Friday 30 October 2015

Last day of the month

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. 

12 comments:

  1. Jyotsna, your post reminded me of my retirement. It is a very emotional moment. Very well written post.

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  2. Wow. I have never witnessed someone retiring, but I could imagine what it could be like through your post. :)

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  3. Wow..!! I remember watching our seniors in school in their class XII when they bid adieu.. and I always wondered why they cried, only to realize when I was at their place.. and this was for 14 years at an institute.. whereas spending decades and decades of your life in one single organization.. they're bound to get nostalgic!
    Very well penned Jyotsna :)

    Cheers

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    1. Thank you Geetika. It is indeed a very emotional moment. Always glad to have you here :)

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  4. Oh yes, that can be a very emotional thing to watch. We just had a colleague who retired as well. You describe the feeling so well... I guess a good thing would be to create a life also outside work, and maybe retire gradually if possible.. Life has so much to offer. Lovely post:-)

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    1. Thank you Eli. Yes your suggestions are very valid.

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  5. I think work place became an extension of our family life and it's this emotional bond that we carved over time. Beautifully expressed.

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