The Freedom of Dressing Act

Kids, when it comes to celebrating the spirit of our Independence, Open-Silicon is never too far to be left behind and hence, like always, our devout S.W.A.T (Stop Working All the Time) team, came up with this brilliant plan to host a 'Ethnic Day' on Friday, the 13th of August.

Emails were sent out, well in advance, and the SWAT members did a good job in literally brain-washing and torturing the employees in adorning some form of traditional dress on the appointed day. Few did not oblige, but what was heartening to see was that a vast majority fell prey to the tactics that the SWAT team adopted.

The ladies were all draped in colourful sarees, while the gentlemen simply strode into office wearing kurtas and jeans. Half a dozen guys, who had conveniently forgotten about the day, showed some amazing sporting spirit and simply crossed the street into the 'Mother Earth' store and purchased some of the kurtas on sale. By lunch time, almost 85% of the office was looking at it's traditional best.

A special mention over here must go out to the office boys and the Administration staff, headed by Ravaniah. Very little is said of these unsung heroes of our office, who go out of the way to commemorate every occasion worth celebrating - Diwali, Christmas or just a simple birthday, they make sure that the balloons are in place and every other sole in office is aware that this day is special for atleast one other person. This time around as well, they had done a truly awesome job of decorating the whole office in the colours of Orange, White and Green. Draping papers along the walls of all the cabins, balloons and little Indian flags on ever cubicle showcased the vibrant jubilation that is very much a part of the Indian Independence day.


As evening approached, the excitement grew. Many fellow colleagues gave up on their remaining western wear and started to appear in dhotis and lungis. Everyone was getting ready for the pre-planned events that were to follow, namely a lamp lighting ceremony, a quiz on India and Indians, a ramp walk and prize distribution, followed by my favorite part - cake cutting.

Taher, our VP light the candle and the teams for the 'Indian quiz' were formed. I was made the captain for Team 2 and here is some of the answers we gave for the respective questions:

Q: Where is the Salt Lake Stadium?
A: Salt lake city, Utah!! (damn.....bloody fellow....this is an Indian quiz)

Q: Who founded the DMK?
A: Karunanidhi (adapaavi!!)

Q: Who first referred to Gandhiji as 'father of the nation'?
A: Jawaharlal Nehru

No prizes for guessing then that our team came in last!!

The team members were then, made to walk the ramp in a very forgettable display of walking styles and this was then followed by an all ladies ramp walk, to the beats of 'Desi Girl'.
The prize distribution ceremony kicked off with Taher announcing that Mubashira, who was dressed as Mumtaz (sans her Shah Jahan) was the winner for the best dressed Female and Mr. Kiran Chandrasherakap....etc etc, a.k.a Mr. Kempe Gowda, won the honours in the male category.


What followed then was a little unfair. Little gifts were given out to all the ladies, one by one, while the guys, who had shown an equally sporting spirit, were left stranded. Something had to be done - something different, something weird and obnoxious, we needed an inspirational leader.....and only one person could fit the description portrayed by those adjectives - ME!

And, hence, with the help of Babu sir's dupatta and making full use of the 'Freedom of Dressing Act' of the Indian Constitution, I did what was only unthinkable till that moment.


The Gift was a little pen holder with the name 'Open-Silicon' inscribed at the lower end and had a digital watch on it, which would have reminded me that I was late to office daily and hence, the gift was sportingly returned to Divya, who happened to miss out, thanks to my clever tactics.

So kids, the moral of the story is that with a little creativity and a red dupatta, every gift in this world can be won although in a comic, unjust and unfair manner!!

Whatever......

Disclaimer: My mentioning this to my kids was only a inspiration from Ted of the 'How I met your Mother' show. It does not, in any way, give out any other message. And haan....Don't worry, I am still a man.

'Arey....I am telling you da....I am serious!!'