In 70’s ... I was 15 or 16 years old.
My folks asked me to get tickets from VT station for vacationing in South during summer holidays. I went to VT station and saw some 500 odd people standing in queue already at 5.am. I was perplexed and one guy approached me to assist me in jumping the queue for Rs. 20/=. I paid and I was taken inside the office and I got the tickets for my folks. I was patted on my back for being Smart boy. I talked about it to some 10 odd friends of mine who in turn learned what to do in similar conditions. I am sure each of them would have talked to 10 others on how to be a Smart Kid. In 80s... in my 20s
I got my driving licence from RTO for 2 wheelers by paying Rs. 50/= without having to go through any test. I now became a Smart Alec/Chap
In 90s... in my 30s..
Being a sales guy, I had to travel on a drop of a hat notice and would get into reserved compartment with an ordinary ticket. Smooth talk with the TC who would act difficult initially and would finally allot me a berth over some consideration..... My management could always rely on me to travel anytime anywhere.... I became a Smart cookie/ GO GETTER.
In 2000s....
My consignments were not cleared on time. Customs authorities’ create some problem or the other. Clearing agent asked my approval to spend Pepsi money to make this faster. I agreed... I am now a seasoned businessman, who knows how to do “Dhanda”.
In 2011.
I AM NOW 49 YEARS AND FEEL SO ORDINARY FOR HAVING PLAYED A PART FOR WHAT COMMON CITIZENS LIKE ME HAVE DRIVEN THIS COUNTRY TO. WELL, I AM YET TO HAVE ANY INTERACTION WITH ANY POLITICIANS TO HIDE BEHIND THEIR CORRUPT DEEDS.
