
In most of the branches of nationalised banks in India, you will find one or two pens at the counter tied with a piece of twine. This is to facilitate customers to write their cheques, forms etc. If it is not tied, most of the customers either put it in the pocket, or misplace it, of course inadvertently too.
I have seen a few customers laughing at the bank’s ingenuity (?) or rather penury. Some indulge in jibes that these banks can’t prevent stealing of crores of rupees, but they are after a pen of two rupees.
But when this was presented as an essay topic in a classical English language paper, one student wrote:
“This clearly implies that Lakshmi* (money) can be stolen, but never Saraswati* (pen). Therefore, instead of leaving behind enormous wealth for your child, it’s far better to educate them.”
This is how we look at a thing in a positive way. This is how we can take inspiration from things and nature around us.
Banks may also not be aware that they are teaching this great lesson of life to those who wish to.
*PS: In India, we worship Lakshmi as the Goddess of wealth, and Saraswati as the Goddess of wisdom.
–Kaushal Kishore
Very nice post Sir..
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Verma ji.
LikeLike
Wonderful post, sir! But still, it’s a pity that stealing Saraswathi cannot be prevented 🤷♀️
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Sahana. You’re right, IPR also gets infringed at times.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting post, Kaushal, as I don’t worship your gods or know your banks from my personal experience, the idea of securing pens with a string is amusing!
Thank you for enlightening me about the customs I know very little about!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 3 people
I can understand, Joanna. Thank you for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
You are more than welcome, as always!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Kaushal ji for presenting this topic. Pen is tied because there are persons who takes away the pen either intentionally or unintentionally. Very important line you have included in bold letters.
“This clearly implies that Lakshmi* (money) can be stolen, but never Saraswati* (pen). Therefore, instead of leaving behind enormous wealth for your child, it’s far better to educate them.”
I would like to add more here that if Laxmi Devi comes holding the hand of Devi Saraswati …that is more significant, because Saraswati Devi prepares one with knowledge and money comes after gaining true knowledge is of high worth.
Regards.😊🙏
LikeLiked by 3 people
I appreciate your vision and perspective, Arun ji. Thank you for reading and sharing your beautiful reflections 😊💐🙏
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Sir for your kind words!🙏😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
In Europe also, I have seen pens secured this way, and not only in banks. People tend to pocket the pen, not really because they want to steal but out of mindlessness. I also do it sometimes, afterwards I am astonished to find all kinds of pens in my collection that I did not know before.
LikeLiked by 5 people
Hahaha, so lovely and innocent. It really happens with most of us, because we are in the habit of keeping a pen in the pocket. It’s great to know that it happens outside India too. Thank you, Olivia for sharing it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I truly love that students perspective. So true. Great post, KK.💕
“instead of leaving behind enormous wealth for your child, it’s far better to educate them”
LikeLiked by 4 people
Yes, Grace, I too agree. There is a saying in Hindi that says, what is the need of accumulating wealth whether your son is bad or good. Thank you 😊💖
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great saying. Thanks so much for sharing.💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
I like this post a lot. Our bank actually encourages us to take the pens, which bear its name and thus provide free publicity. My dentist’s office does too in these days of Covid worries. But I’ve long seen pens attached to a stationary holder.
Unfortunately, I see the US worshipping Lakshmi far more than Saraswati—to a worrisome extent. I wish the reverse were true.
LikeLiked by 4 people
I appreciate your beautiful reflections and hope that your wish may come true. You’re right, emphasis is more now on Lakshmi rather than Saraswati. Thank you so much 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
What an interesting perspective! It takes real ingenuity to find that lesson in there. Amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you liked the perspective. Thanks a lot 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
oh, that’s clever!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, David 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, never thought of it this way! Great post😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for reading and appreciating. It means a lot 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am truly impressed with the post and lesson it conveys, Wish people don’t displace or misplace those pens
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much. I think people misplace pens mostly unknowingly..
LikeLiked by 1 person
You caught me red-handed, KK! I am a pen thief…not on purpose, of course! My bank attaches pens to little chains like those on dog tags soldiers wear, or ceiling fans! Great post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hahaha, Cheryl, I know people don’t do it intentionally. Thank you for reading and sharing your own experience 😊💖
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very interesting KK sir!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks a lot, Veena ji 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person