I was fascinated with the Hospitality Industry and got an opportunity to intern with one of the biggest Indian brands. My project was related to social media marketing. Here I was on the first day, all dressed up in my denims and shirt. And lo! As soon as I reach the staff entrance, the security guy didn't let me in! My excitement went crashing while I was negotiating with various layers of security guys trying to help them understand that I had traveled nearly forty kilometres by a rick, two different metro trains and again a rick. As a last resort, I called up my reporting manager for help. All that she did was she allowed me to be on a half day leave and join back in 'formals'.
It had been raining heavily over the week. This was Friday and I had to pitch my products to a VP level lady from one of the strongest global brands. I was sure it would rain that day too. I had been preparing for this meeting. I was comfortably two hours early when I started for the meeting. Mid way, it started pouring, I had taken the bike to avoid the post rains mayhem. Mid way, it started raining. I took shelter under a flyover. I dropped a text to the VP lady and reached eight minutes late. Only to discover, the meeting had to be rescheduled as she had to get into a VC. I was offered some cookies and a cup of Green Tea in a corner of their swanky office.
I was at college. It was my final year there, I wanted them to treat us leniently. I was walking in the campus, the security stopped me for not having a tie! I was infuriated, my ego was hurt. I got delayed to the class, I lost my precious attendance. I had to vent out, I posted it on social media. It soon became everyone's pain, I got everyone's sympathy. Very easily my college became the 'the most sexist college in the city'.
I am sure the last situation would sound familiar to many.
I totally condemn sexual harassment wether it happens at work place, within the family or at educational institution or anywhere else. But, I think the central problem behind the recent spotlight at my Alma Mater - Christ University is not sexual harassment. I think a great contributing factor is the frustration of students because in teenage, we feel being well groomed is so 'not cool'. Thanks obviously to the movies for portraying the larger than life image where the Hero (an eternal youngster) always carries a different hairstyle, always wears some awesome casuals and attracts a lot of attention.
Many of you will consider me old school if I were to tell you that you guys actually look smart in those shirts, trousers and ties and your shoes waxed - well groomed and handsome!
Believe me, no one will give a single flying f**k in the corporate to your opinions on 'why should we wear formals?' or 'why are we being asked to come to office on a national holiday or on a festival or for that matter during a Bandh?'. Probably even you won't ask because you would find everyone around you complying with the rules and saving their jobs. Don't believe me? Ask your friends.
Learn to imbibe by the fact that a rule is a rule and generally a lot of thoughts go in making them. Breaking a rule DOES NOT make you a Hero! If you don't like a rule, good way is to have a logical discussion. While you have the liberty of 'voicing your opinions' against the college on social media and everywhere else, in an organisation, your employments would have been terminated by now.
Companies want smart employees and that's why they hire Christites over many others. Had they wanted agitators and rebels, they would probably go to a state run university where the kids still are longing for 'Aazadi' after spending so many years in Independent India.
P.S. Just thought of letting you know otherwise I am cool with it. :P
