It seems as though the previous edition of Madras Week just got over. The Man from Madras Musings is yet to recover from it anyway though if you ask him as to what exactly happened then, it is all a blur. And before MMM knows it, here we are again with the next MW just around the corner.
MMM says No
That it is imminent was made more than clear to MMM by the sudden spurt of invitations to address audiences about it. MMM has thus far consistently refused all chiefly because he is tired of parroting the same thing over and over again. The stance he has taken is that he has spoken of all that he knows, his research at present is somewhat deadlocked, and so, as and when he can think of something new he will emerge chrysalis like, and hold forth. But those who call with invites do not give up that easily or take no for an answer.
But some people are persistent
One of the recent instances was of a lady official from a hoary institution which is pan-India. MMM had addressed the local branch a few years ago and had been gifted a copyof their excellently written history. He was delighted and has remained so especially when he dips into the volume often but he does not fancy yet another copy of the same book. And so when the lady called asking if MMM would address her institution’s local office MMM said he had already done so a few years ago and so they need to look for others, and if needed he was more than willing to supply a list of speakers.
History of an Institution in a Jiffy
“But sir, that was more than six years ago and since then many officers have been transferred. The new lot will be eager to listen to you and those that are from the older lot will not remember anything anyway. Your speeches are like that sir.”
MMM did not know what to make of that. But he gave his usual spiel of why he does not want to accept any speaking assignments. The lady thought for a while and then came up with a bright idea –
“Sir, why don’t you speak about the history of our institution? About the various locations where it had its offices in the city and about its overall impact on society, its significant incidents, of people who…”
MMM could have sworn that she was reading out of the index of her institution’s history book. He said as much – that what she was looking for was a complete retelling of the history of her organisation. That needed time and what was more, there was an excellent book of which no doubt she was aware.
Who reads books anyway?
“Who reads books except you sir? Which is why I feel that it is an ideal topic. And as for time, you have a month, don’t you? Why don’t you read our book and present on it for the benefit of our staff?”
MMM privately completed that question by adding “and getting one more copy of the book as reward for your efforts?” to it. He was however not for rising to this bait. Having politely made his excuses, MMM hung up.
My book on Chennai can be ordered here
This article appeared in Madras Musings in the July 16th issue
Very Nice. You have nudged people to read Books nicely.