405. A Recurring Problem

"Sir, we are getting this problem repeatedly. We need to reset the machine" said Jiva.

"How many times should I tell you this? The machine has to be reset only once in a month. It is barely a week, since the machine was reset" said Govingaraj, the Supervisor.

"We are not getting the finish, sir!"

"That's why I asked you to do reprocessing."

"Sir, if we reprocess every piece, how much time does it take? Production will also be reduced. Instead, if we reset the machine, it will save time." 

"Don't talk to me about production coming down. You are not getting paid on piece rate. You are getting a monthly salary!" said Govovindaraj, sarcastically.

After Govindaraj had moved away, Jiva told his co-worker Dhanraj, "This man knows nothing, but he will talk as if he knows every thing. If we make any suggestion, he won't consider it."

"He should have had good education. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been made the supervisor!" said Dhanraj.

"He is not educated at all. He had worked as a labourer in a factory, for a couple of years. He is related to our Proprietor. When our Proprietor started this factory, this gentleman got the job of a supervisor. His knowledge level is lower than even ours. He would listen only if someone superior to him tells him what the right thing to do is. Till that happens, we have to suffer the consequences of his stupidity!"

Having learned that an Engineer had been appointed for the expansion project of the company, Jiva asked Govindaraj, "Sir, will the Engineer visit our plant?"

"He has been recruited for the new project. He won't come here" said Govindaraj. 

Jiva felt disappointed.

When the problem faced by Jiva earlier sufaced again, he again suggested to Govindaraj that they should reset the machine.

As the two of them were discussing the issue, a new person came there.

"Good marning, sir!" said Govindaraj, respectfully.

"Is there any problem?" asked that person.

"Nothing, sir. We are discussing some routine things relating to production" said Govindaraj.

Guessing that that person should be the Engineer, Jiva told him, "Sir, for the past few days, there has been a recurring problem. We are not getting a good finish. I think, if we reset the machine, this problem will disappear. But the supervisor says reprocessing the product is the only solution. If we reprocess the product, it takes more time, leading to lower production"

Govindaraj cast a stern look at Jiva and told the Engineer, "Sir, as per the standard procedure, machine has to be reset only once in a month. He has no understanding of the issue. I will manage this."

Ignoring Govindaraj's remarks, the Engineer told Jiva, "Please open the machine and show me the tool"

After Jiva opened the machine, the Engineer examined the tool, by touching and moving it, and then told Govindaraj, "See, here! This part has worn out, because of which the tool keeps slipping from its position. This part has to be replaced. Please call up the manufacturer and ask them to send their technician. He will come and check the part and then replace it. But I think, this part has to come from their store at Mumbai. It may take a few weeks for the part to arrive. Till the time the part is replaced, we have to keep resetting the machine, as suggested by our friend!"

He smiled at Jiva.

"Ok, sir!" said Govindaraj, wiping the perspiration on his face.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 41
Lack of Education

Verse 405 (in Tamil):

kallA oruvan thagaimai thalaippeydhu
sollAdach chOrvu padum.

Meaning:

The vanity of the ignorant will vanish, when he starts speaking in the presence of a learned person.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'iyandhirak kOLARu' by the same author.)

Verse 406
Verse 404