At the two day freelance journalism workshop they asked us to deposit Rs 500 on the first day along with the registrations, which was for securing our attendance on the second day. This put me in a bit embarrassing position, as I didn't have the required token.
And this time, there were girls doing the registrations, and when I told them the fact they did show some surprise. Taking it light, I gave an alternative.
I told them to keep my Voters ID card, which to them was not as credible or valuable as Rs500. (why else would they haggle and ask me if I could borrow, etc) Giving up, they decided to let go and "make an exception".
Well I think the exception was not really great, may be even forced but hope many people make more meaningful exceptions and it would be great if the girls lead the way.
At home, after the workshop, some related thoughts came to my mind. Well they had blackmailed me into coming the next day. I thought poking a joke like, ‘guess, why am I here’ could really be fun besides marketing democracy and our invaluable asset, the voters card. That’s because, Chinese don’t have it, do they?
The next day came, but I didn’t get a chance for this simple fun and reflection
May be it’s just, many good things that we think of, don’t get their way out or may be, I should have gone that extra bit, following it up with a thank you chocolate, and thus would have made a small exception too!
