Month: March 2009

A peek into high school memories – KV Pattom

~ bjcharles ~ 1 Comment


Kendriya Vidyalaya Pattom, Trivandrum –

Old school group pictures hold treasured memories. Many like me cling to the old school pictures for short nostalgic journey through the black and white years of life.

This black and white picture belongs to the class of 83’ from Kendriya Vidyalaya Pattom. This group picture was taken when I was in class 9. I rediscovered this old school snap in one of the magazines. This time I scanned so that I don’t loose it again.

This one picture brings backs fond memories of my alma mater, CENTRAL SCHOOL at Pattom, Trivandrum.

20 years or more has slipped by. My school mates at Pattom Central school have long graduated to different echelons of life. I heard that one fellow has become a civil servant, few are working as clerks in Govt offices but the vast majority has gone away in the mist of time.

At times, I wonder how they fare in life? What job they do for living? What dreams are they chasing, and how’s life treating them.

Our batch at Kendriya Vidyala Pattom was famous for many reasons. One thing, our batch produced the largest number of compartments. I still wonder how managed to scrape through the 10th exam, yes much to my relief and for my parents.

I remember many teachers who had made their indelible mark on all of us. English teacher, Sreekumari Madam, Sudha teacher who taught Chemistry, Late Chacko Sir ( Physical Education ), Pushkaran Sir who taught us to many funny looking hangers, Sarojani Mam who taught Hindi , Sanskrit sir who took extra pain to teach me during vacation….

With many years behind, I wonder if I can connect with any of these old timers’. Will they be able to recollect me from this group picture? I wonder if they will.

I would like to peek inside this sprawling school compound and retrace those golden moments inside this institution that shaped the fortune of many souls. Probably, I’ll take pics of old class rooms, the assembly area, top ground, Principle’s room etc that hold the sweet bygone moments of my childhood.

Can anyone get me the pics of the teachers who taught us, the science, arts and life?

Recession sales in Bangalore

~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment
One of the vegetable vendor at Domlur market place


Gone are the good old days of frenzy shopping spree in the gleaming Foodworld’s Spenser’s or big Bazaar’s in Bangalore. Recession, layoff news, frozen appraisal has culled my usage of plastic cards. The compulsive shopper in me is all set for a long winter hibernation.

Reason for fewer trips to the mall
Apart from the bad economic signs, the poor customer service has prompted me to take a hasty retreat from these product aisles. As a customer, big Food World or Spenser’s or Big Bazaar’s offer no stimulus to shop or to repeat my shopping.

I used to be a frequent customer at the Food World store at Cambridge Layout, but there are no friendly nods from the busy shop attendants. Forget familiarly factor, but where is feel good factor during my visit in these glassy shops?

Discount signs every where in Bangalore
These days DISCOUNT signs are the only apparent signs at all shopping stores. I feel it’s a poor way to attract repeat business. Even though you get wide product choices, the soul of purchase in not about choice or savings; it’s also about feeling good about shopping and giving a better shopping experience.

I used to think that I’m alone to feel like this. But when I heard from an employee at an open forum in office, I felt that I’m not alone. He said he now prefers to shop from small time street vendors instead of the shopping blocks.

New shopping experience
Yes, that’s what exactly I’m doing now. I’m happy to buy from the ladies who sell vegetables from their wooden trolley or push carts. They are all happy to service you and very happy when you purchase more than Rs 20/-. (A similar amount spent at any shopping mall will get you a curious look from counter staff)

When I spend my hard earned dough at these small time vendors, I go with the happy feeling that it directly feeds her family and contributes to her little wealth.

Customer is the King
So, what are you waiting for? Now is the time for you demand better service and not treat you as one of kind in the store.

For these big Daddy brands, it’s time to take a change the defunct way of treating their customers. It’s better they try out ways to better shopping experience or else this recession phase is going to hit bad on the cash register.