Tuesday, April 10, 2007

(Un)Intended Benefits of being a ChennaiRunner

If you thought being a ChennaiRunner will only help you stay healthy and get you new friends you are wrong!.. Did you know, it could get admission for your kid in elite schools in Chennai? You are curious now right? Read on..

Chari*, one of regular ChennaiRunners has been running helter-skelter for the coveted Pre-KG admission for his kid. This became the most important activity of his family and consumed the entire family since last December. Chari tried all known tricks in the book including standing in a queue for 48 hours so that he could be the first to receive the application which would guarantee (so he was told) admission in to Vidya Mandir. He got the first application all right but still couldn't get a seat for his kid.

Chari had lost all hopes of getting admission for his kid and had reconciled to living in the doghouse for the rest of his life, that when being a ChennaiRunner came to his rescue...

Having run through the list of schools given by his wife, Chari tried the last one on the list pinned all his hope on that one. He prayed all his favorite and not so favorite Gods as he nervously took his kid for the dreaded interview. After a long and arduous wait, they were called in for the interview and that's where the miracle happened..

As Chari stepped in to the interview room, one interview panelists and the big boss (literally and figuratively) wondered aloud as to Chari being very familiar. Chari slowly sank low in his chair trying to hide and worrying what 'being familiar' mean to getting his a seat in the school for his kid. After some deep thinking for several seconds (which appeared like eternity for Chari), the stern looking Big boss smiled mentioned of frequently seeing Chari running with a weird looking belt (fuel belt) with bunch of (Chennai)runners.

Think what you may, but that acknowledgment sealed the deal and rest of the interview was a mere formality. (That's my story and I am sticking to it..)

Needless say, Chari is now a proud parent having secured admission for his kid in this prestigious school in South Madras and has since moved back in to his home from the doghouse.

So my friends, start running for your kids (or grand kids) sake if not for your health.. it does have some (un)intended benefits..

Happy Running..

*Name Changed.
.

9 comments:

  1. Say Hi to everyone that you come across while running. Some of them will look at you as if something is wrong with you. Too bad they do not like a good and charming guy like you. That will also come handy some times.

    Raman

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  2. Hehehehe...very inspiring story ! Now I am glad I am a member of the Chennai runners group !

    I enjoyed my run last Sunday and look forward to the next one.

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  3. You scare me now. I'll be there next year trying to get my daughters admitted in the 1st standard. I cannot fly back and forth from Portland and be part of the chennairunners club.

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  4. Ram, the way the system works, the tough part is getting the interview call. Usually, the interview itself is just a formality. So, I wonder how much the 'running' contributed?

    But,hey, far be it from me to spoil your story. Loved it.

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  5. well even though Delhi High court has scolded interviews of parents and kids, Chennai Elite doesnt bother!

    The rule should be kids living nearby a school gets the first choice, only 10% cases can be admitted based on Elite preference.

    Fun part, even after all this, they dont guarantee a quality education for kids, ensuring the higher education of their choice.

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  6. That was great'insight' into what people go through for a getting an 'admission' in good schools..especially in Chennai...anyways great to know that you guys passion and hobby was put to good use.

    cheers!

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  7. Raman
    keep Running.. that's my motto now. It has brought me new friends and ideas..

    Ravi
    Sure thing.. You did very good for being a rookie.. see this Sunday..

    Karthik S
    Run and more importantly.. be seen with the ChennaiRunners.. !!!!

    Raj
    What did you say..??? can't follow German.. My story feels good.. so will stick to it.. !!!!

    Krithika
    See.. there are benefits to running.. now, I hope you can make Hari be regular.. He has been missing in action for a few weeks.. !!!!!

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  8. Another good reason to run..Hmmm!
    ==
    Very interesting story though.!! ( is this true.??)

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