You're a Thief ! - Part One

Back in the summer of 2009, I was appointed as a Counsellor by the Juvenile Justice Board on the request of a prominent child rights Advocate and an ex-colleague now, to rebound the lives of 4 very young girls held for petty offences under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act 2000. After meeting the officials at a Government Observation Home where the four girls were staying, I submitted my first observation report to the Principal Magistrate regarding all my observations during the visit.As a result of this, I was appointed as the Counsellor for all Children in Conflict with Law at the Observation Home for Girls through a new order passed by the Principal Magistrate.

As a fresher in this satisfying yet very challenging job of counselling these children I was not aware of the new awakening. I had to feel a connection with the young girl before things were to change. I was told by my colleague rather well to take care of what emotions I see coming from young Reshma (name changed). She was very intelligent, beautiful, mysterious, bold and to my amazement done it all at the age of 13. 

One of the youngest girls amongst the responsibility of the other 4. Reshma was residing at the OHG (Observation Home for Girls). Her antecedent in delinquency dated back to the occasion a couple of months back when her elder brother took her along with another cousin to show his in-laws house, but mid-way decided to change the plan and instead took them along to attend a wedding of some stranger.

Reshma was completely oblivious to the change of plan. She was, however, explained in advance about getting a bag from inside a room where the marriage ceremony was taking place. She was asked by her brother and cousin to act as if she was one of the family members from the bride’s side. She, then, at an appropriate time was asked to take the luggage carrying the valuables along with her and leave the place immediately. Her brother and cousin then took away some of the valuables from the bag after breaking the lock. Some of the cash and jewellery was given to Reshma to be kept at their home in a safe place.

Thereafter, as the incident unfolded itself the police was informed by the robbed family about the theft and the pictures of Reshma were matched and recognized from the wedding day by some complainants. She was

then apprehended, whereupon she told the police that she was directed by her brother to commit the whole act. Surprising me with each of her expressions and conversation skills, Reshma came across as a very quiet and introvert girl but I knew her personality would soon change with time. And she would definitely be different the next time I visit her........

Picture Courtesy: Maggie Cipriano, Madhu Gopalan

The NGO Diary: Miracles Happen!

When you wish for something it most likely comes true - in forms small or big. You can be assured that there is a real connect with that one person out there. I had only wished to work with my present organisation while working at 'the Titanic' (My previous organisation - that's what I call it now). No matter how bad the experiences might have been, I still appreciate the Titanic for the opportunities given!

Talking about Miracles - I experience many as I live each day. Miracles just happen without giving a hint.At the verge of calling it quits since the day I joined, this feeling had overpowered a belief of taking experiences that were only good not bad. Well, as a matter of fact, there was nothing bad!

 The Titanic has people joining in as soon as they leave and it goes on and on and on..... I was ridiculed to my gut during an encounter I had with a senior at work on the first day. While it is normal to be welcomed in a new organization with a great hint of positivity and motivation. You want to be the least surprised with first day shocks. Now that I recall all the instances it only gives me a good loud burst of laughter and great memories of experiences taken. 

I say 'miracles happen' - my resignation at the Titanic was a miracle in itself that brought me out of that sinking feeling. The next moment my fellowship application at a U.S. top notch organisation had hit the block. Next miracle - I did fairly well in the selection rounds came into the Finalist category. 

And it continues.....

There is so much happening around us that we forget counting those MIRACLES. The smallest one that ever happened is sure to turn into a big one someday!

The NGO Diary: Activism Vs. Food

Picture Courtesy: deviant art

When you are working with an NGO, everything seems to either be perfectly correct or going completely wrong.While we mostly work for a living there are many who who work to enjoy food at the expense of  "Global Food Losses and Food Waste", a study released by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)Food waste is "more a problem in industrialised countries, most often caused by both retailers and consumers throwing perfectly edible foodstuffs into the trash" ..... At (one of my previous organisations) the 'Titanic' every morning I saw some of my colleagues starting their day with street food and slurping it away happily. In Delhi, 'street food', the best of its kind is 'katchori', 'jalebi', 'chaat', 'pakore', 'gol guppas' and people usually don't get bored with this uber category of foods available.

It has also brought to light a very significant importance and direct co-existence of food as the biggest motivational factor.

I have noticed my good observation skills have kept me interested in knowing more about a lot things including people.This month, while there have been humongous task lists to finish by the deadline, all I see around me is food piling up! Social workers eating food and doing nothing and the others fighting for the right to food for poor and getting nothing. While working for human rights causes is a serious affair, I have been shocked enough to overcome the vaporous feeling with which some people work in this industry. Eating food is what keeps them going!

“It seems to me that our three basic needs, for food and security and love, are so mixed and mingled and entwined that we cannot straightly think of one without the others. So it happens that when I write of hunger, I am really writing about love and the hunger for it, and warmth and the love of it and the hunger for it… and then the warmth and richness and fine reality of hunger satisfied…and it is all one.” 

— M.F.K. Fisher, The Art of Eating

Seven Deadly Workplace Sins !

To avoid becoming the once-respectable, often-humble guy who got a promotion but lost his wits (and gained an ego), follow McKee’s advice on the seven deadly career sins to assure career advancement and move you on the path to paycheck promise land:
1. Pride
Despite any help they received along the way, time and again, people take full credit for their accomplishments in the office, thinking that personal success will fast-track their career.

The sin: “What often goes unrecognized is that people around, and especially below, the serially solo-successful resent the ego-centricity, and may actually begin to actively undermine that person’s efforts in the future.”
The salvation: “A dose of acknowledgment of and appreciation for one’s peers and subordinates, so they may share in some of the glory, can go a long way to foster one’s long-term success.”

2. Envy
It’s OK to acknowledge another’s achievements, but lamenting “what should have been yours” can be destructive and adversely impact your own ability to focus on current job tasks, McKee says.

The sin: “Allowing yourself to be overly envious of others in the workplace can sabotage your self-esteem, which is one vital characteristic every successful business person shares.”
The salvation: “Rather than being envious, let the accomplishments of others become motivational fuel for your fire in working toward your own successes.”

3. Anger
Anger doesn’t benefit anyone in the workplace – it only damages your reputation, credibility and professionalism.

The sin: “Those prone to angry outbursts rarely get promoted; they are seen as being poor leaders who cannot inspire or motivate others.”
The salvation: “It’s fine to feel passionately about your job or a project at hand and to disagree with others, but learn how to channel those emotions into actions that will work to your benefit in the eyes of others – especially your superiors - rather than against it.”

4. Greed
An employee’s selfish desire for “more, sooner” is what motivates many workers. While these folks may do well in the moment, they won’t be prepared to take things to the next level, McKee warns.

The sin: “Taking this notion to the extreme can and will be self-defeating as core values become misguided and life becomes unbalanced in the process.”
The salvation: “The road to success requires a long-term approach in all aspects of one’s job duties. Those laser-focused on quick, short-term gains may do well in the moment, but will be ill-prepared to take things to the next level.”

5. Sloth
Indolence gets you nowhere in life – especially in corporate America. Laziness in the workplace will have you sitting idle, watching others surpass you in success and authority.

The sin: “Simply put, complacency and laziness have no place whatsoever in the workplace – especially for those with high aspirations. Expecting one’s past achievements and successes to carry them forward in their long-term career is imprudent.”
The salvation: “Treat every work day and every project as if your job, and your future at large, depends on it. It very well may.”

6. Gluttony
Too much focus on only one facet of life, like work, is a recipe for overall failure. Make sure you’re ready – professionally and personally – to take on new and bigger challenges, for which expectations are also bigger, McKee says.

The sin: “Many individuals move up the corporate ladder so fast that they actually end up failing as a consequence. More isn’t always better – especially if you’re not ready for the challenge at hand.”
The salvation: “Achieving career success also includes maintaining a life balance, and a misplaced professional desire can create a backlash both at home as well as amid peers for your perceived obsessiveness.”

7. Lust
The old “grass is always greener” adage applies to the workplace as well. Spending your time focused on others’ work achievements rather than working to further your own is a sure-fire career killer,” McKee contends.

The sin: “Spending an inordinate amount of time fixated on what you don’t have rather than what you do will foster a bad attitude and negative overall demeanor.”
The salvation: “One’s overall ‘presence’ in the office plays a big part in who gets promoted and who doesn’t. No matter how ambitious, it’s prudent to be ‘present’ and make the most out of your current position at this moment in time.”