I really like the last day of the month.
Apart from the obvious fact that the next day gives the much needed oxygen to
my dying bank account, I also like this day because every month, we witness
emotions. In their rawest form. Let me tell you how.
Every last day of the month, a function
is held by my organization for the retiring employees without fail. Entire
organization gathers in the auditorium without fail to bid farewell to the retiring
employee, irrespective of the class or cadre they belong to. It is a formal
function where details such as credentials of the employee, his service time
with the organization, what places he was posted and in which departments he
worked etc. are read out while handing out the customary mementos to them.
But what makes this day special to me is
the reaction of the retiring employee. Being a government organization, these
people have worked with the organization for atleast a couple of decades to say
the least. Decades. In the same organization. With
the same people.
While they are on service, some are
sincere, others frivolous, some boring, others chatty, strict or lenient, some
brood in quietude, others whine in open.
But on their last day, they are nothing
but emotional. Some cry openly, others hide their tears in their silence. Those
few minutes on stage tear down all the facades they have been holding all
through their service life. And what you witness is emotions in their rawest
form. The way most of them break down when an auditorium full of employees from
every cadre applauds their years of service. Most of them, unable to speak
anything, being too full of emotions, with lumps in throats when asked to
describe their journey.
Decades. In the same organization. With the
same people. Colleagues who turned into friends and formed strong bonds like
family. Arguments with some, jokes around others. Experiences. Good, bad and
others. Moments – embarrassing and proud ones. I think all these would be
flashing in front of their eyes. And I guess those small moments flow down from
their eyes. Without hesitation. With gratitude.
That moment. To witness that moment from
this side of the stage is anything but a humbling experience.
