Humanities Information

A Maiden Trip


I belong to a hamlet called 'Konthai' which is in South Tamil Nadu, India. Twenty years back I was there as an unemployed graduate hunting for a job. Among the competitive examination the one conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for the non-gazetted posts was popular as it was the only mass civilian recruitment by the Central Government. Even petty shops one can find the application form. So as a annual ritual, I used to appear for the examination but never bothered about the results.

One day to my surprise, I got a letter from Defence Ministry with a posting in Delhi (Capital of India). The moment I saw the letter, I felt that as if I were on the top of the world. My joy knew no bounds. Without knowing my handicaps ( I was knowing either Hindi or spoken English), I decided to accept the offer. All my relatives and friends expressed their apprehension about my ability to manage in Delhi due to its erratic weather condition as well as language problem. But the very though of 'getting a job' made me to push aside all the other things to the back seat.

The day when I boarded Grant Trunk Express at Madras Central Station, almost all my relatives and friends wee there to see me off as if I were going for a 'bon voyage'. I also became nervous after seeing the hub of activities that were going there at the Central Station as it was my first visit to that place.

After arriving at Delhi, when I went through its wide roads, beautiful lawns, parks, sprawling bungalows, high rise buildings, I though that I am really luckn enough to get a job in a beautiful city. Next day when I went to join my office, I got a first jolt and exposed to the stark reality. First time I felt that I landed in a totally alien land and considered myself as a 'foreigner'.

I was completely startled to see such a situation where everyone was talking in Hindi, cracking jokes in Hindi, exchanging greetings in Hindi. When they were talking about me I was not knowing whether they were appreciating me or abusing me. Somehow, I managed to join my duty by signing the required forms that were given to me. From that moment onwards I started working as a 'Robot' doing my work without communicating to anybody.

After having seen my trouble, my colleagues started speaking to me in English. Even office peons after having seen my agony tried their best to convey their feelings to me in a broken English. So in office I had managed somehow to pull on, but outside I still struggled a lot to manage without Hindi.

Once I told my friend that I am finding it difficult to board DTC bus, as the conductor asks too many questions which I don't understand. To reduce my problem little bit, my friend advised me that whenever you board a DTC bus ask the conductor a ticket by tendering the exact coins. So the conductor would give the ticket and would not ask any questions. According to his advice, when I boarded a DTC bus asked the conductor a ticket by tendering the exact fare. But to my shock, the conductor asked me 'Kahan Jana Hai? Since I was not prepared for the question I started blinking. But fortunately one of my fellow passenger who happened to be a Tamilian came to my rescue and saved me from embarrassment.

After so many years of service, having exposed to Delhi's climate, life style & language when I walk back the memory land - I really feel the difference me.

Today, almost 2000 kms away from my home district in South Tamil Nadu - I really feel at home.

V. Ramasamy


MORE RESOURCES:

11/20/2024
Is Europe ready for xenotransplantation?

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-04126-7

This comment addresses recent advancements in xenotransplantation research, which suggest that new types of transplants could become possible soon. It argues that the ethical concerns surrounding xenotransplantation in humans are particularly complex. These concerns go beyond the traditional medical ethics of informed consent and patient care, or balancing patient risks against benefits. The potential risk of xenosis—diseases transmitted from animals to humans—makes xenotransplantation a broader issue, one that relates to public health. The key question is whether the reduced risks of xenosis can justify the possibility of detrimental consequences, such as a pandemic. It is argued that these concerns should not be limited to expert discussions but should engage the wider public through a broad debate involving all sectors of society. Emerging technologies, such as gene editing, amplify the need for such ethical discussions. Have these new technologies made xenotransplantation safer and more acceptable? Now is the time for public dialogue on this complex issue.

more info


11/20/2024
Podcasting for interdisciplinary education: active listening, negotiation, reflexivity, and communication skills

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-04119-6

Podcasting for interdisciplinary education: active listening, negotiation, reflexivity, and communication skills

more info


11/20/2024
Assessment of national economic repercussions from Shanghai’s COVID-19 lockdown

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-04100-3

Assessment of national economic repercussions from Shanghai’s COVID-19 lockdown

more info


11/20/2024
Promoting collaboration in regional healthcare systems in Hong Kong, Macao, and the mainland of China: midrange strategies

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-04105-y

Promoting collaboration in regional healthcare systems in Hong Kong, Macao, and the mainland of China: midrange strategies

more info


11/20/2024
Unveiling consumer satisfaction and its driving factors of EVs in China using an explainable artificial intelligence approach

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-04120-z

Unveiling consumer satisfaction and its driving factors of EVs in China using an explainable artificial intelligence approach

more info


11/20/2024
Traditional family fertility values and performance evaluation of grassroots governments: evidence from the China Family Panel Studies

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-03677-z

Traditional family fertility values and performance evaluation of grassroots governments: evidence from the China Family Panel Studies

more info


11/20/2024
Do the pathways of child development before age three matter for development at primary school? Evidence from rural China

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-04104-z

Do the pathways of child development before age three matter for development at primary school? Evidence from rural China

more info


11/20/2024
Woman on board, corporate social responsibility and financial performance: new evidence from China

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-04029-7

Woman on board, corporate social responsibility and financial performance: new evidence from China

more info



home | site map | contact us