Middlesex

It's been a few months since I've written. I think it's time to get back in the saddle. A lot of good things have been happening and I am happy and excited to once again be in Chennai.

The biggest news is that KMMC is finally officially affiliated with Middlesex University in London! I returned to Chennai at the end of June and immediately had to attend Middlesex meetings. Presentations were given by the Middlesex staff to try and create structure at KM. Everything that the foreign faculty at KM had been trying to do for the past two years (promote structure, organization, proper protocol, rules and regulations etc.) was summed up very succinctly by Middlesex in one week. It was delightful. One of the biggest aspects of building structure, is obviously building a hierarchy and system so that each person is held accountable for their actions. No one in the administration has ever been held accountable for their actions. Up until this point, whenever someone is questioned, they point at the other guy in response - "she did it, not me." I am thrilled that a system is finally in place - the question now is, who is going to monitor quality control? That brings me to my next little bit of news.

I have been promoted to an administrative position: Programme Leader. In the past month, I have been breaking my back writing writing writing rules and regulations, the student handbook, and protocol which basically puts me in charge of well, everything. It's a lot of work, but totally fulfilling. I like this position. I feel like I can manage people well. I feel like I have a good idea of what works and what doesn't. I think through problems thoroughly and from all angles before coming to a conclusion. But the position was appointed to me by Middlesex, and my sudden authority has left people feeling inadequate, annoyed and rather suspicious. My decisions are constantly questioned. But it is a challenge and I am enjoying it. (The photo is of Rahman's London assistant Anne-Marie and me in KM. She came with the Middlesex people and sat in on all the meetings.)

I spent a month slogging over the student handbook and as a reward to myself, I went and stayed at Fisherman's Cove for two nights with my friend Ayesha. Fisherman's Cove is a 5-star luxury Taj resort located halfway between Chennai and Mahabalipuram. Without traffic it only takes a half an hour to get there. I don't usually take 5-star vacations without the parents, but in this case, I felt like I was entitled (the new raise and all). It was amazing. The pool looked so inviting (especially the bar IN the pool, ha!), I decided to spend most of my time in it. Lounging around in your bathing suit in a city that doesn't allow you to wear shorts is a thrill that I can't even explain. I had a beautiful lobster dinner and even got a massage at the spa. It was wonderful. And the bathroom had a tub! I miss bathtubs...


On another happy note, my student last year, Mugdha Hasabnis is going to be on television on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa! She has been singing one of the pieces that I taught her to the judges and apparently they love it! They call her the "opera singer". Haha. It's an amazing feeling and I'm so proud of her. If you guys watch the show, cross your fingers!