Your Tableman’s Dilemma

It’s only when you enter a sarkari building that you fully acknowledge the extent of rudeness an official can exhibit. The person sitting behind the table, irrespective of gender in our country, tends to speak in a tone that is meant to disrespect you. Not in the society at large but at least in that building. Although they are the ones who are the public servants — which categorically means that you are paying their salaries and they are placed there to help you—their body language tries to master your situation. Moreover, you don’t mind any hint of misconduct because you merely want to have your task done. It could be anything from getting a signature or a form approved. On the other side, the sarkari babus will behave as if he is doing a favour to you. No doubt the reluctance to work diligently is endemic in our public institutions. 

However, here’s something i’ve noticed that might explain the rude aura in such places: self-defence mechanism. The tableman (let’s call him that) doesn’t have anything against you. He doesn’t know you personally and can’t see that you are a well-behaved educated person who reads [sometimes an awesome blog like this (wink :)]. The kind of people he majorly encounters on a daily basis are those who aren’t high on etiquette either. They won’t stand in queue, will refuse to understand the most basic of requirements and thus create disorder. In their defense, aam janta doesn’t believe in rules mainly because they feel cheated by the system. 

So, what unfolds in a sarkari setting is the yin yang of each side trying to defend their turf. The tableman raises his voice, flails his hands, pushes the crowd back if required, etc., only to maintain his higher position in the given situation. If he doesn’t affirm his authority, aam janta will easily overpower him before destroying him completely. In order to avoid such dire circumstances, the tableman not only begins his day on a rude note but also ends it on the same lane. No touching soft corner please. Unless you say “thank you, sir” before leaving the table, forcing him to look up at you in wonder.