Traffic Police 1

My tryst with Bangalore Traffic Police

This is an incident of Friday 28 March 2008. There was no water at home and I was late for office. Boss had even called for some information before I had started for office. I was in a hurry to reach office and start working. Hate to be late. At the junction near St. John's Hospital, the lights turn red the moment I was about to turn left. It was a "No Free Left Turn" junction. Waited for a few seconds. Looked for the traffics cops. Could not see anyone. This was not a time for heavy traffic also. So, started the bike and jumped the red light.

Suddenly a traffic cop came in front from nowhere and flagged me to stop. Now, am in no habit of jumping the cops too. So shut the engine, pulled out the keys and parked on the side of the road. The cop, tall, young, moustache, came and said "Did you not see the No Free Left Turn sign?". I said "Sorry. I am late for office, am in real hurry. I am really sorry". "That will be a fine of Rs200." "Yes, I understand. I am sorry." "OK, whatever the rule says." "Rs200." "Please make a challan" "Show me your driving license", I handed it to him. He had a good look at it. Asked what the DL number was. We have different formats for DLs in different states. He further asked where that DL was made. Started to write the DL number and stopped. He gave the DL back to me and said "Go. Do not do this next time." I thanked him and started for office again.

What made him change his mind? I was ready to pay the fine. I even had my wallet out. Was it because I asked for the challan. Did he want to keep the money with himself? I do not think so. He could well have made a challan and collected the fine.

May be he was just a good cop. Understood the circumstances and me let go. Numerous incidents are reported about the unscrupulous cops. But the good ones go unrecognised. He was one such.

How I met Ashok Soota

Interesting thing happened to me this morning ...

I had noticed the sign board of "Ashok Soota" at the gates of the house just adjacent to the park where I jog. Always wondered if this the Ashok Soota of Mindtree Consulting. Many a times thought od asking the man at the gates about the same but never actually did. No particular reason.

As always, today also I went for the jog in the morning. While completeing the first lap a person coming from the opposite side captured my attention. Blue tee-shirt, grey trousers, black shoes and a wrist watch. Fair skin, the glasses. He was accompanied by a taller and younger fellow in slacks. The man looked strangely familiar. Could it be Ashok Soota, I wondered. Crossed him few more times as he was walking in the opposite direction. No one else was taking any note of him. Ashok Soota is a well known man I expected him to be with some security, expected other people to recognise him. I was now sure that he was Ashok Soota indeed, but the low profile was nagging me. Thought of asking him, but hesitated.

But curiosity got the better of me. Waited for him at the park's gate after my jog. He too finished his walk and came to the gate. I said, "Excuse me sir, are you THE Ashok Soota?". Hesitantly he said, "Yes". I was elated and extended my hands for a shake. Then he too smiled and extended his hands. Next two minutes he asked my name, where I stay and work, about my studies and if I liked my job. The mention of TCS brought a smile on his face. Smile of familiarity, smile of satisfaction. He then wished me luck and bade good-bye.

I had met him before in college, but that was official. He had come as the Chairman & Managing Director of Mindtree Consulting. This time I could see the real him, most humble.