Kiran Bedis lessons on civility, manners

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: “There are people among us who check into hotels and clean our shoes with the bedsheet or bathroom towel in the room. In this book, I have cited with illustrations examples of behaviours that annoy us. This book tells you about civility and manners to be followed in everyday life,” said Kiran Bedi at the release of ‘Nalla Perumattam, Mikacha Vyakthithvam’, the translation of her book ‘Broom and Groom’ at the ongoing DC International Book Festival on Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds on Tuesday evening.  Dressed in her trademark Pathan suit and looking every bit on the qui vive, the meticulous former IPS officer was convincing  as the author of the book on etiquette and manners. Co-authored with Pavan Choudhary, the  book touches upon handling of hierarchy in offices, visiting the sick, and restaurant etiquette. Apparently, there are even chapters on interacting with spouses and domestic helpers.Bedi was soon flooded with questions about the allegations against Team Anna. Repeating that there was no rift among the team members, she said that there was no cause for any differences. “We don’t have any cabinet seats to distribute,” she said. “This for the larger good of the country and none of us who are engaged in the agitation will be in the picture once it is implemented.”She urged supporters of the Bill to chalk out the Lokayukta for the State on the lines of the newly-constituted Uttarakhand Lokayukta.Commenting on the team’s campaign during Haryana byelections, she said, “This is the first time that voters link their votes with the votes of the people’s representatives in the Parliament. This is a political intervention with a difference. It is not for electoral gains. On the other hand, it is aimed at creating voter awareness.” Citing the follow-up movements to the Lokpal agitation, she welcomed the developing movement for the provision of ‘right to reject’ during elections. “It will make the parties more careful about the candidates they field.” The book was later released by D Babu Paul and the first copy was handed over to C P John.