Wednesday, March 6, 2024

No space to fill


Forms are an integral part of our lives, aren't they? You find them at airports, railway and bus stations, government offices, banks, hospitals, and post offices. 

On these seemingly innocuous sheets of paper, we have to fill in important details that will help offices grant us access, validate our identities, or facilitate transactions. 

But rarely have I found a form that had adequate space to fill in all the necessary details.

If they are asking us so many details, why aren't they leaving enough space?

They don't realise the consequences. When space is scarce, our handwriting suffers. We squeeze letters and abbreviate words. Illegible entries lead to errors, delays, and frustration.

Insufficient space also could mean my inability to give some detail or context to the answer I am providing.

So, it's better for all if they keep us customers in mind and leave enough space.

Or, better still, switch to digital. No problem of illegibility. Expandable fields provide enough space. We will save lots of paper as well. 

What are your thoughts on this issue? Have you ever struggled with cramped forms?

(Image credit: Freepik)

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Three of Us

Last night, I watched the movie Three of Us. It's a Hindi film that was released in November last year.

(By the way, I don't understand why a Hindi film should have an English title. There is nothing in the movie to justify it, either. There are many such Hindi and Malayalam films. Possibly, it is because of the demands of today's English-dominated Internet.)

Anyway, that was a digression. 

The film is about Shailaja Patankar (acted by Shefali Shah), a middle-aged woman from Mumbai who has been diagnosed with an early stage of dementia. 

As her memory fades slowly, one day, it occurs to her that she should visit the small town of Vengurla, some 100 km from Goa, where she did her schooling. She left the place 28 years ago.

The film is about all that she finds as she travels back in time.

The film is about nostalgia. It's much more than just memories or thoughts. It's about actual reality. 

It's also about the idea of time. "Later" is something that we take for granted, little realising that there might not be a "later time".

The movie is on Netflix and has English subtitles. It is a short film - 1 hour 39 mins. I hope it's available worldwide.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Surprise


Around 8 pm, the doorbell rang. My wife was wondering who might have come at that hour. 

Upon opening the door, there was my son's friend VB at the door. (My son works in Sydney, Australia.)

My wife was pleasantly surprised to see VB and told him, "Come on in!"

But VB sort of hesitated and told my wife, "There is someone who has come with me to meet you."

For a moment, she thought, who could it be.

There is a common friend of my son and VB who we knew was in the city. So, my wife's first thought was it must be him. 

And then, from behind, emerged our son, with his baggage and all.

It was supposed to be a big surprise, and it very much was!

Only a few days ago, he was on one of the regular video calls with us! And here he is!

It was so surreal; my wife couldn't believe what was happening.

I was in my office, and I wasn't told about our son's arrival. 

When I returned home from work at 2 am, as I always do, I couldn't believe it when I saw my son!

He had booked the flight tickets as early as October, and he didn't give us even the slightest hint all these months. 

Only two of his friends knew, and they all kept it a well-guarded secret.

Have you been surprised like this? Or, have you surprised someone?

(Illustration from Freepik)