PARAKALAN-The TOUR OPERATOR

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As per the suggestions of viewers I am splitting this blog into 2-1. Lowkikam ( Day to day life and 2. AAnmeekam ( Athmikam )

During the course of my active life I have gathered wealth of information on both these subjects and one blog will take long time to cover them. Hence this arrangement is made. You will receive the posts in 1. HARE GURUVAYURAPPA. This blog will cover Athmikam ( Aanmeekam ) subjects and the regular blog OH!! Rangasayee
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PARAKALAN- THE SUCCESSFUL TOUR OPERATOR

(Unable to bear the repeated beatings young Parakalan ran away from home to etch a
livelihood for him. Not much education to help him he joined as Bill Clerk in a Hotel at Karur-Trichy Dist. Not satisfied he became a bus Conductor. For well over 15-years he worked as Driver, Conductor etc. Break came to him when he purchased a van)

52 year old Parakalan belongs to a well-respected family from Serangulam in Tanjore Dist. He is the youngest among 6-brothers and 2-sisters. His Father –Mr. Ramanujam
Iyengar – a well known personality in Srirangam lived upto 92-years. Boyhood years
passed on normally for Parakalan. His mother brought him up. When he could not
complete his school final his brother called him to Srirangam. At that time his family was passing through lean period. Since Parakalan is the youngest he has to do all the household works. He had no time to continue his studies.

All brothers and sisters were living joint-family life. In Hindu joint family life preference is always given to earning members. Parakalan was not fortunate to get that. If he returned late he will get beatings. If he failed to do a particular job he will get beating. Beatings, beatings all the way- Young Parakalan started to feel that it was all because he was not earning. One day he decided to leave the house and look for a job. Without informing to anyone he ran away from the house. His destination was to Karur near Trichy.

He heard that at Karur job opportunities were brighter. He took odd jobs like
bill-collector in a hotel, clerk in Provision shops etc. Finally he landed as Bus Conductor in a Bus Company. This was the first Turning Point In Parakalan’s life. He worked for 2-years. He used to get Rs.40 per month and inspite of poor salary he will send half of the amount to his family. Such was his devotion to his family. He earned the respect of his family.

During this period he learned car and bus driving. His brother recalled him to Trichy. There he got a Bus Conductor job in a well-known Private Company. This is his Second Turning Point. 15-years he worked as Conductor and Driver. During this period he got married to Sumathi. Sumathi gave encouragement and strength to Parakalan to think further.

He decided to go in for a second hand van to take employees to the nearby BHEL
Factory. BHEL later rented his van on monthly basis. This was his Third Turning Point
in his life. The company-on account of his sincerity and punctuality – helped him to
purchase 2-more Vans. Now Parakalan was Owner of a fleet of Vans. He decided that he has to work very hard to fulfill his ambitions- to clear the loans towards the Vans and to educate his son and 2-daughters to highest level so that they don’t struggle like him.
His wife stood behind him like a rock. In morning shift he would drive the van to take the employees to Factories. On holidays he will take the employees on conducted tours to nearby famous Shrines. He not only became familiar with all those places but also got experience as a Guide. Life became now easier for him and his family. In 1996- he decided to try as an independent Tour Operator.

To be a Tour Operator is a tough job. He should be familiar with the places and road map, he should carry Cook to look after the Pilgrims food and coffee needs. He must arrange place for them to stay. The job requires perfect planning, advance reservation and good public relation. This was a first experience.

By nature Parakalan is soft and good mannered. Added with this he knows the taste of Pilgrims. By hygienic food and as a guide and van driver himself – he soon started to attract people wishing to visit Temples of interest. As on today Parakalan has conducted more than 100-conducted tours. People appreciate him as the most trusted Person. They are perfectly satisfied with the food and place ofstay-apart from the main purpose of Dharshan of all deities to their hearts content- the requirement of a successful Tour Operator.

Analysis:

Poor education is not a handicap if we are not brooding over it. For a man or woman born God has carved out a path and only the person should click it to activate. For further success – we need a good family environment understanding and learn the intricacies of the job, good public relationship. Parakalan got all these qualities.

· Failure is a stepping stone for success.
· Grid and determination is the key for success.
· Learn while you earn.
· Good Public Relationship.

Jagannathan