Nice link between the two Aftab. Now that I think about it, you’re right, it relates the two very closely. You are right, the media has always been known for its talent to create sensationalism out of nothing. I somwehow do not understand as to where the media is headed sometimes. I mean are they looking at trying to solve something or are they just looking at instigating people?! I guess it takes some time for us to know :)

This is an interesting conversation Vishal. I think “Respect” to seniors is grossly overrated. Shouldn’t we respect someone cos they deserve that respect? Or should respect be for someone only cos they are old?! :o. It is weird as to how the society reacts and how people expect everyone else to follow their rules. I mean it is an act which can easily be ignored. The best that could be done was to send in a short note to the officer that it is not an expected behavior cos ______________ and be done with it. There was no point in dragging the media or officially sending a remark as a punitive measure. It is insane how rules are more important than people and the actual work that has to be done out there..

That’s interesting indeed Pallavi and perhaps they have cadre wise limitations too. Not sure how these by laws and protocols work. But there sure are lot of them. Sometimes I feel that they encroach on the personal freedom as well.
He he, media works on their own agenda of sensationalism, no one really seems to care what the area for progress is, there is only noise about whose mistake it is and why it was such a big deal to wear glasses. I am pretty sure Modi has no time to even give a thought to this issue. It is weird how a simple act of freedom becomes public action and everyone happily takes responsibility of pointing fingers and framing opinions. The real problem and solution are way distant from what is being made out of it..

That is so weird! My dad is in state cadre, not central at all. Guess it
‘s a state by state thing. Well, about rules, a certain level of discipline is required. Usually, it is instilled from the very beginning. Since Kataria was given a warning (and not suspended), I really don’t see why this whole issue is being created calling PM Modi names. He probably didn’t even know about the warning issued! I blame our glorious “presstitutes” for this whole circus. Lord only knows how many warnings on various issues are issued on a daily basis. They dig for and pick on those that have high drama value. Rest thousands of daily warnings are just buried. Press is the reason we’re here discussing IAS protocols today

Thank you Sushma. Nice to hear your thoughts about the issue. I completely agree with you – waht matters more is the work than just a presentation. We have seen a lot of people who just simply stay by the rule book just cos it is the easy way out and they dont get into trouble. In the end, what happens is something simple called trained incapacity – people are so afraid to try out the new stuff that being incapable seems the easier way out.. So.. No wonder that the dedicated work and focussed effort go for a toss!

Well Pallavi, to be precise, I was talking about a few government officials in general. I am not too sure about the central service cadres but I have seen quite a few officials here – Group A and Group B who haven’t got their passports yet and is actually an issue to travel outside the country. In fact it is so difficult that they have to get an NOC from their superior and to add to that the passport issue. So, government service seemed a little less rosy when I heard this!!! :o

That’s interesting Gowthama. I think even I remember reading something like that. Interestingly enough, in the kingdoms down south, it was considered disrespectful to show your head to the king and hence the turban system was introduced. It was later during the British rule when these became obsolete.. Funny how the dressing norms change isnt it? :)

Precisely Mayuresh. I feel that a hill is being made out of a mole. I am not too sure why the issue was made public in the first place. It was so easy to have dealt it in private chambers. I mean poor IAS guy – Amit Kataria, he has to undergo all of this probably cos he forgot to remove his glasses or was in a hurry, Not that I support the styling, but as a society or the public, maybe we could afford to be a bit leneint towards these guys ..

Well I do agree to a certain aspect of it Pallavi. I do appreciate the rules and I also agree that sporting the sunglasses might not have been the best move. But I still don’t understand the hype about it and why it is being made such a public issue while it was a simple matter which could have handled at discretion. Well I am not too sure about the US cos I have seen the navy seals meet the PM and handshakes with the sunglasses. UK is quite like us that way, the protocols are very much in place and are given much importance to..
Its nice to know that you have seen an IAS officer in close quarters and I do agree that most people cannot fathom the rules or the protocols and the reason behind it. Having said that, I also wonder as to when and how things are going to be easy – both for the officers and the public to create a smooth working environment with less rules and more productivity. I guess for a vast nation, it might take some time.