When there is nothing to do, how do you keep yourself occupied? Day dreaming, nose picking, farting, fornicating...? Or do you think of any other 'selfless deed'? Well, if you are in India, there is no dearth of ideas that can keep you 'eternally' engaged!
During school days when once a teacher failed to turn up and there was no one else to substitute, my bench mate pointed out to his dad's signature on the report card, and said: 'Why don't we make one for us too?' We began to 'design' our signatures. After a variety of curves, slants, strokes and flourishes, we lost interest. My friend then said: 'Hey, why don't we try it out in Hindi?' We had nothing else to do!
The HR Wing (South) of the Life Insurance Corporation of India too hit upon such an infantile idea recently. On the intranet appeared a circular, directing its employees to start signing in Hindi. The 'out of the blue' move was purportedly to accelerate use of Hindi in South India! The circular however had to be summarily withdrawn following protests.
The LIC for reasons incomprehensible, had overlooked a Reserve Bank of India directive on the subject. While ruling that official documents/correspondence could be signed in any language as the signature was merely a symbol, the Master Circular RBI/2009-10/95 had stated that the signature should be in one script only to obviate chances of confusion or fraud.
Although a signature is generally expected to consist one's name (first, middle or last) or nickname, there is a legal provision permitting a personalized mark or symbol, or even thumb impression instead. The only condition is, whatever be the script, style or form, the signature must be unique.
The rules are thus clear. Common sense makes it even more clear. Still, with nothing better to do, we indulge in wild fantasies. What if we extend the 3 language formula to personal signatures? Each of us will then have a national, regional and vernacular signature! We will also merrily contribute to the spiralling chaos and confusion!
With nothing better to do, what else can we think of?
"Doing nothing is better
than being busy doing nothing!"
- Lao Tzu
These language fanatics, I tell you. They don't want to learn a second language. They also don't want anyone else to learn any other language. If India has to consolidate on its integration as a multi-lingual multi-cultural nation, it's high time we drop this parochial regionalism.
ReplyDeleteGood article. I liked it.
Well, these things only happen in India. Signature should not be confused with autographs and initials. Each have their own meaning and significance. Everybody is aware that common sense is not common. Regional dialects play an important role in Public Organisations. That's the charm of vibrant India. People should try to become tolerant and open to ideas.
ReplyDeleteIt would definitely be fun! Loved the line 'Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing!' :-)
ReplyDelete