Nurungukal..2.

    

      As usual I was slow to respond the early morning call. It was an unsaved number and the voice I could not recognise. On the other side it was a woman. She said pardon for disturbing me in the morning and introduced herself as one of my staff who was working in my office many years ago. I tried to figure out the caller in her present state.  She is retiring from the job with in a few days and wanted me to be present in the farewell party. She was trying to pay respect as I was responsible for selection and persuading her to accept the job. In the official language she was I remember a dedicated  worker with a clean service record.

      Many of my colleagues used to be in touch with me even now although I left the service in 1990.  It may be due to the work culture and harmony we could maintain through out our service.

     As I sat on the dais of the farewell party I saw many of the retired hands  vociferously exchanging pleasantries so cheerful and healthy. Many have become grand fathers and mothers, grey and bald. I was particularly happy to meet with some of the friends who are at an advanced age, still working as assistants in goods handling, contend with their daily earnings and without any retirement benefits. We are yet to recognise their contribution in the nation building process. I bid good bye with an excitement of a few moments of nostalgic memories although  with a heavy heart.