness of the night – an enemy sniper or gun observation post – first saw – then took aim – and fired on the third light.

But today – this tradition seems archaic and meaningless.

In the Navy – we do not clink glasses while drinking or making a toast.

This is plain pure superstition.

Click the link ahead and read WHY SAILORS NEVER CLINK GLASSES   http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/12/navy-customs-and-traditions-why-naval.html  (opens in a new window)

In the Navy, if we asked the reason for a certain custom which we found meaningless – our seniors would admonish us: “This is the Naval Tradition”  

Even in our day to day life – in the name of tradition – we unquestioningly follow customs, traditions and ceremonies and perform all types of religious, social and superstitious rituals without understanding the spirit behind the ritual.

 

A ritual is an action performed purely for symbolic value.

 

In many cases there is no logic or rational explanation for the ritual. 

 

This apocryphal story from ancient wisdom “The Mystical Cat” illustrates how customs, traditions and rituals begin – and continue unquestioningly till eternity.

The story also tells you how due to repeated repetition over the years these customs and rituals are gradually established and become a part of culture. 

And then, once established, customs, traditions and rituals are blindly followed for years and years, despite the fact that, in most cases, these customs and traditions have lost their significance and the rituals have outlived their utility and meaning.

 

THE MYSTICAL CAT – an apocryphal wisdom story retold by Vikram Karve

A seeker joined a monastery to learn meditation and the art of living. 

Every evening all students and disciples assembled in the large meditation hall for a discourse by the Spiritual Guru followed by group meditation.

Just before the meditation session commenced the disciples would catch a cat.

Then they would tie up the cat – and place the tied up cat on the lap of the Spiritual Guru. 

The Guru would then start caressing the cat – and begin the discourse and meditation session. 

After the meditation session was over – the cat would be untied and set free.

This was the established daily ritual.

The Guru would start the meditation session only after the tied up cat was placed on his lap.

The Spiritual Teacher was extremely particular about this.

Once when the cat could not be found – the Guru refused to start the meditation session and demanded that the cat be placed on his lap.

So the meditation session was delayed – and all the seekers launched a desperate hunt for the cat.

The searched for hours till they found the cat.

The cat was duly tied up and placed on the Guru’s lap – and only then did he start his discourse-cum-meditation session.

The seeker was quite perplexed at the mystery of the tied up cat. 

He could not understand the significance of this ritual.

In fact he was quite puzzled at how this ritual of a tied up cat on the Guru’s lap was connected to meditation. 

The seeker wondered: “What is the significance of the tied up cat placed on the Guru’s lap and what is its correlation with meditation?” 

He asked around the monastery – but no one knew the answer – till someone told him to ask a ‘wise old man’ who lived in a cave up the hills.

So – one morning – our curious seeker trudged up the hills to meet the wise old man – and – when he met the ‘wise old man’ – the seeker asked him the significance of this time-honoured ritual.

“It is like this,” the wise old man said:

“one evening – many years ago – when the then Spiritual Guru and his disciples began their evening meditation – a cat that lived in the monastery made so much noise – that it distracted them – and disturbed their meditation practice. 

So the Guru ordered that the cat be tied up during the evening discourse-cum-meditation practice. 

This practice of tying up the cat before meditation practice continued – so much so – that even after the Spiritual Teacher died – the next Guru continued this tradition – and the cat was tied up every evening during the meditation session.

When the cat died – another cat was brought to the monastery to be tied up during the evening meditation session.

And when that cat died too – they brought another cat to be tied up during meditation practice – and then as cats kept dying – they kept replacing the dead cats with new cats – and the practice of tying up a cat during meditation continued.

With the passage of time this became an established ritual.

Once precedence has been established – no one can dare to question it. 

So – it has become a custom, tradition and established ritual to tie up a cat during the meditation session.” 

Satisfied by this story – the seeker came down to the monastery – and from then onwards – the seeker actively participated in the daily evening pre-meditation ‘tying up the cat’ ritual.

Many years passed – but the ritual of tying up the cat during the meditation session continued and continued  – till it became an eternal established ritual.

Our seeker – who by then had become the Spiritual Guru – wrote a scholarly treatise about the significance of tying up a cat for meditation practice.



DO YOU BLINDLY FOLLOW RITUALS, CUSTOMS, TRADITIONS AND SUPERSTITION WITHOUT QUESTIONING THE LOGICAL BASIS OR RATIONALE ?

I wonder why we accept customs and traditions without understanding their significance?

Just like a blind man lead by others who are blind – why do we blindly follow rituals without examining the meaning, logic and significance of that ritual using our own intelligence and judgement?

Why do we follow customs, traditions and rituals that are obsolete  – and which have lost their significance and outlived their utility?

If you see any ritual, custom or tradition being blindly followed by people – and for which there seems to be no rational or logical explanation – remember this story of ‘The Mystical Cat’.

Ask questions – and find out the logical basis for the ritual, custom or tradition. 

Is there some rationale for the belief – or is it just superstition?

And if you are not convinced – it is better to stop blindly following superstition which has become meaningless in the modern world of today.

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)

 

This story posted by me online earlier, since the year 2004, in my various blogs at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/01/cat-and-art-of-meditation.html  and  http://creative.sulekha.com/meditation-and-the-mystical-cat_485601_blog and  http://creative.sulekha.com/cat-meditation_458738_blog  etc