Thursday, June 16, 2016

Two surprises

A few days ago, I wanted to withdraw some cash and reached the ICICI Bank ATM in Kasturinagar.

It was the third one I was coming to that morning: one wasn't working, and the other had a long queue. 

There was one person already waiting, and another was inside the kiosk.

On seeing that there wasn't anyone in front of the SBM ATM, which is very close by, and I went there. But the sensor on the screen didn't seem to be working. I came out, and headed back to the ICICI ATM.

The man who was in the kiosk was still inside. Probably, he was making multiple transactions, or facing some problem. Anyway, a couple of minutes later, he came out, and it was the turn of the person who had arrived before me, to go in.

But that young man surprised me with this suggestion: "Why don't you go in? I need to generate PIN, and it might take some time ..."

Though I was taken aback, I told him, "Thank you so much. You are very kind," and I walked in.

It didn't take me more than a minute to withdraw some cash.

As I stepped out and exited, I thought, there was no need for him to make that offer. He could have gone in, and I would have waited for, may be, a few more minutes.

Parking fee

Yesterday evening, I had to make a few purchases, and I parked my car at a paid parking lot in Kamanahalli. I was handed a small red slip of paper with the time written on it, by a young man who guards the place. The fee is Rs 10 per hour for two-wheelers and Rs 20 per hour for four-wheelers.

I finished my shopping and was back in 15 minutes. Just as I was giving the attender Rs 20, he said, "Rs 10."

I was surprised. He then said, "You just came.. " Meaning, I had parked the car for only a short time.

I said, okay, and put back the Rs 20 in my purse and gave him Rs 10.

As I drove back home, I wondered: he could have taken Rs 20. What was the need to give me a concession?

Or should I have insisted on going by the actual rate, and paid him Rs 20, instead taking a discount?

15 comments:

  1. O, you should have given him Rs 20. Very bad of you! ... No, just kidding ... why feel guilty? When you get a discount from a retail store, do you insist on paying the full amount?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Priya ... I knew you would comment like this. Tks. :-)

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  2. It proves nice people still exist. However, I want to point out something with my limited experience in India, i.e. Chennai. May be he has two types of receipt books (one genuine and one counterfeit) and he pocketed your Rs.10. But why he did not pocket the whole Rs.20? May be he is a honest cheater.

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    Replies
    1. SG, this thought did pass through my mind. I know it's a bit cynical to think this say. But then reality is not so idealistic as we might wish. I doubt if he has any audited account book at all.

      A similar thing happened in a bus which I had blogged about long back. Here is the link:

      http://bpradeepnair.blogspot.in/2007/10/lost-in-change.html

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  3. This goes on to show that we are changing as a society; slowly though!
    Wonder when the rest of the country will catch up.

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  4. This goes on to show that we are changing as a society; slowly though!
    Wonder when the rest of the country will catch up.

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    Replies
    1. True. Hopefully, such instances are seen and experienced more as a rule than exception.

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  5. May be the NBN like polite gesture and demeanour are making a difference in how people look at you, Pradeep.

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  6. It is so nice to see people being kind to one another. We really need more of this.

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    1. Indeed, Linda. We do need more of such people, all around the world. :-)

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  7. It just goes to show your sensitivity towards others. Yes, one does come across such stellar acts of kindness from simple, ordinary people and their actions make you feel small for being small yourself, at times! They're the ones who make this place worth living in.
    (Received via email)

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  8. Pass on .. Goodness keep coming back in circles -- These days, if someone shows some kindness, we think that there is some other motive behind it ...
    Cheers ,, good write ups, from the heart !!
    (Received via email)

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  9. Very heartening to hear of such good experiences.
    And it is good of Pradeep to share them. Usually people share bad experiences and keep quiet about good ones :-)
    (Received via email)

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  10. Wow, this is excellent quality provides the travel programs of the World. Taj Mahal Tour By Car

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