During last week, there was a small accident. During journey back home, in one of our buses, one of our rehab student got disturb and started with abusive language. He is in habit of doing this ever since last four years he is with us. off course we are successful to a great extent in controlling this behavioral trait. This boy is about 27-28 years. He is in habit of using foul language for our lady teachers also. In our campus we have been controlling his behavior. Severity and frequency of his tantrums is also on much lower side. But on this fate full day, in the bus he could not be controlled, one of the male staff tried to pacify but to no avail, when tried further to pacify him, he tried to assault the staff member. Getting provoked by this, staff slapped for once.
On reaching home, boy told parents with exaggeration who in turn immediately phoned us same night. Next day, staff reported the incidence and apologised for his uncalled for provocation and promised not to be part of such event in future. This staff member is a new one and works in the Sandnya Srushti office on computer. He does not have much exposure with these kids firstly, secondly he is very soft spoken person with absolutely good mannerism. He is not one to get provoked so easily. He has got real good rapo with all staff members and not known to have any conflict with any other person. With this personal background and his apologies for the mistake, it is appropriate to excuse him with a warning.
Next day morning, parents with younger sibling and two more friends of the sibling rushed to the SS office agitated. They were right to do so as a parent. Management on their part tendered apologies and regretted the happening. They further, assured the family that management does not permit verbal or physical assault in any circumstance. In fact we have been consistently hammering this point in all our staff meetings. It is the result of this consistent emphasis that in last seventeen years no such incidence occurred. Family also accepted this fact and mentioned frequently that they have full faith in SSS. But they continued to insist the sacking of the staff involved. We were trying our best to convince the family that the staff is not habitual offender and in fact has a very good service record and thus deserves pardon for once at least.
It was surprising that on one side they accepted thrashing of the boy at home by all family members and in particular by younger sibling. On other side they want to severely punish the staff. There point being that he is thrashed severely by the staff.
We at SSS in general and I as a person do not approve this act but in given situation, we strongly feel that the staff concerned deserves pardon. The family stand is like they have never committed a mistake in their life. This extreme approach of parents is beyond comprehension. If adopted this approach, no system can ever work leave apart cause of mental disability. I feel parents should have faith in us as management. Bringing facts to the notice of the office is indeed essential. Since our children are not self advocates it is absolutely right to be alert and vigilant for the safety and welfare of our kids. But having done that, we must try to understand the other side as well.
I thus feel whatever happened was a accident and we will be still more vigilant in our efforts in future.Parents were demanding the removal of the concerned staff member. I suggested that, we will wait for three days before taking any action. If after three days parents still feel that concerned staff be punished, then we will act. Parents were told to phone me on fourth day and convey their decision.
It was indeed a matter of great satisfaction that the better sense prevailed and parents told me that I should be the best person to take the appropriate action and the matter was closed.
Navin Deshpande
Secretary, SSS
