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 During our working years, we often find ourselves in situations that are both funny and embarrassing. The airlines offer to fly senior citizens, those over 65, at a concessional fare produced one such. As one working for the airlines, I did not envisage any problems. The airlines had not insisted on any specific proof of age. A passport, school certificate or any such document was acceptable. If nothing else was available, travellers were requested to bring an affidavit on 10-rupee non-judicial stamp paper certified by a notary public.
One day, the duty officer ushered an attractive lady into my office. She had jet black hair, sparkling teeth, a smooth skin and her walk was absolutely straight. She did not look a day older than 50. But she claimed to be past 65 and, though she had no proof, she wanted a concessional ticket. I explained politely that without proof, it would be very difficult to give her the concession. She said she had come to India at the time of Partition and it was impossible to procure any of the usual proofs. I suggested the affidavit and she promised to return with one.
 She was back a few days later, but with no affidavit. The notary public had refused to sign it saying her place of birth was shown as Lahore and so she was a Pakistani national. When she tried to press her case, he threatened to call the police. But I was equally helpless. I explained that with her looks, I could not grant the concession. At that, she lost her temper. In a rage, she yanked off her wig, revealing a head of scanty, platinum-coloured hair. Then she took off her dentures and placed them on my desk. Do you need any further proof of age, she demanded? She offered to unstrap the clinical belt she used to keep her back straight and remove her contact lenses.
I gave up. At the risk of action against me by those above, I authorised issue of a card certifying her senior citizen status, ensuring trouble-free travel in future. The only request I made to her was to attach a photograph to the card in which she looked something like her real age.
Published on 20th March 2002
V C Paul Bahl
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