Monday, January 7, 2013

Lekha's discomfiture.

We'd been allotted the time slots of 1040h and 1050h for the Adhaar card registration. Accordingly, we're at the appointed place well in time. Going by the ever threatening power disruptions, that had become very common these days at Kochi, I said my silent prayers to ward off such an eventuality.

We'd already overcome the first obstacle, in that, three out of the four people entrusted with the registration formalities were present despite the bus strike! So the process was on but at a snail's pace and there were a whole lot of people who'd come by for the purpose. After an hour's stay, it was my turn and I, after going through the formalities, ushered in Lekha to go through her's. And then, disaster struck!

The young lady data collector was unable to take the imprints of her digital script as her hands are deformed and clubbed thanks to the ravages of the SLE, her ailment. Such a situation warranted the presence of the supervisor, who wasn't present then. Seeing us crestfallen, the data collectors, in chorus, assured us that she would positively be available by 1800h as her residence was a stone's throwaway from the data collection centre. We're consequently, asked to return for Lekha's card's formalities in the evening with the carrot that she could walk right in, without having to stand in the queue!

To return without accomplishing a task and that too, after a long wait in the queue is disheartening, to say the least. But there was another problem too. Lekha was adamant that she was not making that trip again and that she'd try to survive without an 'adhaar' card. I could imagine her feelings on being rejected from among the entire crowd for something that she wasn't even responsible. The feeling of inadequacy must have flitted past her mind, momentarily.

The rest of the day was spent in cajoling her to come round to making the second visit in the evening and by god, I was able to do so after reasoning it out with her. Deep down within myself, I could understand and empathise with her. However, there was one more minor obstacle - she was caught up with the traffic restrictions in force, thanks to the movement of the PM's motorcade.

After, overcoming the last of the glitches, we're at the adhaar centre by 10 minutes past 6. Phew!


Tailpiece.

Lekha was able to register four of her digits from the right hand and three from the left and the thumbs, with the supervisor and the lady at the counter, handling her with deference and care. And the 'adhhar' registration was behind us!!

By the time we're back at home it was well past 7 and so, my customary walk had to be given the go by.   

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