Posted on: Nov 09, '08
BREATH OF FRESH AIR !!
Akshay was sitting very quietly in the front row of the conference hall . A small function had been organised , to bid him farewell on his premature retirement . He still had more than 7 years of service left . He was physically and mentally more than fit to continue. Rather better than anyone there. This fact was accepted by all and and sundry . But he felt that the organisation did not require people like him anymore . His services and his work culture were no more relevant.Though if he had wanted , he could have very well remained there in some very insignificant department . But his pride and self respect forced him to call it a day and go as a hero rather than to continue as a had been .
People had started gathering for the farewell function. The usual shaking of hands , exchange of pleasantries and then
they would take their seats , waiting for the chief guest to arrive. The monotonous rituals made Akshay lose interest in the function . He was lost in his thoughts .
He went back to the days when he had joined the company as a fresher . Full of vigour , zeal , enthusiasm and bubbling with new ideas . All these were more than visible in his style of functioning. Very soon he was in the eyes of management as a high flier .
He was on fast track of the upward journey to corporate hierarchy .
Everything was going on very fine . He got timely promotions and rewards too for his tendency to go out of the way to get the job done .
Then came an opportunity of a life time for him . A new British technology was to be adopted in their shop , and management was in search of someone who can work hand in hand with the British and be instrumental in its implementation . The competition was very stiff , but Akshay's hard work, his dedication and commitment bore fruit , he was selected for the project ! It was a very big land mark in his career .
He was sent to UK to get aquainted with the technique . Even there by his enthusiasm , hard work , commitment , he made a big impression with the British. They were so impressed , they offered him a job there ! Akshay would have very easily accepted that , but his loyalty to his parent organisation and the love for his country was much greater than the job offer. He politely refused .
He came back from UK and successfully implemented the technology in his shop .
Akshay was riding the tide of success . Workers loved him , subordinates revered him , peers envied him and his bosses had full faith in him .
By now Akshay was holding quite a significant position in the company hierarchy .Had direct link with the top management .
The British technology had been quite well and effciently adopted by the shop floor, but the parent firm and their Indian subsidiary had the monopoly regarding supply of the materials required for the process . Naturally they were quoting very high a price . costing the company a lot in terms of cash .
Akshay brought in an Indian firm .Convinced the top management to help them develop totally Indianised product . Within a year the same materials were made available to their company at half the cost the Britishers were quoting . The price had to be lowered by them too
A very big achievement for Akshay , in any private company , but it didnt go down well here with one of the top men . The company saved money but the top man's bank balance was slimmed down for obvious reasons . Akshay had
antagonised someone at the top !
Instead of getting any appreciation for his efforts and loyalty to the company , he was transferred to some other not very prominent department. The first nail in his coffin was driven!
This was only a prelude to other vindictive actions by the top man against Akshay .
When the next promotion lists were out , his name was missing . Second nail !!!
Someone junior to him , who knew the art of pleasing the boss , was promoted and given a position above him .
The third and final nail on his coffin !
Akshay's self respect and pride could take no more . He was being penalised not for any in-efficiency or misconduct , but for his loyalty to the company and not to an individual !
He felt suffocated to work in such a hostile atmosphere .
He took a stock of his present status , both at pesonal and professional front .
Professionally he had not achieved a very high position , but quite high ,and in his field he was a well recognised man even outside his company. He could easily start his own consultancy.
On personal front , his two daughters were having their own careers and were independent , one of them was married too .He had his own small house , didnt need much now. For him money was only a means to lead a decent and good life and not the end .
Why to undergo this insult ,indignity and humiliation ? Why to be a nobody in a company where he was still a role model for many ??
He apllied for premature retirement . Much to the relief of Akshay , thanks to the top man , it was accepted !
He took a sigh of relief, he will be free , his time will be his own !Most of all he will be back again to his family , which he hardly gave any of his time . He will be able to water the rose plants in his garden !
The conference hall was thundering with applause at the end of the chief guest's farewell speech .
Akshay came back to the conference hall from his reminiscence by the sound of thunderous standing ovation.
Everyone shook hands and bid farewell to him , wishing him well in his future plans .
In a few moments the hall was empty, except a few , very close to him .
While he was talking to them Akshay saw one of the workers coming towards him . That man had tears in his eyes . He came nearer and touched his feet and said;
" Sir , we are orphaned now , no one will take care of us as you did . May God bless you wherever you go .Sir !"
Akshay pulled him up close to him hugged him tightly , and gave him the bouquet he was presented by the chief guest , looked at Manglu (the worker) with gratitude and sympathy . Manglu wiped his tears and went away .
This was the best compliment Akshay could expect from anyone for the selfless and honest work he put forth for the company !
He didnt have any grudge now .
He came out of the conference hall , his friends led him to his car , and finally Akshay drove away from the rotten , suffocating , nauseating atmosphere to have a BREATH OF FRESH AIR !!!!!
Tags: fare well, compliments, breath of fresh air
True indeed and very well written, liked the narrative very much, keep it up! 
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