‘Good Samaritan’ DSM Kishan Kumar Politely handles Travelers Woes at MCRS

‘Good Samaritan’ DSM Kishan Kumar Politely handles Travelers Woes at MCRS

 ‘Good Samaritan’ Deputy Station Manager & Chief Ticket Inspector Kishan Kumar Politely handles Travelers Woes at Mangaluru Central Railway Station

Mangaluru : There are ‘Good Officials’ and there are ‘Grumpy Officials’ at Mangaluru Central Railway Station, when it comes to handling of inconveniences or other problems faced by the train travelers- but in such case, Deputy Station Manager cum Chief Ticket Inspector Kishan Kumar falls in the “Good Officials” category, who for the last few days have been working hard in convincing and cooling down some irate passengers who have been upset with thr tarins cancellations and delayed timings. But passengers should realize it is not the fault of the Railways for cancellations and delays of various trains- it is due to the Mother nature wrath which had led to Natural Calamity.

Deputy Station Manager Kishan Kumar

Since couple of days, many trains originating from, passing through Mangaluru City had been cancelled or ran late because of heavy rain/flooding, according to a press release from Southern Railway’s Palakkad division. The trains that were cancelled couple of days ago were Train No 12602 Mangaluru Central-MGR Chennai Central Mail, Train No 16348 Mangaluru Central-Thiruvananthapuram Express, Train No 12686 Mangaluru Central-Chennai Central Superfast Express, Train No 16856 Mangaluru Central- Puducherry Weekly Express (via Salem), Train No 16603 Mangaluru Central-Chennai Central Maveli Express, Train No 16630 Mangaluru Central-Thiruvananthapuram Malabar Express, Train No 16356 Mangaluru Junction-Kochuveli Antyodaya Express, Train No 22638 Mangaluru Central-MGR Chennai Central West Coast Express and Train No 16528 Kannur-Yeshwantpur Express.

Since two days I have been running between Mangaluru Junction Railway station and Mangalore Central Railway Station, trying to board a train to Margao-Goa, but unfortunately couldn’t find a train running on time, at both the stations-either they were cancelled or were running hours and hours late. And while I was at Mangalore Central Railway Station, I stepped into the office of Kishan Kumar ( who earlier when he was into cycle adventures few years ago, was addressed as Kishan Bangera), the Deputy Station Manager and Chief Ticket Inspector, who also happens to be a ardent Mangalorean.com reader, to inquire about the train schedules and status. And he was happy to assist me with full courteousness and respect, just like he did it other travelers.

With a smile on his face, he tried to convince every irate or disgruntled passenger that walked into his office expressing their grievances or anger on trains being delayed or cancelled- and DSM Kishan Kumar used his knack of pacifying and convincing the travelers, with his style of words. For a elderly man, whose train was suppose to leave to Chennai in the afternoon was delayed until evening- and Kishan convinced the Senior citizen by saying, “Sir, we can’t do much for Mother nature’s spell on us. You need to understand that. You can have a nice sleep in the passengers lounge, and I will provide you a hot tea or coffee and snacks as a courtesy from the railways”. The elderly man was stunned at the gesture showed by this railway official, that he with a smile on his face said “Thank you, for the kind gesture in offering the lounge, drink and snacks”.

Then to a young couple who came into Kumar’s office complaining about their train (Matsyaghanda Express to Mumbai) running late by 4-5 hours, Kishan convinced them on a lighter side of vein, “We have 3-4 malls in the City, you could spend some leisure time shopping or dining there for few hours, to overcome your anger, which you should know that trains running late was not our fault”. The couple were very much convinced, and left the cabin with a happy face, with no anger whatsoever. Then came a few youth to Kishan’s office, who were on their way to Goa, but had to wait for hours since their train in afternoon was scheduled to run late in the evening- and Kishan in his youthful attitude advised the youth that they should patronize some of the lounges in the city and socialize themselves till they board the train. “Good advice Sir” they said, and left.

Yes, we need Good Samaritans and friendly staff like Kishan Kumar in railway departments, who could make a difference- and not like those who are not friendly nor care to listen to travelers woes. I too had bitter experiences with the railway staff at Mangaluru Junction, where they either never lift the phone when called for information or clarification- or are not polite when you approach them with your train related problems. Kudos to DSM Kishan Kumar for being a courteous and friendly railway staff, and for making a difference. Hoping that other railways staff will follow in his footsteps, I end this column with a quote-

“If a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows he is a citizen of the world. When you smile, you don’t only appear to be more likable and courteous, you appear to be more competent. One who is kind is sympathetic and gentle with others. He is considerate of others’ feelings and courteous in his behavior. He has a helpful nature. Kindness pardons others’ weaknesses and faults. Kindness is extended to all – to the aged and the young, to animals, to those low of station as well as the high”.