The Bored Exams – Finally here !

D-Day is finally here. Tomorrow are Freia’s Board exams. The ICSE Board Exams. Or as popularly known, the Xth Standard exams. An important event as it’s the 1st time that students are giving an exam that their school will not be evaluating. The assessments will be done by the ICSE Board.

For some strange reason, the Xth exams have always been considered important. And the preparation for the momentous event starts more than 2 years prior. The students get to choose their Section 2 subjects, the most preferred choice being Math and Science, as well as an optional subject when they enter the IX. Whilst there are several choices, Computer Applications and Technical Drawing are probably the top 2 favorites.

The IXth is a compressed and condensed course, with most of it being part of the Xth exams. And the class ends in February, with the Xth starting in March, instead of the traditional June. Most students spend their summer break attending classes. And then they do several practice exams, preliminary exams, and sometimes even final preliminary exams. A typical student would have given around 100+ exams in preparation for the Board exams.

Come January, the students are given holidays to study at home. And even before that, the attendance drops dramatically after the prelim exams. With parents encouraging students to sit and home and study and not waste time going to school. At Freia's school attendance only perked up when the Principal sent an SMS saying that all absentees would need to get a medical certificate.

In January and February, parents pressurize the kids to study, since their life depends on it. Unfortunately, I was no exception. And as I said to a friend who checked on how Freia’s studies were going. “She’s studying twice as much as I did, but half as much as I’d like her to.”

By the time the actual exams are over, all of us are bored. There’s just so much one can do. And if it's someone like Freia, who is neither a believer in the exam system or a hard worker, it becomes doubly difficult. And so, January and February were spent mostly by Freia studying a little between TV breaks.

The primary reason for the importance of the Boards was that the results would be the basis on which admissions to college would be given. Wait a minute. That is no longer true. Most students have already got and paid for admissions in various colleges. On the basis of the IXth exams. Or on the basis of entrance exams held by the colleges. And the CBSE Board has now made the Xth Board exams itself optional. So the magic of the Xth is slowly but surely fading.

And as we go to bed on the eve of the exam, Freia comes to me and says, “Pa, can you please wake me up at 6”. I’m touched. I have tears in my eyes. Finally my little daughter on the eve of here exams has realized the significance of exams and the ICSE Boards. Until, I’m brought out of my dream by her next statement. "The Oscars are being telecast live tomorrow morning".

Jumping to Conclusions !

2 years ago, for several weeks the news channels were filled with the murder of Aarushi, a teenage girl from Delhi. Here’s a brief outline:

“On the morning of May 16, 2008, Aarushi Talwar, a 14-year-old Class IX student of Delhi Public School in Noida and the daughter of a successful dentist couple, was found dead with her throat slit in her parents' home at Jalvayu Vihar in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The prime suspect was their domestic help Hemraj. However, the police found the dead body of the missing domestic help, Hemraj, on the terrace, 2 days later.

After a disorganized investigation, the police arrested Dr. Rajesh Talwar, the father of Aarushi on May 23, 2008, charging him with having committed the double murder. His wife, Dr. Nupur Talwar accused the police of framing him, and requested Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Central Bureau of Investigation took over the investigation into the murders of Aarushi and Hemraj on June 1, 2008, forming a 25-member team in an attempt to crack the case. The CBI declared that Rajesh Talwar was innocent and he was released. A few days later, 3 persons who were friends of Hemraj, including an assistant of the Talwars were arrested. They too were subsequently released."

2 years later, the CBI filed a closure report saying that there was insufficient evidence to identify the murderer.
And that’s when the whole saga re-opened. The Talwars moved court, requesting that the CBI not be allowed to close the case. And what they though would get them justice for their daughter turned into a nightmare. At the hearing the CBI revealed that the only suspect was Dr. Rajesh Talwar. The court then ordered the prosecution of not only Dr. Talwar, but also his wife Dr. Nupur for the murders. And the media had a field day. Everybody had an opinion. And most were convinced that the Talwars were guilty. Theories were in plenty. Ranging from honor to immoral lifestyle to …

And then the media released sections of the closure report. Based on what was spoon fed to them. Convenient parts. Their reasoning for the suspicions.
1. No one other than the Talwar’s had access to the house. And there was no break in.
2. The parents claimed to be sleeping next door. How is that possible, when a brutal murder is being committed.
3. The keys to the terrace where the body of Hemraj was found was not provided by the Talwars.
4. The golf stick suspected to have been used was cleaned.
5. There was internet activity from the router in Aarushi’s room on the night of the murder from 12 - 3 a.m.

No wonder the nation was convinced. And so was the media and the talk show celebrities. Not many bothered to even look beyond what was being said. I found it a little strange that if the case was this straight forward, then why wasn’t it closed 2 years ago ? And so wanted to know more. And was shocked and dismayed with what I found.

Here are some of the facts, all available in the public domain and part of the records. Let me just throw light on the 5 charges.

1. No one other than the Talwar’s had access to the house. And there was no break in.
This is probably the silliest charge and I’m disappointed that what a Class 5 student would point out has eluded the CBI. The Talwars had Hemraj living in, and with a set of keys. Anyone who was close to Hemraj had access not only to the keys, but could drop in as Hemraj’s guest and there would be no break in. And that’s just 2 of the several possibilities.

2. The parents claimed to be sleeping next door. How is that possible, when a brutal murder is being committed ?
What has conveniently been left out is that in a recreation of the event the very next night, the police team who were in the same room as the Talwars, and presumably awake, were unable to hear any noises from Nupurs room. So its definitely possible that 2 sleeping persons would hear nothing.

3. The keys to the terrace where the body of Hemraj was found was not provided by the Talwars.
Once again, sounds silly. If you lose a child, and are in shock, and someone asks for the keys of an area, is it unreasonable to not know where they are. And what exactly stopped the police from breaking the lock? A tiny lock.

4. The golf stick suspected to have been used was cleaned.
What’s not mentioned is that the Talwars shifted houses after the event. And the Golf set was transferred to their new home with CBI permission and supervision. And finally the complete set was cleaned as a normal cleaning process, not just 1 golf club. And the CBI asked for it after 1 year of the event. And interestingly the original police claim was that the reason Dr. Talwar was a suspect, was that a surgical incision was made by a medical professional using a surgical knife. Since when has a golf club become a surgical knife ?

5. There was internet activity from the router in Aarushi’s room on the night of the murder from 12 - 3 a.m.
Once again an unbelievable half truth. What is not being said is that there was internet activity from the exact same router at the exact same time on the next day when the police were in the room. And the internet service provided has called it “unexplainable”.

I have no idea whether or not the Talwars are innocent or guilty. What I do know however is that the evidence on the basis of which almost the complete TV watchers have pronounced them guilty is not only not “Beyond reasonable doubt”, but blatantly unfair.

Don't always believe what you read !

On Thursday Feb 10, I woke up to read an headline about a 53 year old person committing a crime in Powai. Since I also live in Powai, I read the article. Interest turned to horror as I realized that the place in question was my building, and the person in question, my neighbor on the 4th floor. A nice, quiet person.

Here's the article:

53-yr-old runs over dog in Powai, booked

MUMBAI: A 53-year-old man was booked for rash and negligent driving after allegedly killing a stray dog on Monday night. The incident occurred around 8.30 pm on the premises of Sunglow Building (A wing) in Raheja Vihar Complex, Chandivli, Powai.

The police said the suspect, Prem Prakash, in an Innova, went in reverse gear and ran over the dog, Brownie, killing it immediately. A security guard who witnessed the incident informed an animal lover Susheela Salian, 62, who stays on the second floor of the building with her son and daughter-in-law. Salian lodged a complaint against Prakash (who lives on the fourth floor) at the Powai police station after persisting for five hours.

"Brownie was close to my life," Salian told TOI. "He was killed minutes after I fed him biscuits and eggs. Prakash and his son are a nuisance to animals."

Prakash responded to the allegation, saying: "It is baseless. These stray dogs are a menace and several people are afraid of them. If Salian is to care about the dogs, she should keep them home."

Salian's son Nitin said: "My mother is a strong lover of animals. She has been looking after several dogs in our locality. She has spent over Rs 7 lakh since 2001 on sterilization and food for them.

"In the past, we complained to the housing society about Prakash and his son's behaviour. They threatened the society members and my mother."

Prakash said he never caused harm to anyone in the building and was being targeted for no reason.

Senior inspector Prakash Jadhav of the Powai police said the matter is being investigated and the department is awaiting the post-mortem report of the dog, the body of which is at the hospital of the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Lower Parel. "Action will be taken against the suspect if he is found guilty."

Prakash has been booked under the IPC--sections 279 (rash driving in a public place) and 429 (making mischief by killing or maiming animals)--and the Animal Cruelty Act. 

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/53/yr/old-runs-over-dog-in-Powai-booked/articleshow/7464085.cms

Whilst the article makes out Mr. Prem Prakash to be a villain and Mrs. Salian an angel, that is nowhere close to the truth. An appeal written by concerned members of the Society, summarizes it well

---------------------------------------------

February 11, 2011

To,
Residents,
Sunglow CHS

Dear Madam / Sir,

Ref :  Dog Accident at Sunglow Society, Raheja Vihar, Mumbai

As you may be aware an incident happened on the night of Monday, 7th Feb. 2011. The same was covered by the Times of India on the 10th on Page 12. In case you have missed the article, you can check it out at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/53/yr/old-runs-over-dog-in-Powai-booked/articleshow/7464085.cms

The summary was that one of our neighbor Mr. Prem Prakash was alleged to have killed a pet dog willfully while reversing his car. The police were coerced into attempting to arrest him at 12 a.m. and then again at 2 a.m., when they were told to “drag him out of his house”. Fortunately for him the Secretary, Mr. Contractor arrived at that late hour and on enquiring with the watchman realized that the fact was that no one had seen the incident and the police actually had no business harassing him at that hour.

This did not end here. Mr. Prem Prakash had to visit the police station in the morning and the police were once again being coerced to arrest him based on an unsubstantiated allegation. Fortunately better sense prevailed and the police did not arrest him. Nevertheless they have charged him with several serious crimes.
“Prakash has been booked under the IPC--sections 279 (rash driving in a public place) and 429 (making mischief by killing or maiming animals)--and the Animal Cruelty Act.”

Additionally Mr. Nitin Salian, Mrs. Salian’s son has also alleged in the ToI article that:
‘’…Prakash and his son are a nuisance to animals.”
"In the past, we complained to the housing society about Prakash and his son's behaviour. They threatened the society members and my mother."

It’s very unfortunate and sad, that these kind of untrue allegations are being made. It becomes completely unacceptable in a civilized society when the word “nuisance” and “threatened”  are being used in reference to an autistic child, who has not harmed even a fly.

We were sympathetic and realized that if we do not do something today, tomorrow it could be one of us. More importantly, it’s the right thing to do. Hence members got together to hold an impromptu meeting yesterday, (Feb. 12), in the lobby of the C - Wing. Over 20 concerned members attended. Mr. and Mrs. Prem Prakash also attended. We checked with Mr. Prem Prakash about how we could support him and help him resolve his case without further harassment. He requested that a letter signed by members stating the facts with respect to the stray dogs, would be helpful. All of us who attended the meeting agreed that this is the least we can do.

In this connection, we have drafted a letter. We would request you to go through the same and if you believe it to be factual, then please sign it.

Thanking you,
Concerned residents of Sunglow Society.

---------------------------------------------

The residents signed a letter to the police, which again is self explanatory

---------------------------------------------

February 12, 2011

To,
The Inspector-in-Charge,
Powai Police Station,
Mumbai

Dear Sir,

Ref :  Dog Accident at Sunglow Society, Raheja Vihar, Mumbai

We, the below signed are presently residing at Sunglow CHS, Raheja Vihar, Chandivali, Mumbai. Recently, one of our neighbor, Mr. Prem Prakash, a resident of Flat 402 has been charged with allegedly running over a stray dog.

We would like to inform you that there are several stray dogs in the building. These stray dogs are being fed by Mrs. Salian, a resident of Flat No. 202 in the building. She never allows these dogs to be driven out of the Society Compound and insists that no one has the power to get these dogs removed from our Society compound. This is in spite of several objections by the society members.

These stray dogs are a nuisance and a danger, especially to the children and older members of our Society and also poses  a health hazard to the residents. Additionally, there is always a danger of them being accidentally hurt, especially during the night. Many of us have on many occasions been close to accidentally running over the stray dogs.

We request you to take adequate steps to get these dogs removed from our Society Compound.

Thanking you,
Residents of Sunglow Society

---------------------------------------------

Yet another incident to show that in our current system, no one cares for the truth and fairness. The person with the most connections and power and friends in the police can virtually get away with murder, as well as accusing others of the same crime.

TIPS for Life from a wise stock broker

Yesterday I met Mr. Jagmohan a 70+ year young man. A stock broker by profession, Mr. Jagmohan is anything but a typical stock broker.

My Dad met Mr. Jagmohan and they became friends at MILT, a couple of decades ago. Those were the days when the stock exchange was manual and the only person who really knew what was going on, was the broker. My dad used to dabble in stocks and ever broker he used was a cheat. Conveniently when you wanted to buy, the price they claimed was always the highest as reported in the Economic Times. On several occasions, it was even higher than that. And the price at which you sold, no prizes for getting this right. The lowest reported by the ET and sometimes even lower.

Mr. Jagmohan changed all that. My Dad suddenly realized that you could get a reasonable deal from a stockbroker. And more importantly good advise. Not intended to make only him money. But also based on what he perceived as the client's risk appetite.Mr. Jagmohan advised Dad to buy HDFC when it was around Rs. 40. Today its a 50 bagger. This is just 1 of several examples.

And 2 decades later, little has changes. He had lots of advise. All meaningful and extremely refreshing when coming from a successful business person in today's times.

3 principles to follow in life

1. Don't become greedy

2. Don't advice incorrectly

3. Don't betray


3 principles to follow in the stock market

1. Draw the line. And then don't cross it. Exit as per plan. Whether profit or loss.

2. Don't worry about what price you had once upon a time bought or sold a stock. Today is a new day. Evaluate afresh whether the stock is worth buying at current levels. Or worth selling ?

3. Don't overtrade. And definitely, don't overextend.

And finally his sign off advise.
"Most importantly, trading is as much of a science as an art. It requires time, effort and dedication. If you work very, very hard, and smart at the same time, you could make a very good living."

The Weights over - Finally !

6 months ago, on July 31st, I had a bet that I'd lose 10 kgs by Jan 31st. And as posted in an earlier blog made an elaborate plan to achieve the same. Unfortunately like most plans, this plan served just 1 purpose. To know that it wasn't followed.

On the 1st of October, whilst leaving the US for India I was still weighing the same. With just 4 months to go, I was exactly where I started. Fortunately so was Frank. Who too had to lose 10 kgs. Both of us made the usual threats to each other that we would make it. And were probably as serious as we were when we first made the bet.

Back home, I was craving Indian food and went for a few awesome buffet lunches and dinners. I always loved eating good food and a couple of marriages gave even more opportunities. By the end of the month, I had managed to add yet another kilo and so now had 3 months and 11 kilos to lose. It now seemed an impossible task. I couldn't afford to lose, and so my only hope seemed to be Frank not making it either.

That week Frank called. And had a story to sell. He claimed that medically it wasn't good for him to lose 10 kgs, and could we reduce it to 7. Having used health, it was kinda difficult to refuse, and being the fool I am, I agreed. He was expecting a reluctance or at the least a renegotiation of my weight drop. Neither happened. And so, he offered that I too could lose 7 instead of 10 or now 11. At that very moment, I decided that this bet was one that I needed to win. And so I politely declined.

The very next day, I created a brand new plan. One that I was determined to follow. And for a change I decided to use common sense and my own customized program instead of the hundreds of weight loss programs floating around.

I started this program in mid November. And exactly 2 and a half months later, I had lost 11 kgs or 24 lbs. It feels good. In the last 1 month Frank has been following my progress on a regular basis. And he too will probably make it. One of the few occasions when I'll be happy not to have won.

And for all of you looking for the secret recipe for success, let me share the secret. There is no secret recipe. Its simple mathematics. Burn more calories than you consume and you'll lose weight. Here are the 10 golden rules I followed. They got fine-tuned over a 10 week period. And worked for me. Don't follow them blindly. Experiment. And fine tune. And use the rules that work for you. And for once I sincerely hope you'll lose.

1. Target
Have a definite target weight and a period within which to achieve it.

2. Measurement
The 1st thing to do is invest in a digital weighing machine (Around Rs. 450). And weigh yourself every day. It doesn't allow for convenient readings.

3. Exercise
Sweat it our for at least 1 hour, at least 5 times a week. You could use a gym, or take a brisk walk. You should be able to do around 6 kms in an hour.

4. Breakfast
Eat a filling breakfast. All Indian foods are good. You can also have Muesli or Oats.

5. Lunch
Eat a moderate lunch. Chapathis and vegetables work well.

6. Snacks
You can have a few snacks in between meals. Fruits are ideal.

7. Dinner
Soups and salads. Avoid bread, chapathis, et al.

8. Rice
Avoid. I assume brown rice will be better than white. But if you can manage, avoid even that.

9. Drinks
Drink plenty of water. For some like me, who keep forgetting, just drink 2 litres first thing in the morning. And avoid tea and coffee. And if like me, you're addicted, then try green tea, or tea without sugar.

10. Dessert - The Grand Finale
Have once. After you've achieved your target weight.

p.s.: I won. And lost. Although I made it, so did Frank. Which means I get nothing. Wait a minute. I lost 11 kgs. And feel good. I did win after all. Don't they say "Health is Wealth."

Flipkart - Flipping Good !

Recently I needed a book that was difficult to find. I called up all the bookstores I knew and no one seemed to have it. For some strange reason, although I am used to ordering books and other stuff from Amazon and other US sites I had no idea that we had similar sites in India.

Since I had no choice, I did a web search. And found a pretty interesting looking website Infibeam.
http://www.infibeam.com/

And the book I desperately needed was available. I was thrilled. Immediately I added it to my shopping cart and tried to pay. Oops. The payment gateway wasn't working. It said try later. I tried 5 times in the next 2 days. No luck. The website had a cool functionality of 24 x 7 support. I called and was disappointed. The numbers didn't seem to work.

The next morning whilst driving to a meeting with my colleague Claudian, I mentioned this to him. He told me that he had read about a site called Flipkart, which a friend too had used and had mentioned that it was pretty good. I was sceptical. I told him, the book I wanted was probably not available. Neverthless, I decided to check it out.

The site like Infibeam, was pretty cool. And had the book I wanted. What's more it was offering a 20% discount. And free shipping. So far, all good. And once again, I clicked "Add to Cart" and proceeded to order. The transaction went off without a hitch. What's more their SMS confirming the transaction was faster than that from my credit card informing me about the payment. Step 1 done.
http://www.flipkart.com/

The site said I should expect the book in 3 -4 business days. Surprise, surprise. I received it in 2 days on a Saturday. And the package was really well packed. In a plastic, bubble wrap and a cardboard box. The e-mails were all also on cue. After ordering, after shipping, tracking number ...

All of this happened in the last 2 weeks. And in just the last week, I have already ordered 5 books, and have experienced the exact awesome service every time.I think Flipkart has what it takes. And is on its way to becoming the Indian Amazon. Yet another instance of, you don't have to be the first, just very good at what you do.

You can read more about the Flipkart story at:
http://www.vccircle.com/500/news/the-making-of-flipkart-story

Vodafone - Happy to Yelp

Recently I got several calls from my mobile service provider. Vodafone. The callers, rude agents appointed by Vodafone to act as "The Collectors". The fact that the number they referred to was prepaid was lost on both "The Collectors" and Vodafone. On all of these occasions, they were told to send the pending bills. As in the mob, writing does not exist. They behave like extortionists who just threaten. Never received a single letter.

Interestingly the number in question was a prepaid number converted to postpaid in August 2010. And this was done at a Vodafone Customer Center. The executive made a mistake and gave an incorrect outstanding. They then called up later and said that there was an outstanding. Since it was the first time, we went to the Vodafone Center and settled the same. The executive assured us that there were no further dues. And immediately thereafter, "The Collectors" came calling.


Finally fed up, I wrote to Customer Service. My experience seems to indicate that they have made a typo in their tag line "Happy to Help". They mean "Happy to Yelp" and just so that there is no misunderstanding they have their dog growl at you.

I had to write 4 e-mails and the biggest problem seemed to be that they did not bother to even read the mails. They kept sending standard e-mails. Till I finally managed to get through. And even then, they did not have the basic decency to apologize. Their line "We have clarified your query". Wait a minute. I didn't have a query, you did. And you didn't clarify, I did. And you made a mistake. Have the decency to say "Sorry". But I guess expecting telecom companies to apologize for mistakes is a little like expecting the government to admit a mistake.

The question is "Why am I still a Vodafone customer ?" Answer, Vodafone service sucks. Unfortunately so does that of the other service providers. And I guess that until the tremendous growth they're currently experiencing stops, they can continue with their obnoxious behavior and get away with it.

Hopefully soon we will have more competition and better services in telecom. Until then the Vodafone dog shall continue barking.

Am giving below a list of mail exchanges, which illustrate the absolute ridiculousness of the issue.


Mail 1 to Vodafone - dated Dec. 31, 2010
Dear Sirs,

I'm constantly getting calls from Vodafone. As an example I got a call today from number 99300#####, name - Kavita rudely informing me that a bill of Rs. 600 is outstanding on number "98208#####".

I've informed on at least 3 occasions previously that the number in question is a prepaid number and so the question of outstanding does not arise. In any case, even if there is any such amount then a letter needs to be sent.

I've not received a single letter but these nuisance calls continue.

Can you kindly ensure that
a. I do not get these calls
b. That you rectify your system information
c. If there are any issues including those of outstanding, please communicate in writing at my address or e-mail with you.

Regards,
Stephen


Mail 2 to Vodafone dated Dec. 31, 2010
(Sent to the Nodal Officer)

Dear Rashna,

I tried sending the below mail that is self explanatory thrice to the vodafone care e-mail
"vodafonecare.mum@vodafone.com" but it bounced with the message

Delivery has failed to these recipients or distribution lists:
vodafonecare.mum@vodafone.com
This message exceeds the maximum message size allowed.
Microsoft Exchange will not try to redeliver this message for you. Please make the message smaller -- by removing attachments, for example -- and try sending it again, or provide the following diagnostic text to your system administrator.
Sent by Microsoft Exchange Server 2007

This was strange considering the fact that this was a plain text message with no attachments of any kind whatsoever. Can you kindly forward or address my issue and confirm.

Thanks,
Stephen


Mail 3 from Vodafone dated Jan. 1, 2011
(Interestingly in-spite of asking them not to call, the first thing Vodafone Care did was to call)

Dear Mr. Lobo,

Thank you for your email dated, 31/12/10 regarding the Vodafone mobile number 98208#####.

Further to our conversation, we have forwarded your request for the Statement of account for the above mentioned Vodafone mobile number and you will receive the same within 3 working days.

In case you need further assistance, please do call or email us. We’ll do our best to help you.

Happy to help,

Rupali Dhumal
Vodafone Care

 
Mail 4 to Vodafone dated Jan. 3, 2011

Dear Madam / Sir,

The conversation I had did not ask for the statement as your reply seems to suggest. All I said was "Do not call. If you have something to say or clarify, please send me a letter or mail."

I had informed you
a. I had informed both in my mail and then in your call, since you don't seem to read the mails that "Please do not call me regarding "Outstanding Payments" for a prepaid number. If at all there are any issues, please send a written letter to the address in your records.

b. I had also informed that the account has been made prepaid in August / September and that the same had been cleared at a Vodafone Center, so please update your records.

c. We had visited your Vodafone Center at Saki Vihar Road, in October as we were getting calls saying there was an outstanding amount. We were informed that the Vodafone Executive who converted the account had made a mistake and had forgotten to collect the pending amount. The same was then paid in cash and a receipt issued. There was an amount reflecting outstanding that had already been debited from our bank account. A copy of the passbook was taken by your executive who assured that your systems would be updated.

Kindly check and update your systems.

Regards,
An extremely unhappy customer who's being harassed and has to waste significant time for Vodafone's omissions. :-(((

Stephen


Mail 5 from Vodafone dated Jan. 4, 2011

Dear Mr. Lobo,

Thank you for your email dated, 03/01/11 regarding the Vodafone mobile number 98208#####.

Mr. Lobo further to our conversation on 01/01/11 we confirm the above mentioned Vodafone mobile number has an outstanding of Rs. 651.97 towards the Relationship number 1.14335098.

The last payment we have received is of Rs. 526 on 28/10/10.

We regret to inform you after the receipt of the above mentioned there is an outstanding of Rs. 651.97.

In case you need further assistance, please do call or email us. We’ll do our best to help you.

Happy to help,

Rupali Dhumal
Vodafone Care


Mail 6 to Vodafone dated Jan. 10, 2011

Dear Madam / Sirs,

I regret to inform you that in spite of the mails and telephonic conversation, you'll refuse to even check what is written. You'll continue to repeat what you're saying without once responding to the specific issues raised.

Let me try 1 last time.

The last payment received by you of Rs. 526 was 2 months after the number had been changed to pre-paid. And this was in your Vodafone Center. The reason for this was that the outstanding amount you are referring to of Rs. 651.97 includes a Rs. 100 late fee charge. However the original outstanding of Rs. 551 had been paid earlier on August 25, 2010 and the proof of this was given to the executive who handled the issue. He took a xerox, promised the system would be updated and hence concluded that the account is now closed.  That was the basis on which the amount of Rs. 526 was paid on Oct. 28, 2010.

For your ready reference the scanned copies of the details have been attached.

Once again, my sincere request is to kindly read the contents of the mail, understand what the client is saying and not send a standardized reply saying that there is an outstanding because your system says so.

Rgds,
Stephen


Mail 7 from Vodafone dated Jan. 11, 2011
This was preceded by an extremely rude and arrogant call to Ivy, at a hospital where she was in the OPD. The executive even after being informed, wanted the cheque details of the payment immediately. Ivy told them (I hope equally rudely), that they had wasted 6 months. They could wait till she was free. Their next call was to inform that the issue was resolved.


Dear Mr. Lobo,

Thank you for your email dated 10/01/11, regarding your Vodafone mobile number 98208##### .

Further to our conversation with Mrs. Lobo on 98204#####, we confirm we have clarified your query regarding the payment of Rs. 651/- made via cheque number 000113 on 25/08/10.

The same has been updated on Mrs. Lobo’s number 98208##### on 11/01/11.

In case you need further assistance, please do call or email us. We‘ll be happy to help you.

Happy to help,

Arwa Bohra
Vodafone Care


Mail 8 to Vodafone dated Jan 13, 2011

Dear Sirs,

I am distressed to note that after 5 months, a zillion harassment calls and several e-mails later, "Vodafone does not have the basic courtesy of admitting an error and apologizing for it." Instead it claims to have "clarified your query".

No Sir, you have just clarified your own multiple errors and are not even gracious about it. How come when we make an error we pay for it, in terms of delayed payment fees, connections disabled, harassment calls, ... How come the same set of rules do not apply to you all ?!
At the very least I expect that you escalate this to your seniors and have them look into the matter and issue an apology.

Regards,
Stephen

p.s.: In case any of the above is not possible, please feel free to close this case. I however reserve the right and will take it up in the appropriate forums.


Mail 9 from Vodafone dated Jan 15, 2011

Dear Mr. Lobo,

Thank you for your email dated 13/01/11, regarding your Vodafone mobile number 98208##### .

Further to our conversation with Mrs. Lobo on 98204#####, we confirm we have clarified your query regarding the payment of Rs. 651/- made via cheque number 000113.

We thank you for your feedback , and wish to inform you that we have noted the same.

We regret for the inconvenience caused to you.

In case you need further assistance, please do call or email us. We‘ll be happy to help you.

Happy to help,

Preeti Vegad
Vodafone Care

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Its rather ironic that every mail has 2 lines in common.
"In case you need further assistance, please do call or email us. We‘ll be happy to help you."
and
"Happy to help,"

 And these are the exact 2 things that Vodafone Care does nothing about. A good start would be by reading the mails before sending "cut paste" replies.