As children, my brother and I maintained a burgeoning account titled "Namaskaram Account".
There were diaries galore and every year, I would religiously carry over the latest cash flow statement over to the next year. My brother and I were joint account holders, and our names were mentioned prominently on the page.
Funds for this account were procured from the following avenues:
(a) Money obtained as blessings
The process involves falling at the feet of uncles and aunts who would gush at what a lovely thing it is to do in today's world, and dole out the cash. We would mill around for the right opportunity, and "Thud!" (another inflow into the account) Once done, I would signal my brother to do the same and dutifully stand around to collect my brother's share as well.
(b) Secratarial work for my father
My father invested in shares. He had the luxury of having a career with loads of time to spare. He even had the time to apply for new equities. The chances of getting an allotment for heavily over-subscribed shares were a little less than winning the state lottery. He had the able assistance of an able secretary in me. Every share application filed would fetch me Rs 10, while every allotment would fetch me Rs. 20. To improve cash flow, I would innocently place every application near God, and seek his blessings before posting it!
(c) Money won as Prizes
Contribution from this source was a little late in the game, when I started winning scholarships and the like, but it was money all the same.
I also remember gallantly offering money from our account, if something was denied us by virtue of its cost. Thank God there was no overdraft facility. I must have asked for goods worth 10 times the amount in the "account" over the years!
For years, it provided my brother and I with work to do, and my father got what he needed - the devils were kept busy filing out applications!
I wonder what happened to that "account". Maybe my father used it up for my wedding!!
PS: I must admire my father for the innovative method of getting work done from me!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
It is amazing how parents manipulate us. And more amazing to realize that this generation child is not falling for that easily.
Parenting is ever evolving job.
I have some forms to fill. Are you upto it?
Makes me wonder about my earnings...
;-)
Its not that the children of this generation are above being tricked. The trick is to find *the* trick which is contemperary. After all when they discuss what they are doing with their peers-- it should not seem silly to the peers. If it does... you are out.
Teaching children a sense of responsibility is and will never be out of fashion.
This reminds me of the time when I collected all my pocket money,around Rs.50(which was huge by my standards at that time) and bought a gift for my parents' on their anniversary.
Thinking about it, I doubt if my Namaskaram Account was ever put to proper use.
Post a Comment