The Jamun tree

Yesterday it rained heavily. A Jamun tree in secretariat lawn was uprooted. Next morning, Gardner saw it and found a man trapped under it.
Gardner went to peon; peon ran to clerk, clerk ran to superintendent & superintendent rushed to lawn outside. Within minutes, there were scores of people gathered around the man trapped under the Jamun tree.

“Poor tree, it was very old” said one clerk.

“It’s jamuns were very juicy” said another

“Yes, next summer there wont be any more jamun for my children”, said third one, almost crying.

“But this man?” Gardner pointed toward man trapped under the tree.

“Oh yes, what we should do of him” Asked superintendent

“Is he alive?” someone asked from the crowd.

“Not a chance, Tree is old and heavy, I bet you for a cup of tea, this man died within minutes of this tree falling on him” Replied someone from the crowd

“I am alive” said the man trapped under the tree, his voice barely audible.

“Ha ha, you owe me a cup of tea” Bet was settled now.

Gardner was an impatient man. He again asked superintendent. “What about this man”

Superintendent was worried, He was after-all made superintendent because he was minister’s Driver’s Son.

“This is a high profile case, it has never happened before. As per departmental rules, I am not authorized to take action on this matter. In fact this is a secretary-level decision. Prepare a report, and submit it to me before lunch” He ordered two clerks.

Both clerks tried their level best to prepare the preliminary report before lunch, but Tea and Bidis were in short supply. However, report was prepared by the end of day and duly submitted to Superintendent Sahib.

Since it was urgent matter, report was faxed to Assistant Secretary’s office on third floor. Reply was awaited, and thus passed a day.

Gardner was a foolish man; he offered water to the man trapped under tree. Greedy man took the offer surreptitiously.

Next day, Assistant Secretary’s office replied.
It read,
“Fax is not a recognized medium of departmental communication. All superintendents are hereby directed to prohibit use of facsimile communication. The report submitted by Superintendent in this case is Null and void. He is required to submit his report through proper channel only.”

A copy was duly marked to Joint Secretary for disciplinary action against the Superintendent.

Superintendent was dejected. He barged in on the man trapped under tree and asked,

“Why did you choose this tree and not any other tree freely available in city? Can’t you see, this is a government land, and only authorized persons are entitled to use trees implanted on this land. A high level Committee has been formed, and if it founds you guilty of trespassing, then you are a dead man”

“I am already dying, please help me” Man trapped under tree, spoke for the second time.

Superintendent was really pissed off, he was a busy man already, and this additional report required much of his time. But he had no other option, so he rushed to Joint Secretary’s office on fourth floor.

“Oh ho, Superintendent Sahib, Please come, please come and have a seat.” Said Joint Secretary who was a jovial man.

“Sirjee, I am in a very bad situation, a man is trapped under a jamun tree in Secretariat lawn. Neither he is dying, nor admitting trespassing charges leveled against him. I duly prepared a preliminary report, and as matter was urgent I faxed the report to Assistant Secretary for necessary action” blurted superintendent in one breath.

“Oh, I see. Don’t worry; I will quash the disciplinary enquiry against you. Submit the report to Assistant Secretary for further action.” Joint Secretary was famous for his ability to take quick decisions.

Lift was not working again, so superintendent has to take stairs to run down to Assistant Secretary on third floor.

AS was not in office, as matter in hand was urgent, superintendent submitted his report to PA of AS.

PA was a deft man. He immediately informed AS who was out shopping with his wife.
AS directed the PA to hand over the report to Additional Secretary to take further action.

Additional secretary was also a very busy man, but as the matter was very urgent he convened a meeting of all under-secretaries to discuss the problem. A hurried decision was taken and it was decided in the meeting that Tree should be cut in two parts.
A copy of decision was marked to Municipality chief engineer who was to arrange for woodcutter.

It was already past 4 PM, when Municipality Chief-engineer received the decision taken by under Secretaries meeting under the chairmanship of Additional Secretary. Chief-engineer immediately sent two Junior-engineers to visit the site, and report following day.

Both Junior-Engineers were passed out from a recognized UGC and AICTE approved Private College. They both were admitted in management quota, and hence paid an exorbitant amount. Both were very learned man, as they have been taught by the best available faculty ready to work on Princely sum of Rs. 18000 PM.

JE’s visited the site and took measurements of tree and man trapped under tree. Man was lying face down, and tree was placed on his spine. Superintendent kids were playing seesaw on the tree. They prepared their report and submitted the same next morning to Chief Engineer.

Report recommended that area be secured and woodcutter be provided with safety helmet and necessary equipments. However decision taken by under-secretary meeting was silent on one important point. It didn’t mentioned the exact ratio in which tree was to be cut. Hence JE’s report was forwarded to Additional Secretary with a remark seeking clarification on this important point.

Additional Secretary was impressed with JE’s report. He banked upon the expertise of Junior Engineers and replied
“You may use your own expertise in regard to this matter, Secretariat has no objection in this regard, and A NOC is being issued to concerned office”

On third day, since it rained heavily, Municipality Woodcutter arrived on the scene. It was earlier decided to float tenders for the post of Woodcutter for this specific job, however keeping in view the urgency of mater, it was finally decided that municipality can use it’s in-house woodcutter for the task.

Woodcutter realized that it is no mean task. Jamun tree is full of fruits and heavy on one side. Kids were also fuming because they were not allowed anymore to play seesaw.

Woodcutter started pruning jamuns and within an hour he had collected 4 Kg of Jamuns.
Tree was now in perfect alignment, and woodcutter readied his saw and no sooner than he had made first cut, 5 officials from Forest department arrived.

Forest officer demanded to know on whose authority this tree was being cut to pieces.

He was shown the report of superintendent, Additional Secretary decision, and reports of JE.
Forest officer was no nonsense man. He immediately consulted Forest rules 1996(As Amended 2004) and said ”As per rule 21A sub-rule VI, Explanation 2, Any person who desires to cut a tree has to inform Forest office 3 days in advance and take permission in writing.”
“Since, no one bothered to inform Forest officials about the matter, we cannot allow cutting of this tree”

Gardner was a shrewd man; he asked “but what would happen of this man”

Forest officer again consulted Forest rules 1996(As Amended 2004) and replied “As per rule 23E sub-rule II, Explanation 3,
“Everything attached to tree in natural circumstances including fruits flowers and related items, are property of Forest Department. However Forest department has no claim whatsoever on Private property attached with trees arising out of unforeseen circumstances”

“Therefore Man trapped under the tree does not come under jurisdiction of forest department, he is further directed to de-attach himself from the tree, failing which Penal Action will be taken against him” said Forest Officer , impressing everyone with his knowledge of Forest rules 1996(As Amended 2004).

The man trapped under tree raised his head and asked Forest officer for his help.

Forest Officer was a kind man, he asked his fellow officers for suggestions.
“We cannot cut the tree” blurted one official
“I suppose there is no restriction on cutting of man” asked another
“Yes, that’s correct, recently in Gujarat riots, many men were cut and chopped to pieces” said another official.

Forest officer than suggested the same to Superintendent, who consulted Assistant Secretary, who consulted Joint Secretary, who gave his nod to proceed.

Woodcutter sharpened his saw and axe. Someone from the crowd suggested that man trapped under the tree be asked for his last wish.

Superintendent approached man trapped under the tree and told him in a diligent manner,

“It has been decided that to rescue this tree, you would be cut into halves. Doctors are 50% positive that they can operate you and you would see light of another day, but as it may happen that you may not survive, and hence if you do have one last wish you can ask for it now”

The man Trapped under the tree was very happy to learn that finally Problem is being solved. He was thankful to everyone from Superintendent to JS and from Municipality officers to Forest officials. He however had one last wish, which he decided to ask from Superintendent who was a very kind man.

“Superintendent Sahib, I am a poet. The night it rained heavily, I was sitting under this tree, and I was composing a poem. I would like to recite the same to you”

“Oh, so you are a poet, very good very good. I will be glad to hear your last masterpiece.” superintendent was really happy to know that man trapped under tree is an artist.

Man was no ordinary poet too, He had been composing Poems from last 5 years, but there wasn’t a single person to whom he could sing those poems. Finally when he got the much awaited chance, he recited back to back full length feature poems of one hour duration.

The whole environment became melodious; in the meantime, someone alerted the Cultural Affairs and Broadcasting ministry about the poet trapped under the tree, who would be cut into pieces to rescue a jamun tree.

Soon Cultural Affairs Secretary visited the place and ordered an enquiry into the matter. Prima facie Poet was charged with breach of rules of broadcasting an entertainment program, without seeking permission from Cultural affairs Department. At the same time Cultural affairs department rejected summarily the idea of cutting the poet trapped under the tree, considering it loss of national culture.

4th day had passed; Gardener was offering food to Poet trapped under the tree, which the poet gladly accepted, but he was very tired and week.

Next morning Officials from Secretariat, Municipality, Forest department and Cultural affairs arrived on the spot, to discuss problem in hand.
Gardner was a foolish man; he abrupted the discussion and pointed towards the man

He was dead

Think a While

It’s been some time, Since you called it quit,
3 months to be precise, Seems like a long stint.


We met, in unusual circumstances, You kept relationship alive,
It wasn’t easy for you, that now I really realize.
I was an idiot, who took you for granted,
Shouldn’t have done that, I was so cold-hearted
Doesn’t mean that I didn’t loved you, though its true that I failed to respect you.
Remember that Rhyme, which I wrote for you, remember those times which I shared with you.

I know You are really pissed off, especially after I visited you,
But I want to say, “PLEASE DON’T TREAT ME LIKE A CLOWN”
As far as I have understood you in past Two years, I know it won’t be easy to bring you back.
But one thing I also know about myself that I will always keep coming back.

May be to you, “I AM NOW A LOSER”.
But I m trying to get my life on track.
May be I never told you all this before,
However that doesn’t change the FACTS.

It’s not mushy mush feelings that I want to generate,
But consider the Kodak moments which we had!!!!
Holding your hand, having lunches, that auto-rides, the Funny moments
Touching your lips that afternoon at Brahma Sarovar,
That second Date at Saffron Hotel.

Rememeber First kiss, remember your delhi Trip,
Rememebr That chill in your spine, remember that Tongue Act of mine.
Remember that Tikka-Shikka with Gaurav & Monika,
Remember those late night calls, Remember that you CRIED!


Now try to compare these with any bad moments you had,
Try to figure out what didn’t went Fine.
I tried to protect you, from my other side.
It’s Fate which now don’t want you to be mine.

Even though task seems next to impossible at this time, But Believe me Dear, All can still be just fine!
Give some time, and give some thought, it’s a humble request from your friend this side.
Every relationship has ups and downs. Some problems can be sorted out; some are better left to time.

Deflation:A Blessing in Disguise

Put your hands into your pockets & tell me honestly, had prices n market really gone down & by how much percentage your household expenses have came down & how much you are saving?

I am dead sure, you will be saying who dare say that prices are coming down

This is the same question, I am going to ask to those who belive & make us belive that Inflation is long gone; Deflation is about to set in.

Will somebody tell me, how this is possible that economy is growing @ 6.5% & demand is at near-zero level. How is it possible that there is deflation in economy & yet interest rates are still in double digit figures?

Someone out there is causing rumors of deflation, because even government is finding it hard to believe, but before starting an argument lets understand what is Deflation?

Deflation is exact opposite of inflation.

In inflation, prices increase, i.e. supply is less and demand is more, on the other hand in Deflation, growth rate in prices goes down and becomes negative, because of lesser demand and more supply in market.

On the basis of this definition a complex and confusing picture emerges, but alas (pun intended) these statistics cannot make ground realties change.

Now lets us look at that figure which caused all this hoopla. Whole Sale Price Index Base Inflation Rate, recently went down to 0.44% (latest figure being 0.26%) which is lowest in last 14 years. On this basis, technically Deflation is about to set in, but as I said earlier, ground relaties are different and this would not happen.

Tere are so many good reasons behind this. Infact indexed deflation and economic deflation are two separate concepts. WPI based inflation rate last year was around 8%( remember when was hovering around 100 $ per barrel mark), thus making this fall in inflation rate normal. Ground realties tell us a different story altogether, which is that economy is not in deflation mode at all.

Very first point could be that deflation is not based upon few weeks or months rate fall. Ideally, to measure deflation, one year time period is desirable.

Second point is real deflation comes in that condition in which growth rate of economy becomes negative, all manufacturing activities comes to a halt, markets are without any supply of money and demand for goods is zero. One interesting fact is that 60% of Indian GDP is based on domestic demand. Economy is growing @ 6% rate. Deflation terrified people, breath easy, because you are using an index which has no relation with reality

Latest figure revelas that consumer market price index based inflation rate is still hovering around 8% mark and trhis in turn is the reason for banks not aceepting deflation scenario, otherwise all banks would have lowered interest rates. Market and economy do not accept deflation at least at this point of time.

Prime lending rate of banks is still at around 10-12%, deposit rates are also on a higher side. If real prices go down, credit becomes cheaper and aggregate demand should increase. To increase demand, it is more important to reduce prices than increasing supply of money. So it might be a blessing in disguise, that prices are heading southward, even if it is in form of so called deflation, because only fall in real prices alone will bring an increase in aggregate demand, nothing else will do.

Is it really That Hard

This poem is for Someone Close to my heart!

Sitting alone in my room,
I asked myself one thing,
Is it that hard?
To show up your emotions, to open up your heart.

To tell your girl that you care,
To tell her that you would protect her,
& to tell her that you love her and always will.

Sitting alone in my room being aghast!
Is it really that hard?

I remember when we met first time,
I was scared & totally unprepared,
You were embarrassed and blushing like a newly wed,
But we hit it off like long lost friends.

Sitting alone in my room pondering over past,
Asking myself is it really that hard?

I am wondering how quickly time has passed,
& we have come very far on the Love path.
You have always stood with me on my side,
& have given me, everything I could have possibly asked.

Sitting alone in my room & embarrassed,
Asking myself is it really really that hard?

I know I haven't pampered you at all
I know I haven't embraced you in my arms,
I know I haven't given you anything so far,
I know I have sometimes even treated you below par,

Sitting alone in my room & sulking now,
Asking myself is it that hard?

I might have forgotten some important dates,
I might have forgotten you birthday cake,
I might have forgotten that you care,
But I haven't forgotten any of those wonderful moments we shared.

So remember one thing and now sit tight,
I might never attempt to sweep you off your feet,
And I might never promise to give you everything you need,
But today I promise rather declare,
That I love you from my heart's deepest layer,
I had been in relationships in the past,
But none was as beautiful and true,

Sitting alone in my room and wondering now,
It wasn't really that hard!

Those were the best days of my life

As time goes by, I wonder why?

I grew up how to become like thy!

Year 2005, month of November,

I took CAT, and I guess I blundered,

I had my chances, I blew them all,

With this background, I stepped into NITK Examination Hall.

Test was easy, that’s for sure,

Because without attempting 6 questions I was still among first four!

I never enjoyed the place or the campus.

Surely I wonder now, how it happened.

As time goes by, I wonder why?

I grew up how to become like thy!

First Seminar, Bhaskar Bagchi was the Speaker

I didn’t understand what shit he was talking,

So I fucked him there and I fucked him Brutal.

Little did I knew, that it would create an image

& how that image will shape my future?

As time goes by, I wonder why?

I grew up how to become like thy!

First three days & I knew this place is shit,

So I decided to give it a complete miss.

With that decided, I ventured into CAT again,

Realizing later that FATE always prevails.

Five months gone & nowhere else to go,

I knew that this is where I supposedly belong.

As time goes by, I wonder why?

I grew up how to become like thy!

In Department, I rarely showed up my face,

Because Hostel was the place, where I found my solace,

Laptop was my girlfriend in the campus,

& I dated her in the CCN labs for rest of semesters.

Nobody in the hostel was ever denied her company.

In my absence she was treated like a public property.

As time goes by, I wonder why?

I grew up how to become like thy!

Campus was small, and the crowd Sophisticated,

B.Tech acted, as if MBA was NITK’s unwanted child.

Department was new and so were the benches.

Our Picassos used them for some fabulous paintings.

I remember the day when Lahkara asked for a camera phone,

For reasons better remain unknown.

I had such reasons to attend class;

I also loved Sapna, and her voice.

I played some games & I claimed some Fame.

I went out and carved a name.

As time goes by, I wonder why?

I grew up how to become like thy!

I remember this place where I was my natural being,

I remember the world of which I was the king.

I remember those years when I inhibited no fear,

I lived as if End was nowhere near.

But two years passed, so thick and rear.

As time goes by, I wonder why?

I grew up how to become like thy!

Last day evening, we bid adieu

I woke up next day and it was time to leave,

But I wanted to play that last game of sweep.

It was gloomy, but one thing I knew, that I have some friends,

Who surely would not let my world come to an early end?

As time goes by, I wonder why?

I grew up how to become like thy!

After going through this long piece of uncreative writing, I think you have guessed it right.

I cherish these moments, and I hold them Tight.

NITK made men out of boys,

To set them loose in this cruel space.

Some might lose, some will surely gain.

But let’s make sure, that there is no further pain

And with this last line, I will take my place,

Thank you all for providing me this moment of fame.

Love you guys, love you NIT.