We have a lot of honest people around fighting for justice not just to themselves but for their teams, organizations, country or even universe. They, most of the times fight alone. They find lot of admirers and supporters only when these honest people succumb to the strong and ruthless forces against the fight they do.We see lot of the people protesting in many forms, filling the blogs over web, lighting candles, marching on the road, refusing to pay tax till the justice and what not. Where are these people when there are many lone fighters for justice, living around them? There were painful experiences when dominant participants of all web forums need to understand
"Khaderao. The issue is not getting settled" Indra Sekhar came to me with lot of stress on his face.He came to my work place when I was just settling down after returning from a huge candle light protest made by my team against the unfortunate death of an honest Doctor. He was servicing the local poor people, free of cost and other corporate Doctors (allegedly) appointed some one to kill him. I was told by someone that he had been getting death threats in the last few weeks. My team was quoting it (Our Candle protest) as a huge success.
Before I asked Indra, he said "These guys came and again threatened me when I was alone having lunch in my Dog's House.".
Indra is a contractor who came all the way from AndhraPradesh to do one important commissioning piece of work for my Unit. My plant is under recommissioning and to accelerate the progress and to utilize the expertise in some areas we went for strategic outsourcing. My plant is in a state which is ruled by Communist Government. Most of the workers and executives belong to the ruling party. There are some local players with lot of muscle power who keep interfering and influencing our activities. The Plant management tried to pacify by offering jobs to locals and other facilities. But external contractors like Indra still face challenges.
When Indra came along with his team of engineers, Supervisors and Technicians to complete his engagements, he met the local dons on day one. Minu Bhai came and met Indra
"Nomaste Indra daa (Hello brother Indra), how are you? are you doing the Commissioning job 251 for our plant?"
"Yes Sir" Indra offered him to sit.
"No issue, my guys will come and do the job. Payment will be as per the rate card here" Minu offered the card.
Perplexed Indra told "Minu bhai, I am a small vendor and brought my team from Andhra. For this time, forgive me, my team will complete this job"
Minu laughed and said, "very good, thats much better. This means, my guys will get the money for free. Keep this rate card and pay every week."
Indra is completely confuzed and said "How can it be Minu? I need to pay my team also"
"thats your problem Indra daa, and I hope you will manage" Minu left that day.
Since than Indra was facing the challenge of convincing Minu. His leadership asked him to address the local issues without troubling them.
First time when Indra discussed about this, we both went to the Police Station and made a formal complaint. I met the IP Vashist as well to put more emphasis to the issue.
"Mr. Khaderao, these guys are poitically strong and I suggest you make some agreement with them."
I was furious and told "Mr. Vashist, this is not correct. Law & Order must take the control in this kind of situations. His men are coming to Indra's site everyday and making threats"
Looking at my anger, Vashist said, "Please you both carry on and I will follow you to handle them."
He didnt visit the site on that day at all.
The other time, I met my manager Dharmender and explained the issue.
Dharmender said "You dont understand the local scenarios. Please dont get there. After all Indra is a vendor. It is his problem to address. And these vendors keep facing these issues and let them manage"
"Dear Dharmender, the issue is not whether the problem is faced by Indra or someone, tomorrow Minu may ask us to hire some. We first need to get orders to ensure Minu and his men will never enter our site ......"
"Mr. Khaderao, I instruct you to focus on your deliverables. Please never come to me any more to discuss this topic"
I was upset but left the room. On the way, Varun Gujraati met me and asked what is the issue. Varun is Advisor of Dharmender.
I explained him.
"Varun, my Vendor is in trouble. His problem is genuine and needs support. On top of it, if he is not able to do my work my deliverable will also be impacted. I can penalize him for delay but that doesn't solve my delay"
When I explained, Varun told "Why dont you meet the General Manager? He can address the issue"
"Are you sure it will solve the issue? On other hand, what if Dharmender comes to know about this? He clearly asked me not to bother about Indra"
"Absolutely no issue. Simply speak to him. GM is very bold and will resolve. He will not discuss with Dharmendra once he is convinced"
I made a request for GM's appointment and went home. By the time I reached home, my wife came to me running and asked "Are you OK?"
"Why are you asking this?"
"today when I went to the market 6 people came and asked about your whereabouts. they checked when you will be back from office"
I was shocked and asked "Did they do anything offensive with you?"
"No. But they kept asking about you as if they have a plan"
This means, the guys got to know that me and Indra approached Police Station. I was really scared. About me and more than that about my family. How do I ensure my family will be safe?
I am in a township along with families of my colleagues. In the night I called most of them and explained the situation. When i was seeking support they are all silent.
"Boss, why did you get to all this mess? Now you created a situation where our families will be in trouble" Mohanty said.
"You wanted to be a Robinhood? Do whatever in another place. Dont try your heroics here" Muralidhar said.
"Seems you are concerned because Indra is from your state. Will you go to this extent for others? Please note that you are in Bengal, and try to live accordingly"
I was shocked, demoralized and disappointed about these responses.
Next day, when I went to the office, Dharmendra called me. On his table, my request for appointment with GM was lying.
"Mr. Khaderao, How can you bypass me and approach GM ? do you think I will not know this?I want you to look at other options. You can no longer work with me."
Dharmendra told clearly.
I just could not say anything for some time and then opened my mouth.
"Dear Dharmendra, I agree I bypassed you. But please note. I was not doing this for my promotion or other rewards. It is for helping a helpless person who was getting tortured for no mistake of his. I will quit any way"
I left the room.
I had a O&M Group meeting and before I was entering I was hearing the loud voice Ravi Parameswar.
"Never allow Khaderao to take up this portion of meeting. I can just not allow this"
"He is the Director and agreed in the last meeting that he would cover Risk Management ...." Another board member was trying to say.
Ravi shouted so loudly that Dharmendar will hear his emotional stand and understand his loyalty "No. Let him not be part of our meetings"
When I entered everyone was silent.
"I am still the Group member but dont want to waste my time here. Please carry one. I however have one task to complete." Saying this I left the room. I saw Varun running and reaching me in hurry. Is he the only person who is trying to support me?
"Khaderao, it is quite unfortunate...." Varun was breathing heavily as he ran that distance to speak to me.
"But now something unexpected happened. Please dont discuss with any one about what I advised you about going to GM"
Well! Thats a cause of worry. I smiled without expression. "It's OK Varun. I believe that I am responsible for anything bad that happened. No point of pointing fingers to others. As I said, I have on action item before leaving. Let me finish that"
I went to the GM office and sat in the visitor's place.
GM's PA came to me and asked whether I have any appointment.
"I dont have but need to talk to him today by all means"
"entire day is booked sir"
"Thats fine but I will wait. I just need 10 minutes"
Looking at my face, the PA didnt say anything. People kept meeting the GM. I didnt leave even for lunch. After a few hours the PA came to me 'There is one meeting delayed by 15 minutes. You can go inside and speak just for 10 minutes"
"Thanks a lot. I am really grateful to you" I quickly went inside.
It was a long table and GM was sitting on the other side. It was quite scary as I never met the GM. He is a Sardarjee and known for his boldness.
"Bolo Yaar Kya baat hai (tell me friend what is the matter)?" GM asked with heavy voice.
I quickly explained the matter.
"The Vendor works with small margins. He came from a long distance for his feeding him and his staff. He cant afford to pay hefty sum to local goons. And in principle this is not correct"
"What is your interest here?"
"Sir. My interest is justice. And my vendor's failure will be my failure"
GM said nothing. He pressed the bell and called his PA. He dictated a letter to be faced to the Chief Minister.
Some portion is clear and some not but I understood the gist "My leaders from other states are working here and contributing major share of Power to the state. If your party is creating such problems, we may have to shut the plant......"
What happened later was a great story to be heard by many generations.
- A lightening call to the IP Vashist from Chief Minister's office.
- Movement of all goons to Police Custody
- The goons paying respect to Indra and such vendors even after they were released from Jail
There are still some heroes like my GM.
But more often we see Ravi Someswars, Mohanties, Muralis and Varuns who are more harmful to the society than Minus and Dharmenders who survive because of this kind of cowards. All these weaklings however have time to light candles, pay homages, delivery emotional lectures when people like Indra (if) die.
I will be very happy if these guys surrounding the lone fighters, help the fighters when they are alive.
Disclaimer: I have been writing the blogs in the style of story telling based on real incidents but with some fiction added to emphasize the message. Hence I request not to make any conclusions to derive facts based on the posts in these articles
"Khaderao. The issue is not getting settled" Indra Sekhar came to me with lot of stress on his face.He came to my work place when I was just settling down after returning from a huge candle light protest made by my team against the unfortunate death of an honest Doctor. He was servicing the local poor people, free of cost and other corporate Doctors (allegedly) appointed some one to kill him. I was told by someone that he had been getting death threats in the last few weeks. My team was quoting it (Our Candle protest) as a huge success.
Before I asked Indra, he said "These guys came and again threatened me when I was alone having lunch in my Dog's House.".
Indra is a contractor who came all the way from AndhraPradesh to do one important commissioning piece of work for my Unit. My plant is under recommissioning and to accelerate the progress and to utilize the expertise in some areas we went for strategic outsourcing. My plant is in a state which is ruled by Communist Government. Most of the workers and executives belong to the ruling party. There are some local players with lot of muscle power who keep interfering and influencing our activities. The Plant management tried to pacify by offering jobs to locals and other facilities. But external contractors like Indra still face challenges.
When Indra came along with his team of engineers, Supervisors and Technicians to complete his engagements, he met the local dons on day one. Minu Bhai came and met Indra
"Nomaste Indra daa (Hello brother Indra), how are you? are you doing the Commissioning job 251 for our plant?"
"Yes Sir" Indra offered him to sit.
"No issue, my guys will come and do the job. Payment will be as per the rate card here" Minu offered the card.
Perplexed Indra told "Minu bhai, I am a small vendor and brought my team from Andhra. For this time, forgive me, my team will complete this job"
Minu laughed and said, "very good, thats much better. This means, my guys will get the money for free. Keep this rate card and pay every week."
Indra is completely confuzed and said "How can it be Minu? I need to pay my team also"
"thats your problem Indra daa, and I hope you will manage" Minu left that day.
Since than Indra was facing the challenge of convincing Minu. His leadership asked him to address the local issues without troubling them.
First time when Indra discussed about this, we both went to the Police Station and made a formal complaint. I met the IP Vashist as well to put more emphasis to the issue.
"Mr. Khaderao, these guys are poitically strong and I suggest you make some agreement with them."
I was furious and told "Mr. Vashist, this is not correct. Law & Order must take the control in this kind of situations. His men are coming to Indra's site everyday and making threats"
Looking at my anger, Vashist said, "Please you both carry on and I will follow you to handle them."
He didnt visit the site on that day at all.
The other time, I met my manager Dharmender and explained the issue.
Dharmender said "You dont understand the local scenarios. Please dont get there. After all Indra is a vendor. It is his problem to address. And these vendors keep facing these issues and let them manage"
"Dear Dharmender, the issue is not whether the problem is faced by Indra or someone, tomorrow Minu may ask us to hire some. We first need to get orders to ensure Minu and his men will never enter our site ......"
"Mr. Khaderao, I instruct you to focus on your deliverables. Please never come to me any more to discuss this topic"
I was upset but left the room. On the way, Varun Gujraati met me and asked what is the issue. Varun is Advisor of Dharmender.
I explained him.
"Varun, my Vendor is in trouble. His problem is genuine and needs support. On top of it, if he is not able to do my work my deliverable will also be impacted. I can penalize him for delay but that doesn't solve my delay"
When I explained, Varun told "Why dont you meet the General Manager? He can address the issue"
"Are you sure it will solve the issue? On other hand, what if Dharmender comes to know about this? He clearly asked me not to bother about Indra"
"Absolutely no issue. Simply speak to him. GM is very bold and will resolve. He will not discuss with Dharmendra once he is convinced"
I made a request for GM's appointment and went home. By the time I reached home, my wife came to me running and asked "Are you OK?"
"Why are you asking this?"
"today when I went to the market 6 people came and asked about your whereabouts. they checked when you will be back from office"
I was shocked and asked "Did they do anything offensive with you?"
"No. But they kept asking about you as if they have a plan"
This means, the guys got to know that me and Indra approached Police Station. I was really scared. About me and more than that about my family. How do I ensure my family will be safe?
I am in a township along with families of my colleagues. In the night I called most of them and explained the situation. When i was seeking support they are all silent.
"Boss, why did you get to all this mess? Now you created a situation where our families will be in trouble" Mohanty said.
"You wanted to be a Robinhood? Do whatever in another place. Dont try your heroics here" Muralidhar said.
"Seems you are concerned because Indra is from your state. Will you go to this extent for others? Please note that you are in Bengal, and try to live accordingly"
I was shocked, demoralized and disappointed about these responses.
Next day, when I went to the office, Dharmendra called me. On his table, my request for appointment with GM was lying.
"Mr. Khaderao, How can you bypass me and approach GM ? do you think I will not know this?I want you to look at other options. You can no longer work with me."
Dharmendra told clearly.
I just could not say anything for some time and then opened my mouth.
"Dear Dharmendra, I agree I bypassed you. But please note. I was not doing this for my promotion or other rewards. It is for helping a helpless person who was getting tortured for no mistake of his. I will quit any way"
I left the room.
I had a O&M Group meeting and before I was entering I was hearing the loud voice Ravi Parameswar.
"Never allow Khaderao to take up this portion of meeting. I can just not allow this"
"He is the Director and agreed in the last meeting that he would cover Risk Management ...." Another board member was trying to say.
Ravi shouted so loudly that Dharmendar will hear his emotional stand and understand his loyalty "No. Let him not be part of our meetings"
When I entered everyone was silent.
"I am still the Group member but dont want to waste my time here. Please carry one. I however have one task to complete." Saying this I left the room. I saw Varun running and reaching me in hurry. Is he the only person who is trying to support me?
"Khaderao, it is quite unfortunate...." Varun was breathing heavily as he ran that distance to speak to me.
"But now something unexpected happened. Please dont discuss with any one about what I advised you about going to GM"
Well! Thats a cause of worry. I smiled without expression. "It's OK Varun. I believe that I am responsible for anything bad that happened. No point of pointing fingers to others. As I said, I have on action item before leaving. Let me finish that"
I went to the GM office and sat in the visitor's place.
GM's PA came to me and asked whether I have any appointment.
"I dont have but need to talk to him today by all means"
"entire day is booked sir"
"Thats fine but I will wait. I just need 10 minutes"
Looking at my face, the PA didnt say anything. People kept meeting the GM. I didnt leave even for lunch. After a few hours the PA came to me 'There is one meeting delayed by 15 minutes. You can go inside and speak just for 10 minutes"
"Thanks a lot. I am really grateful to you" I quickly went inside.
It was a long table and GM was sitting on the other side. It was quite scary as I never met the GM. He is a Sardarjee and known for his boldness.
"Bolo Yaar Kya baat hai (tell me friend what is the matter)?" GM asked with heavy voice.
I quickly explained the matter.
"The Vendor works with small margins. He came from a long distance for his feeding him and his staff. He cant afford to pay hefty sum to local goons. And in principle this is not correct"
"What is your interest here?"
"Sir. My interest is justice. And my vendor's failure will be my failure"
GM said nothing. He pressed the bell and called his PA. He dictated a letter to be faced to the Chief Minister.
Some portion is clear and some not but I understood the gist "My leaders from other states are working here and contributing major share of Power to the state. If your party is creating such problems, we may have to shut the plant......"
What happened later was a great story to be heard by many generations.
- A lightening call to the IP Vashist from Chief Minister's office.
- Movement of all goons to Police Custody
- The goons paying respect to Indra and such vendors even after they were released from Jail
There are still some heroes like my GM.
But more often we see Ravi Someswars, Mohanties, Muralis and Varuns who are more harmful to the society than Minus and Dharmenders who survive because of this kind of cowards. All these weaklings however have time to light candles, pay homages, delivery emotional lectures when people like Indra (if) die.
I will be very happy if these guys surrounding the lone fighters, help the fighters when they are alive.
Disclaimer: I have been writing the blogs in the style of story telling based on real incidents but with some fiction added to emphasize the message. Hence I request not to make any conclusions to derive facts based on the posts in these articles
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