I drive about 48 Kms one way to my office in NOIDA from my home in Gurgaon every weekday. Hence I start from Haryana, traverse through parts of Delhi and end up in UP. It takes me anything from 75 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on time of the day. I get to see, feel and think many things that I may not otherwise.
I often give rides to strangers on the way, who seem to be struggling to find a suitable means of transport, generally the elders. I keep meeting people from different walks of life and sometimes that's change for me as I hardly deal with anyone who's not an IT professional otherwise (including family).
Today, while giving a free ride to a middle aged gentleman, I had a disgusting (for lack of a more appropriate word) experience that I would like to share. There's no moral behind the story, hence don't evaluate it that way.....Just read.....
I met an educated looking gentleman , about 55-60 years of age at the Sheikh Sarai crossing traffic light. He asked if I could drop him a few km ahead, en-route to NOIDA and I agreed.
He saw the parking sticker of my employer (An IT company) and asked if I worked for it. Well, that was obvious unless my company sold those stickers at the local stationary shop. The discussion has just started…..
Next question: So what’s your Qualification:
Myself: B.Tech (Chemical engineering) + MBA (Marketing)
Him(sounding somewhat offended) : So you did your graduation in Chemical engineering? Then what are you doing in IT? You people have just been after money.
Me: Well, that’s not entirely true. I was always interested in IT, but…..
Him (cutting me short): Then why did you not opt of Computer Engineering? You should have worked harded to get a better rank and did that.
Myself: I chose Chemical over Computers.
Him: Then, why did you reverse your choice later? I tell you, you guys have nothing to offer that world. You suck!
Me (not understanding where this discussion is going: Well, I was just 17 and wanted to join a branch where the chances of me finding a job are best. My dad had retired and mom had 4 years to go, a younger sister to get married etc. At least I would relieve everyone of my responsibilities, I thought then.
Him: So what changed?
Me : My level of maturity
Him: Ok so you think you are making more money than your classmates who did not switch?
Me : I don’t know. I don’t think so.
Him: Then, why are you here?
At this moment I felt like kicking this guy, overlooking his age, out of my speeding car. I speed up when I get irritated.
Do read the second part of this post – “Another day’s drive to office….. - II”
