Gopallapurathu Makkal by K Rajanarayanan

I first read this novel, Gopallapurathu Makkal by K Rajanarayanan, when it was written as a series in a Tamil weekly journal, Ananda Vikatan. After many years, I found this novel as a book of fine printing from the publishing house Annam, at a makeshift bookstore. It is a master piece on the lives of Karisal region in Tamil Nadu.

The story starts at some point in the British-occupied India, when Gopallapuram, a remote village, was not yet impacted by the occupation. As a series of short stories is told, the plot slowly moves from one generation to the next. As the stories roll, we get a glimpse of the villagers' lives and their customs, indigenous and colorful.

The short stories are so rich and deep, they deserve to be novels in their own rights. One of the stories, that of Kittappan and Achindalu, their love for each other and their tradition-breaking reunion was told with a poetic beauty. There are very few authors that can handle the love-making of two animals and the longing of a lonely woman that happens to witness the intense act, without slipping into the realms of obscenity.

As the stories dwell into our nation's struggle for freedom, we get to see the then political events with new perspectives. Be it the hanging of Bhagat Singh or the functioning styles of Congress leaders or the beliefs of the communists or that of a deserted soldier, we get to see each event from a new angle.

In spite of the fine printing and quality packaging, the most I missed in the book are the drawings of Adimoolam, which featured every week in Ananda Vikatan and added an additional dimension to the stories.

This book is a Sakithya academy winner, a work that must be read by every Tamilian and if translated into other languages, by everyone.

Time expands so as to let you do your 'planned' tasks!

In the office, an oft repeated question is how do you get to complete all tasks, where do you find time? The answer lies in my law of universe! "Time expands so as to let you do your 'planned' tasks!".

As long as all our tasks find their respective places in our Calendar or To-do list, we will find time to accomplish the identified tasks. Of course, we need to revisit and rearrange tasks as per their current priorities to see success.

There is another law that can potentially thwart your law of universe. That is the boss' law of universe! The new assignments and dynamics that this law brings in can be a schedule breaker. However, this is an omnipresent law and cannot be negated! The only way around is to let your law coexist and be driven by the law of boss!

Annual Appraisals - How to get 'Outstanding'!

Annual Appraisals can be energy-drainers if appraisers or appraisees just wake up to the occation! I have witnessed, year-on-year, many asking "why are you rating me low? I and x did the same job! How come my rating is low and how come my compensation hike is low? What do you mean by going the extra-mile? What do you mean by proactiveness! Why am I just 'Exceeds Expectation' and not 'Outstanding'? Such questions never fail to remind me of this old story!

Once upon a time, in a village, a rich farmer had many employees working for him in the field. One of the employees of the farmer, Raman, thought he is an excellent employee and must be rewarded better. However to his dismay, year on year, the farmer seemed to be ignoring him for a pay-hike but at the same time was increasing the salary of another employee, Kandan. The Pongal festival came! It happened once again. Kandan was given a bigger salary hike compared to Raman. As if that’s not enough, the farmer also gifted a cow to Kandan. Raman was very disappointed and he decided it is time that he discussed this with the farmer.

He approached the farmer and demanded an explanation for the ‘partiality’.The farmer said, Sure! you deserve an answer. However, I would like you to complete a task for me before we discussed your issue.

Farmer: Do you see the bullock cart on the main road? Can you go check what is the load?
Raman ran to the bullock cart and inquired and came back, Sir! it is mangoes.
Farmer: Wow, that’s good – can you check what variety?
Raman checked and came back – it is Malgova!
Farmer: Then it must be tasty – can you check if he can sell it to us?
Raman ran, checked and came back – Yes Sir! 1kg is Rs.2
Farmer: That’s expensive! Can you check if he can give us the entire load for a reduced price?
Raman ran. By this time the bullock cart has gone farther. Panting, he checked and came back – Yes Sir! He is ready to sell the entire load to us for Rs. 100.
Farmer: That’s good Raman! Now you wait and sit right next to me. Then he called for Kandan.

Farmer: Kanda, I just saw a bullock cart on the main road. Can you go check what is the load?
Off went Kandan and came back! Sir, that was a load of mangoes from Kallakurichi. He’s taking it to the Manaparai Sandai. I tasted a sample - it is a very good Malgova variety. I bargained the entire load for Rs. 80. He may even give the entire load for Rs.70 if we exchange a load of haystack that is lying wasted in our backyard. I asked him to come and meet you. He’s on the way! Do you want any other help?

The farmer said, that’s fine Kanda, you go back and carry on with your work. Off went Kandan.
The farmer looked at Raman and Raman said ‘Sir, Now I understand!’