Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Point to Ponder

Arun Patil raised a pertinent issue today. He has observed over the past few picnics that some members (particularly elderly ladies) have been taking needless risks doing the rain dance, while in the swimming pool or by loitering away in the wilderness without informing anybody. During the last picnic at Kalyani Village Resort on June 20, a major accident was averted when he rescued a senior lady member from drowning. She had slipped on the floor of the swimming pool and being an osteoporosis patient, could not hold her balance. Luckily he was close-by and could save her life.
While appealing to all members to behave in a responsible manner, Arun-bhai suggested formulating a ‘code of conduct’ before venturing out on a picnic. This would not only reduce the chances of an untoward incident, but also protect the organizers of the picnic from all legal consequences arising from a mishap. After all, in such an situation, the law demands fixing of responsibility. He even suggested obtaining a signed undertaking from every member stating categorically that he/she would be proceeding on the picnic on his/her own free will and that nobody is answerable for his/her conduct and safe return. Effectively this would absolve everybody from any criminal culpability arising in the event of an accident.
Now, none of this sounds good. But maybe, this is necessary. Maybe not. Imagine someone who has a personal score to settle with you, joining the picnic. You are waylaid at the resort and suddenly this “someone” dunks you at the deep end of the pool. Does s/he go scot free, just because you have entrusted your fate to God by signing an undertaking? Who will sign such an undertaking anyway? Does this mean picnics be stopped? Or is there a better way to go around this? Think about it. And do post your comments.
--Big Laaf

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