TheTamil language, Autos and more: Anna Bachae

Only the other day was I thinking that I have faced so many problems with the Autowalas in Chennai and the language problem around but Friday's event has actually forced me to write on the commonest topic people write about when in Chennai.

Forget the language, even body language is too diificult to adapt to. Initially, I used to ask a typical Tamil restaurant owner "Do you serve Dosa?". On seeing a horizontal nod, I used to start moving out; before he used to say"How many?"

I used to think "How stupid of him! If he has it why is he nodding a no".

Then I met some friends who clarified that the nod for a Yes or a No reverses in Chennai, leaving me much more confused. I now felt, what would have the restaurant guy thought of me "How stupid of him! Asks for a stuff, I say i have it and he plans to move out. Dumb! :)"

Things have become much more confusing, as now when a person nods his head, I am baffled, thinking is it a Yes or a No. Phew...Save me!!!!!

The keyword to address people here is "Anna". I tried addressing people by Sir, Mr., even Bhaiya...but the quickest response u get is by Anna. And I felt I could negotiate with the

 Autowalas by asking "Anna how much?"......par afsos....Only one rule applies to them that there are no rules for them. Many a times, u r made to feel that they are doing a favour to you by offering them the premium charged services. I am just Jotting down some memorable events with the Chennai autowalas so far

Good Morning Chennai - First Morning!!!

Lesson 1: Never Let the Autowalas go unless u r sure that u reached where u wanted to

I was putting up at a Hotel near the Airport. Gurjot and Sharath joined me to report at Cognizant at 9 am. we started at 7:45 am; knowing it was far. we met an autowala and told him to take us to cognizant office. After much explanation in English and partially Tamil (Sharath knows bits), he understood that we needed to go to Thoraipakkam. He agreed at 250 bucks, no negotiation possible..but  since we did not want to be late and three of us would share the fare we agreed. He took us to Cogni office by 8:45 only. We were happy and discussed that people just say rubbish about commuting problems in Chennai. but the happiness was very short-lived as we realized that he had taken us to some other office...6-7 km away from where we were to report. We looked around...the autowala had gone......

Rushed for another auto and needless to say were late to office

 

Lesson 2: Rajnikant is GOD and we must preach his godliness

After getting a room at LIBA, i and Subhojit, a friend from IIFT needed to shift our luggage from the hotel to LIBA. We tried looking for an Auto....we wanted a round trip and it was impossible to make them understand. Surprisingly, another autowala who could also speak Hindi came and started negotiating. Bingo!!!!... the sooner we sat in his auto, he started negotiating on the fixed fare....this was new to me. After hearing his bakwaas for some time, I agreed to pay him more than what was decided...as always...so that he remains quite and drives fast.....And I had to bite my tongue then on....The chap started driving at an extra-ordinary high speed even on jammed roads..........we tried telling him to slow down...but to no avail....he even collided and broke the rear-mirror of a car....and dodged the car driver by racing through the galli and nukaads.....we both just stared at each other.....finally we reached our destination. I asked him "Bhaiya, aaap hamesha itna tez chalaate ho?" to which he replied "Sir, I am a slow- driver, my friends drive it much faster"... Thank God we did not pick any of his friends....U need not guess Rajnikanth is the GOD here :)

 

Lesson 3: How dare you bargain with the Autowalas

Chicking is Chennai's reply to KFC....not as good ...but almost there. It became a regular dinner joint for both of us (Subhojit included). It is at a walkable distance from Loyola gate; around 2 km. Many a times, we have strolled to the restaurant in the evening. That fateful day, we were returning from office and were tired to walk. And then, we decided to dare - take an auto to ChicKing. Autowalas here always speak in multiples of 40 rupees...and it was no different for ChicKing. 

I felt it was unreasonable and started to bargain (here I crossed the forbidden line :)).  To my surprise, the Autowala agreed for Rs.20. I sat in the auto with my head held high and the collar of my shirt......finally I negotiated and was able to take a ride at a reasonable rate. Even felt that I could even teach (forget being taught) Negotiations Skills in 6th sem.....

So far so good...but had this been the end of story...it would not have been here in my list of miseries....there is more to it.

The Autowala drove on the road parallel to ChicKing and stopped at a red light which was nowhere near to ChicKing (btw...it was 1.5 km from ChicKing; we later realized). He told us that we get down and walk to the restaurant. The collar of my shirt returned to its initial position, the myths about my negotiating skills were dispelled in thin air. We were annoyed and helplessly tried to explain "ChicKing!!!! ChicKing!!" The chap said "One-way road, Rs.40". we argued that he agreed on half the money...only to hear him say something in Tamil...so simple...as if this helped...and he would not start the auto....this ordeal was getting too far.........I finally screamed " Ok! ChicKing , Rs. 40, Take".....and finally we reached ChicKing.....while eating the food, I reaffirmed that it was my mistake; afterall, I had crossed the Forbidden Line.....

U never negotiate with autowalas in Chennai.....don't even think about it

 

Lesson 4: Mind your steps even when you are standing still on the side of the road

In the evenings, pleasant breeze blows and it remains pleasant. On Friday, I decided to roam around the marketplace in Nungambakkam; try exploring a few shops and restaurants. I still have pain in my right leg but still I walk so that it eases out.

I was walking on the left side of the road; ensuring basic pedestrian traffic sense. However, this led to my right leg nearer to the vehicles on road; compared to the left leg. I was  standing still, checking out the juice shop in the picture. 

Suddenly, I felt enormous pain in my right foot. To my horror, an autowaala came from behind and cut the rickshaw sharply only to let its back wheel crush my leg. I shouted at the full of my voice.....Thank God, the rick was  not speeding away.....else the plaster would have transferrred to my leg. 

The autowaala came out and told something in Tamil ....I responded angrily in English....only to see him walk back. I was amazed and thought what could I do even to let go my anger........I did not have an answer but to return to my hostel. It is not always Happys Endings

Anna Bachae Chennai ke autowaalon se!!!!!

The candyman in the Beach Local

I have been commuting everyday in the local train to Tambaram from Nungammbakkam to go to office. That takes around 40 minutes. I did not have any good time pass than observing people who pass by. And then came the good times with my mobile phone refusing to switch on.  I finally had enough reason to buy a new one especially with the language barrier thinking of getting it repaired was out of question. I got a phone with audio player and camera…the pictures that you see are clicked from the phone, and I often listen to music while on train.

 

The evening of 5^th May(just yesterday) was no different; just that I was returning alone. I was lost in my own world, listening to songs; so much that I noticed a candy salesman only after he was gone past me. He was shouting something in Tamil which in all probability meant the price of the candies. What was special about the salesman was his ability to fight his disability. He appeared completely blind from the look of his eyes. I was too moved to see this spirited middle aged man (probably on the wrong side of 40s) and I decided to do my bit by buying a candy bar from him.

 

The man had moved all over the big bogey and getting no responses was waiting for the train to stop and standing near an exit door. I approached him and offere him a 10 rupee note. He felt the note with his fingers and asked something in Tamil which probably meant how many I needed. I feel so helpless with the language that I did not reply. I just wished that the train stops and he gets down. But he moved his hands and grabbed my hands and then I responded “How much? One?” ..I guess to people who don’t speak English broken words make some sense (taking a cue from the Autowalas here)…..To my surprise, he responded, “Sir, Rs. 5 for one piece”. I told to give one candy(it did not appear very edible). He put his hand in his pocket to return the money and I whispered in his ear (earnestly) “Please keep the change”.

 

“Sir, Please take the balance. I wish to earn every bread I eat.” And I was left ashamed but full of respect for the salesman. I immediately responded “Give me another one as well.” He passed another candy and left as the train stopped. I stood there for a couple of minutes, delighted by the level of belief the Candyman had on himself, and the never say die spirit that oozed from him.

The two bars that I bought are there in the pic..one smaller than the other (I tried tasting it as well). Infact, I find it so motivating, would always keep them on the study table here.....we are blessed with so much and still we complain

Jaane kyaa dhoondta hai

This very number from Lucky Ali...rings in my mind time and again in Chennai...and the reason being the ample time I get to spend with myself.

For those who do not know, I am doing my summer internship with Cognizant Business Consulting. And in the first place, Chennai appeared a Kalapani to me....especially with the proceedings of the first week.

I landed up not in the best of shapes...rather the plaster on my hand and the bandage on my leg, made everyone aware of the misfortune that hit me on Holi. On top of it, i was sent into the backwaters of this Kalapani...Tambaram....south west Chennai....only 31 km from other offices.

Then began my search for a place to live...I just had 2 criteria in mind...it should be closeby and I should sleep in AC....haha...sorry could not control...they now appear the biggest jokes. Obviously, I am recipient of neither (I just travel 58 km both ways...to make it sound better :))

I put up at Nungambakkam at a B-School.....appears cool naa. Nungambakkam is the heart of the city and a B-School life is so chillaxed. 

Lemme now spill the beans....I put up at LIBA...apparently a B-School with stricter deadlines than Junior School of my boarding school. Lemme explain...the TV shuts sharply at 10pm with an irritating alarm...I have not witnessed any D Ps yet....no chicks are allowed in campus (as if there are some in the city)....you cant enter or leave campus after 10 pm...all canteens close by 6 pm...the hostel is just 2 km from the campus gate and it feels great to walk across in the afternoon...well I can go on and on on this.

Initially I felt very bad on the way things were...but now have adapted better (hehehe..even i have a funny bone tingling). But as they say every cloud has a silver lining.....there are things that are happening for the better....

Introspection is full on.....infact how dearly i miss my old diaries...they would have been perfect reads as well.

Waise actually some better things are happening. I got a very understanding mentor, who has given a freedom to come and go at our convenience....and thank God that helps so much....else the congestion in local trains would have killed me....now I leave only when the sun is up full on....the 2 km stretch is unending...but do not have a better choice

And most importantly....I have started writing blogs....hopefully you will see many more posts in the month to come

See you soon :)