Roger Federer
Roger Federer is a Swiss tennis player. He was born on 8 August 1981 and was ranked world No. 1 by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for 310 weeks, including a record 237 consecutive weeks. He has won 103 ATP singles titles, 20 Grand Slam singles titles.
Federer is one of the greatest, if not the greatest tennis player ever. There is no one in the world, who does not recognise him.
Once he flew to London from Tokyo to get second opinion for his knee. After check up, he had some free time left, before he was to catch his flight to his home. Instead of waiting at the airport, he thought of having tea at Wimbledon club.
Federar - At Wimbledon gate
Wimbledon club holds Wimbledon tennis championship, where Roger Federer has won record 8 singles titles. He is not only most successful but also most popular there. Federer went to the front door, from where guests walk in but the lady at the gate asked him for his membership card.
Winners at Wimbledon become members of the club automatically and Federer was a member but he never carried the card. He was only there, when tournament was on and no one ever asked any questions.
This time also he had no card with him. It was probably lying at his home. When he was asked about the membership card by the lady, he fumbled and said that he had won the title 8 times (being unsure if it was 7) but the lady did not budge.
The entire episode is related by him in a TV interview posted below. If you are a sports lover then watch the entire episode or at least that part from 10:40 to 15:40. It is hilarious and is one of the best that I have ever seen. You have to listen, to enjoy it.
Roger Federer Interview - Please see from 10:40 to 15:40
Higher Judicial Service Examination - Bilaspur
This episode reminds me of an incident, happened a decade ago, when I was Chief Justice at Chhattisgarh.
The High Court of Chhattisgarh is not at its capital Raipur but is at Bilaspur. I was Chief Justice there, from 22nd October, 2012 to 8th October, 2014. In Allahabad, my wife, son and myself used to cycle, when I was lawyer then it continued every Sunday when I became a judge there. This habit was followed in Bilaspur as well and even continues today, during my retired life.
One Sunday, when I was cycling with two security guys in plain clothes. I saw many cars with red beacon, an unusual sight in Bilaspur. I asked the security guys, what was the reason. They told me that examination for higher judicial service was being conducted by the High Court. Everything was done before I took over as Chief, so I was unaware. I thought of going there and overseeing the arrangements.
When we reached inside the compound and wanted to keep the cycles there, the cycle watchman asked 30 rupees at 10 rupees per cycle. He also complained why were we so late. The security guy wanted to inform him, who we were but I motioned them to keep quiet and pay the money.
We went towards the building then the guard at the gate stopped us and said,
'कहां जा रहे हो। जानते नहीं, जजों का इम्तिहान हो रहा है। अन्दर जाना मना है।'
Where are you going. Don't you know examination for judges is being held. No one is allowed to enter.
Well, I was in a fix as what to do. We stood there for some time contemplating our next move. In the meantime, a lady Judge of the district, overlooking the examination saw us. She immediately came out, apologised and started scolding the guard.
I requested her not to do so as he was doing his duty. He was to be praised and not scolded. The guard and others overseeing the examination could not believe that I could visit the centre on a cycle. I went to different rooms where candidates were writing there answers and found the arrangements to be excellent.
When I came out, the person watching the cycles, looked sheepishly at me. He wanted to return the money that we refused to accept.
 |
| On our cycling spree at Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh |
Security Lady and the Guard - Deserve Raise
The incidents shows how the lower strata does their work honestly and diligently. Often, it is the higher ups that goof up.
#RgerFederer #WimbledonTennisChampionship #ChhattisgarhHighCourt #HigherJudicialSevice
Roger’s incident is hilarious and also shows his humbleness. As you rightly said, the front liners do their job with honesty it’s the higher ups who mess it up.
ReplyDeleteWonderful blog post, Yati Dada! Very entertaining and your style of writing brought the incident to life! 👏👌🤗
ReplyDelete