Master of the switch

More than forty years ago the humble servant in our grandfather's house illustrated a management concept with great aplomb. Those days I was a naughty ten year old.

Palavesam was thin and looked quite emaciated. Days of living on a single meal of rice porridge probably did that to you. Vegetables were a luxury to him.

Palavesam was entrusted with the job to teach me the subtle art of riding a bicycle. Nine am every alternate day was the appointed time.

My grandfather had also asked me to keep an eye on Palavesam as he went about doing other odd jobs in the house. I relished the task. Palavesam was a conscientious worker and worked diligently - Under my watchful eyes, of course. I was the consummate master. It was the bicycle learning time that I dreaded. Palavesam was such a hard task master.

Palavesam proceeded to teach me the nuances of bicycle riding with all seriousness. When i went a tad fast, he would chide me 'Paiya Paiya (Slow, Slow)".

When I rode quite slow, he would say "If you proceed this slowly, we will reach the village only at night".

An incident then happened , that shook me the remainder of the blissful vacation. It was nine o'clock and Palavesam was waiting outside the house. I started riding the bicycle with a frown on my face. Why did I have to ruin my vacation....

As Palavesam held the handle bar of the bicycle, to steady the bicycle, I launched the bicycle. After a few yards I was able to balance myself and I felt like a king.

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At a distance came the curd seller balancing a earthen pot of curd on her head. "Thayiro Thayir(Curd, Curd)" she shouted at the top of her voice hoping to attract a few buyers.

I was a few yards away and I think my exuberant feeling of being the king of my bicycle went to my head. I could hardly recollect the next few moments. As my bicycle hit her, the curd seller lost her balance and the earthen pot came down with a crash....

Livid with rage, the curd seller started throwing choicest invective at me. I stood firm and argued that she should have moved away as soon as she saw me.

The argument raged for a while. Palavesam rushed to my side and quickly became the peacemaker. Seeing that the curd seller was reluctant to let go, Palavesam decided that since the event happened under his supervision, he was responsible and therefore must pay for her loss.

It was now my turn to take charge. I told him sternly "I will pay for the loss". Palavesam became the obedient servant and said "Aiyya (Master), let us all go to your grandfather. Let him decide". My grandfather settled the matter amicably.

Whenever I think about the concept of role play, Palavesam comes to my mind. How adroitly he played the role of a stern instructor, peacemaker and humble servant.

Palavesam was a master at switching roles.

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