UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS OF PUBLIC LIFE

I have to share a very funny, yet an embarrassing experience. The other day, I was in Mysore to oversee Dasara preparations, as well as to attend a host of functions. One of them was a program organized by Journalists association at 12.30 PM. His Excellency Governor of Karnataka was to inaugurate it.

In the early hours of the day, I visited the Destitute Rehabilitation Centre which is commonly termed as Beggars relief Centre, along with DC, Police Commissioner, Corporation Commissioner and other authorities. After speaking to the inmates, and taking stock of the situation, we announced some major systemic correction measures. Later on, we proceeded to inspect Dasara procession route, from Palace to Banni Mantap. Still more time left, we went to inspect Project sites. It was around 12.15 then, when I started heading towards the Journalists program venue.

Even at that time, I didn’t have an iota of idea, that I would be a victim of the faux pas in a few moments from then. The Pilot whose Vehicle were we following, took us to the program venue. It was already 3 minutes late. I rushed inside to reach the Stage. His Excellency, Governor was seated on the dais already. Besides him was the revered Swamiji of Pejavar Mutt. This was more of a surprise for me as Pejawar Mutt Swamiji’s name was not mentioned in the invitation card that I had seen earlier. Stifling my growing surprise, I took blessings of Swamiji and apologized to Governor for having come late by three minutes. I shared the dais with them, and glanced at the invitation card that was kept there. It was a literal shock.

That was not the function I was supposed to attend! It was a Sanskrit Language related function, which was chaired by Swamiji as well as the Governor. This program, which was scheduled to commence at 11 AM had started at 12.30 as Governor was late. The Organizers were also surprised by my uninvited arrival. (Pleasantly surprised I believe!) For me, it was confusing, embarrassing and unease to sit through that uninvited and unexpected function.

Ultimately, our Program of Press day, started at 2 in the afternoon, instead of 12.30 PM. It was a real fauxpass although unwitting!

All this confusion and the embarrassment was thanks to Police Pilot, who just took me to the function, where Governor attended without trying to know the one, which I was supposed to attend along with the Governor.

Public life brings you many such unforeseen happenings which many persons of my ilk would have experienced too!

S.SURESHKUMAR