The pilgrimage continues...

After my short walk in the Waari a few weeks ago, I am generally feeling excited and have already started making plans for a bigger lap next year. Fingers crossed!

My habit of keenly pursuing subjects of interest has continued here as well. After coming back, I have been trying to get my hands on lots of material to read about the Waari tradition. I was once reading an article about the usual suspects in the Waari. This was when I stumbled upon an article about the ‘Mumbai Dabbawalas’ and their association with the Waari.

Being originally a Mumbaikar, I know of this institution for many years. I also distinctly remember having seen many ‘Dabbawalas’ carrying long crates of wood on their shoulders. However, my recent reading about the Mumbai Dabbawalas in the context of the Waari got me particularly interested in finding out more about them.

A little background on this for those who want to know what I am on about:

The Mumbai Tiffin Box Supplier's Association or simply, the Mumbai Dabbawalas deliver homemade food from customers’ homes to their places of work. ‘Dabbawalas’ are those who deliver these ‘Dabbas’. The association has a record of 5000 Dabbawalas delivering as many as 200,000 lunch boxes across Mumbai – every day. No modern technology methods are engaged to carry out this mammoth task, yet there have been no instances of failure to deliver on time – irrespective of weather, social unrest, natural calamity etc. – with an error co-efficient of 1 in 6,000,000 boxes. As a result, the association is often recognized as delivering a 6 sigma level of accuracy in its delivery.

What started as a small time lunch service way back in 1890, became a charitable trust in 1956 and is today one of the most prominent features of the Mumbai way of life.The Dabbawalas are mostly semi-literate people of the Warkari sect from rural Maharashtra.The success of the system also lies with the Mumbai Suburban Railway (Locals) – another backbone of the city of Mumbai.Making use of the well-connected railway system and bicycles, the Dabbawalas cover an area of 60 – 70 kilometres daily.All this in a short span of 3 hours!Through a unique system of coding, these Dabbawalas collect lunch boxes from customers’ homes at 9:00 am and deliver them at 12:00 noon. Post the lunch hour, these Dabbawalas once again collect the tiffins and return them to their rightful homes. (Source: http://mumbaidabbawala.in/)

I was intrigued by this highly efficient method of working and was keen to learn more. Around the same time, one of the senior executives at my company recommended inviting the Dabbawalas to our office to learn about their Operational Excellence & Supply Chain Management technique and how they ensure “0% fuel, 0 % investment, 0 % modern technology, 0% Disputes, 99.9999% performance and 100 % customer satisfaction”. As expected, I was extremely excited to attend this unique session, where we invited Mr. Raghunath Medge, President of the Mumbai Tiffin Box Supplier's Association, to give us an insight into their most sought after organization.

A lot has already been written about the supply chain management systems used by the Mumbai Dabbawalas. Numerous case studies and papers have also been published on their system of operation. However, what I took home was not just management lessons but learnings I will cherish all my life. I am still living in the impact of this enthralling session and felt I must share my learnings with you.

Apart from career tips, I learnt some life changing tips on honesty, commitment, stress management, humility, discipline, HR and time management. Here I present to you some of my takeaways:       

• Dependence on Human Capital– As mentioned above, most Dabbawalas are semi-literate people (Thumbs-up as the President of the association called them). As a result, there is very little scope for technological intervention in their daily work. Therefore, a vital link in this chain of food delivery is human capital. Although the procedures were laid down more than a century ago, it is the correct implementation of these procedures that make the system work even today. The Mumbai Dabbawalas demonstrate how the correct amount of human dependence yields amazing results.  
• Honesty and Integrity–I know it sounds a little “cheesy”, but I have to say the threads of honesty and integrity hold the dabbas together. Just like their customers, it is lunchtime for them as well. However, that has never kept them away from performing their duties.
• Discipline and Time Management – It can be safely said that the Dabbawalas operate on the lines of Chanakya’s system of ‘Sama-Dama-Danda-Bhed’. This approach has, on a number of occasions, ensured customers stay within the system. As the President said in a lighter vein “…Mumbai’s homemakers are more scared of the Dabbawalas than their own husbands or anyone else…” This stems from their strict discipline about sticking to timelines, because they realise the value of every second in the delivery chain. Two examples are worth mentioning here. The first one being the highly talked about visit by Prince Charles in 2003. When the then British High Commissioner to India approached the association, the committee only agreed to meet the Prince in a pre-decided time slot, to ensure smooth running of the day’s deliveries. Another example is during Richard Branson’s (Chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways) visit. Richard Branson, without giving the association any prior notice, got on to the luggage compartment (in which the Dabbawalas travel). This was a classic case of trespassing in the eyes of those innocent Dabbawalas, who had no idea who this stranger was. As Mr. Medge went on to tell us, the Dabbawalas were all set to pick a fight with this stranger, if they were not told a little later who this “intruder” was. For them, nothing or nobody can come in between their work.
• Pride towards their work– India is a nation where “Annadatas” or food-givers are often put on a pedestal. And the Dabbawalas take their role as Annadatas very seriously. For them, delivering on time goes beyond their job – they see it as their duty to quell customers’ hunger. Thus, they go about their daily job with a smile, making sure they are never late.
• Complete contentment – In spite of a relatively tough and physically strenuous job, there was an extremely positive vibe around Mr. Medge. Pride and a sense of contentment were evident on his face. For them, “work is worship”.
• Sustained success will lead to fame – The Dabbawalas believe in doing their work properly and have ensured the ‘zero error’ flag is held high at all times. Very few Dabbawalas actually realise the importance of a ‘Six-Sigma’ certification, and therefore, continue doing their work without thinking about any gain. Maybe, that’s why success and popularity has been chasing them.

I cannot end this piece without going back to talking about the long standing Warkari tradition. As mentioned at the beginning, the Dabbawalas belong to the Warkari tradition. As a way of unwinding after the morning rush to meet deadlines, the Dabbawalas often chant songs (Bhajans) of praises to Lord Vitthal, on their return journey. Their daily ‘Bhajan’ sessions play an important role in relieving the day’s stress. It wouldn’t be wrong to say they truly embody a living where one looks beyond materialistic earnings and serves with commitment for a cause.

So, what’s next on my agenda? The answer is simple – head to Mumbai and travel with these wonderful people and find out how they do something so noble day in and day out. I might just be able to also learn a few ‘Bhajans’ for my Waari next year… 

Waari 2014

At the risk of sounding clichéd, I must admit this is one my most divine posts. Ever since I moved to Pune eight years ago, I wanted to see what the deal with ‘Waari’ was. I must confess, I had no idea what this was, before moving to Pune. For those who are living in ignorant bliss like me, here’s a brief background to this:

Waari is an annual pilgrimage in Maharashtra undertaken in the Hindu month of ‘Ashadh’ (around June/July). Every year, millions of devotees walk along the 250 km route from Alandi (near Pune) to Pandharpur (Southern Maharashtra) to offer their respects to Lord Vitthal (reincarnation of the Hindu God, Vishnu). The journey to Pandharpur takes about three weeks and many pilgrims also make the return journey on foot. ‘Warkaris’, as the pilgrims of  the Waari are called, are mainly farmers from various parts of Maharashtra and some come from the adjoining states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The beginning of this rich tradition can be traced back to as long as 1000 years.

‘Warkaris’ walk in small groups called a ‘Dindi’. All Dindis combined, make a Waari. Every year as many as 300 registered Dindis (more if one counts the unregistered Dindis) and millions of devotees march along the route to Pandharpur. Traditionally, two ‘Palkhis’ (Palanquins) reach Pandharpur on the eve of ‘Ashadhi Ekadashi’ - Ashadh being the fourth month and Ekadashi being the 11^th day of Ashadh. After meeting for a brief period in Pune, St.(St. for Sant in Marathi / Saint in English) Dnyaneshwar and St. Tukaram’s Palkhis go their separate ways until they meet again in Pandharpur. The 2014 Palkhis of St. Dnyaneshwar and St. Tukaram left from Alandi on Friday, 20^th June, 2014. After reaching Pune the same evening (some Dindis reached early morning on Saturday, 21^st June, 2014), the Warkaris rested in Pune for 2 nights, before heading towards Saswad. The aim is to reach Padharpur by Monday, 7^th July, 2014 (on the eve of Ashadhi Ekadashi).    

Why a sudden post on this, one might ask. The reason is, after years of only thinking and talking about it, I finally had a chance to participate in this culturally rich heritage. Given my interest in understanding different cultures, being part of the Waari was an important aspirational item on my list.

On the morning of Saturday, 21^st June, during one of my annual whining sessions about not being able to participate in the Waari, we finally decided to be part of the celebrations this year. We quickly made plans to check into a hotel on the outskirts of Pune and reach there in time to welcome St. Dnyaneshwar’s Palkhi the following day. I must admit, this was one of the most exciting waiting periods for me. I had heard and seen so much about the hugely celebrated pilgrimage, that my eyes were twinkling like a child waiting to get on to his / her favourite ride at the amusement park. Since the morning of Monday, 23^rd June, we took turns to go on the terrace to look for any oncoming Dindis. As soon as the crowd started becoming dense, we decided it was time for us to begin one of the most thrilling journeys of our lives. We began the journey by walking towards the Palkhi and once we sighted it, became part of the crowd and walked back up with one of the Dindis. Although not strong believers by any definition, we were completely immersed in all the proceedings and felt like one of the pilgrims. A chain of hundreds of thousands of people walking for miles with non-stop chants of Gyaanbaa-Tukaram on their lips was an incredible spectacle and a literal music to ears! The Dindi we became part of rendered classical based Abhangs (traditional songs sung in appreciation of God). It didn’t matter if I didn’t really understand what they were chanting – I had still become a part of them. Seeing my rather flashy camera, the Warkaris were all the more willing to include me in their Dindi. Some even posed for me! Soulful sounds of the ‘Taal’ (Cymbals), ‘Mridanga’ (Indian drum), ‘Ektari’ (Single stringed instrument) and the Warkaris’ singing, was hypnotizing, to say the least One could easily go into a trance amidst such a captivating situation.

It was amazing to see so much devotion and perseverance to walk so much to meet Lord Vitthal. Walking in the Waari is considered a pious thing to do and it was extremely heartening to see people doing this with utmost sincerity.  The disciplined and systematic approach by all involved was a welcome change from the usual chaos once expects to see at an event of this magnitude.

Those who don’t participate in the actual pilgrimage, get involved by doing their bit for the Warkaris. During this long walk, pilgrims are provided with medical assistance, healthy food and clothing in case of severe weather conditions.

While waiting for the Palkhi’s arrival, we met a Warkari who too was awaiting the arrival of his Dindi, which was to follow the Palkhi. During our conversation with him, we found out some interesting details about his life. He is a farmer from the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, who has been walking in the Waari for the last couple of years, ever since his mother, a regular pilgrim, was unable to do so because of ill health. It was interesting to know how people also inherit customs like these.

My belief in the saying, “Good things come to those who wait” has been strengthened since that day. I am now waiting to once again walk in the Waari next year - hopefully cover a longer distance! Till then, I leave you with some images from my most divine journey so far.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Art of pronouncing words incorrectly- confidently! (Part 2)

After a crazy long hiatus, I am back with a new post. I have often asked myself why I didn’t write anything all this while, however, nothing other than procrastination best answers this question. But, the new plan is to pen down my thoughts and views as often as possible. And, what better way to be back on the scene than writing part 2 of one of my favourite posts? In the past couple of years I was trying to compile a list of new words / phrases I have seen people using incorrectly. So, here we go…

• The word, ‘ESCAPE’ is a simple enough word to pronounce, but we human beings love to complicate things and end up pronouncing the word as ‘EXCAPE’. The good news here is, if one says ‘excape’, they have mastered the prefix ‘ex’, because its meaning fits the word, but the bad news is, we don’t need that prefix here.
• I have often heard people at work say “… for all intensive purposes”. Umm… the phrase is “… for all intents and purpose”. I like the effort people make in communicating in a language they are not comfortable with, however, it is a good idea to know the correct meaning and usage of a word / phrase before using it in public.
• As Indians, we love to add extra letters or words in our sentences. Let’s look at an example:
• INTERPRETATE instead of INTERPRET. An explanation for this could be, because of the back formation from ‘interpretation’, many get confused with the correct conjugation of the verb. Like ‘INTERPRETATE’, the word, ‘PREVENTIVE’ is also given extra letters to make it ‘PREVENTATIVE’. Let’s just avoid doing that… 
• Another example is the extra ‘i’ in ‘MISCHIEVOUS’ to make it ‘MISCHIEVIOUS’. The additional letters is only making the word longer and does not serve any purpose.
• I have often heard people narrating their weekend shopping sprees thus: “I bought lots of KLOZ…” Do I even need to say anything here?
• Another one that troubles me: “I play soccer IRREGARDLESS of the weather”– something unusual about that sentence? The double negation is not needed. –‘–less’ already means without / in spite of, so there is no need to repeat the same sentiment with ‘ir-‘.
• My current favourite is “Blessing in the skies”. I agree the blessing could have dropped down from heaven, but let’s just keep it at “Blessing in disguise”!
• The next one is something I just cannot get over. Working in the Indian corporate world gives me the benefit of travelling to work in company provided transport. On days when I travel in my own vehicle, I am often asked if I came ‘SELF’. Umm… what does that even mean? How can one come self? Can I just reach work on my own, please?
• Small piece of advice: please stop saying ‘CRITERIAS’.‘CRITERIA’ is already a plural of ‘CRITERION’!