An ex-military man applied for the post of Software QA
Engineer in a reputed Indian IT firm. Being technically competent, he easily
cleared all the technical and HR rounds. While the offer letter was being
prepared, the HR executive and the candidate were having a conversation.
The exec noticed that the candidate had ticked the physical
disability check-box.But on the surface, the candidate appeared physically fit,
with no sign of any injury whatsoever.
Curious to know, the HR asked the ex-military guy, “Er.. Sir, I’ve
noticed that you’ve ticked the physical disability checkbox in the form. May I
ask about the nature of your disability?”
With a deep sigh, the Military man responded, “If you must know, my testicles were blown off by a
landmine in a military operation.”
“Ouch.”, the HR executive responded.
“Now that you know, I would appreciate if you keep this fact private. I would also like to make it clear that I do not wish to be shown any preferential treatment or discrimination owing to my disability.", the Military man stated clearly.
The exec assured him that he would keep the fact private and that there would be no preferential treatment
or discrimination shown to him in any form whatsoever.
After the papers were signed, the exec warmly shook hands
with the candidate and said, “Welcome to the company. You can join the coming Monday.
Your daily reporting time is 11 AM.”
The Military guy responded, “Thanks a lot. By the way, I noticed that your company
working hours are from 9 AM. Why should I report at 11? Am I being placed in a shift?”
The HR replied, “Err…. No. That’s keeping you ‘unique
disability’ in mind.”
The Military guy flared up; anger bristling in his voice. “Did
I not just tell you that I don’t want to be shown any preferential treatment for
my disability?”
The exec replied in a calm and soothing tone, “I am extremely
sorry to have offended you sir. I did not mean to show you any preferential
treatment. Allow me to explain. Our company QA team reports at 9 AM each day.
But since the build arrives at 11 AM, for two hours our team does nothing
except scratch their balls. Since this does not apply to you, you might as well
report at 11 AM.”
And that, ladies and gentlemen is the current state of Software testing in the Indian IT industry.
