TATA Mumbai Marathon 2024 and A cyclist

The TATA Mumbai Marathon, an annual event that has become synonymous with Mumbai’s spirit, has a rich history steeped in unity, resilience, and a commitment to community impact. Over the years, this marathon has evolved into a symbol of Mumbai’s ethos, bringing together people from all walks of life for a common purpose.

The roots of the TATA Mumbai Marathon trace back to 2004 when it was first organized. What began as a city-level event has since burgeoned into an internationally recognized marathon, attracting participants from across the globe. The Tata Group’s association added not just prestige but a commitment to excellence and community development.

The TATA Mumbai Marathon has gained prominence on the global stage, drawing elite athletes, running enthusiasts, and spectators alike. The marathon’s inclusive approach, welcoming participants of various abilities, has contributed to its reputation as one of the world’s largest and most diverse races.

Beyond the competitive spirit, the marathon has consistently strived to make a positive impact on society. Various charity initiatives run parallel to the event, raising funds for diverse causes, ranging from education to healthcare. This blend of athletic prowess and philanthropy has turned the marathon into a platform for change.

Throughout its history, the TATA Mumbai Marathon has witnessed moments that have etched themselves into the city’s collective memory. From record-breaking sprints to heartwarming displays of sportsmanship, each edition has added to the marathon’s legacy, making it an annual celebration of Mumbai’s indomitable spirit.

The involvement of the Tata Group, led by figures like N Chandrasekharan, Chairman of TATA Sons, who himself is a marathon runner, has been pivotal. Their commitment to corporate social responsibility aligns seamlessly with the marathon’s ethos, creating a synergy that goes beyond a mere sponsorship.

Among all these enthusiasm for athletes, I got altogether a different role to play as a Medical Spotter primarily to keep an eye on runners who need mediacal assistance and coordinate with the medical team for timely acton. My team of 25 cyclists includes some Doctors too and what is even satisfying is that our teams’ timley action saved one life today by timely CPR and calling of ambulance.

As the TATA Mumbai Marathon continues to evolve, its history becomes a testament to more than just running. It is a narrative of unity, resilience, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact on society. The marathon stands not just as an athletic event but as a celebration of Mumbai’s past, present, and the promise of a united future.

Embracing the Monsoon madness

Welcome to Mumbai, the city of dreams, where the monsoon weaves its magical spell each year. The rainy season in this bustling metropolis is a beautiful spectacle, but it comes with its fair share of disruptions. From waterlogged streets to suspended train services, Mumbaikars face numerous challenges during this time. In this blog, we’ll explore how the monsoon creates the biggest disruptions for the city’s dwellers, particularly those working in the southern part of Mumbai. Yet, amidst the chaos, Mumbai’s vibrant citizens find joy and pleasure, even embracing the rains as they cycle through the heavy downpours with sheer delight.

Water logging Woes: As soon as the monsoon arrives, one of the most common sights in Mumbai is waterlogged streets. The city’s drainage system, although constantly improving, struggles to cope with the heavy rainfall, leaving many areas submerged. The everyday commute becomes a daunting task as vehicles wade through knee-deep water, creating a messy and challenging journey for Mumbaikars.

Train Services on Halt: For millions of Mumbaikars, the local train is the lifeline that connects them to work and other parts of the city. However, during the monsoon, train services often come to a standstill due to safety concerns. This disruption leads to significant inconveniences for those who rely on trains as their primary mode of transportation, particularly those working in the southern part of Mumbai.

The Stranded Commuters: When the trains are suspended or delayed, it leaves a large number of people stranded at stations or in trains for hours. The feeling of helplessness and uncertainty adds to the frustration, making the daily commute a daunting experience for the city’s workforce.

Mumbai’s Resilient Spirit: Despite the challenges posed by the monsoon, the spirit of Mumbai remains unyielding. The city’s vibrant citizens showcase remarkable resilience, adapting to the ever-changing weather with a positive attitude. Even amid the chaos, they find ways to enjoy the rainy season, creating memories that stay with them for a lifetime.

Embracing Monsoon Pleasures: Cycling enthusiasts in Mumbai find unique pleasure in pedaling through the heavy rain with their raincoats on. The city transforms into a lush green paradise, and the cool breeze brings a refreshing sensation. Cyclists revel in the monsoon experience, creating an extraordinary bond with nature and the city during this time

The monsoon in Mumbai may bring disruptions and challenges, but it also showcases the indomitable spirit of its residents. Despite waterlogged roads and suspended train services, the people of Mumbai continue to find joy in the rainy season. As I cycle through the heavy downpours, clad in raincoats, I embrace the monsoon pleasures with open arms. So, if you ever plan to experience the true essence of Mumbai, visit during the monsoon, and let the city of dreams cast its magical spell on you too.

It’s transfer time again…

Ever since I have been in banking industry, transfer has been the only constant change at the beginning of each financial year. With every elevation in scale, the probability gets higher and after crossing one stage there is no boundary to estimate the next place of posting.

While juniors eagerly await their boss and with all inquisitiveness enquire with whomsoever one can about the nature and style of functioning, a boss always burn midnight oil along with HR team in manpower planning. As there are changes across the scale, existing established and tested players leave the team and new members are inducted, building a team, rather say effective team with winning combinations, poses a great challenge before the HR team and the Regional Head. Team cannot be built merely based on documented strengths and weaknesses of members, it needs minute study and it gets tougher as we need to take a call without even having them present in person. what makes this task even tedious is multilayer addition of algorithm to decide the posting which sometimes assumes even greater importance than your choice to decide on suitability.

With increased weightage of Job Family concept as part of EASE agenda, location preference, profile such as back office, administrative office, budgetary or non budgetary role, CPCs etc. complicates our job further. It becomes more relevant in a region like Kanpur which covers a larger geographical spread and accommodating those who are getting home posting after serving mandatory length of service outside the home location, requires preferences over building strong team based on suitability of profile.

I had an uninformed feeling that knowing credit simplifies the task of RH but having experienced it, it’s understood that the entire success revolves around manpower planning. And yes, functional HR is not taught in any school but are learnt through practice.

कितने जल्द हम भूलते हैं…

अभी भी याद है वो खौफनाक मंजर जो हमने, आपने और पूरे देश ने देखा है जब इसी पटना के सड़कों पर मौत अपना तांडव कर रहा था। कोरोना की दूसरी लहर पूरे देश के साथ साथ बिहार में भी कहर बरपाने में कोई कसर नहीं छोड़ा। लोग ऑक्सीजन के अभाव में तड़प तड़प कर मौत को गले लगा रहे थे तो परिजन अस्पतालों के चक्कर लगा कर खुद भी महामारी के चपेट में आते गए। देखते ही देखते मौत का मंजर इतना भयावह हो गया कि स्वजनों के शव भी दफनाने के लिए लाने नही गए।

अभी भी महामारी पूरी तरह से खत्म नहीं हुआ़ है, अलबत्ता उसपर थोड़ा काबू पाया गया है, संक्रमण की रफ्तार कमजोर पड़ गया है लेकिन जिस तरह से सड़कों पर लोगों की लापरवाही देखने को मिलता है, हम यही कह सकते हैं कि आखिर हम कितने जल्द भूल जाते हैं। जब हम सड़क पर निकले तो कुछ पल के लिए मैं भी भूल गया कि महामारी जैसा कुछ है। लोग बिना मास्क लगाए ऐसे घूम रहे हैं जैसे कुछ हुआ ही नहीं हो। बाजार में लोगों की बेपरवाह भीड़, ऑटो में सीट से ज्यादा सवारी वो भी सरकार द्वारा जारी दिशानिर्देश को दरकिनार करके, एक भयावह भविष्य की चेतावनी दे रहा है।

हमारे वैज्ञानिक और डॉक्टर्स तीसरी लहर की जोरदार वकालत करते हुए चेतावनी दे रहे हैं। सरकारें अपने चिकित्सा इंतजाम को पुख्ता करने में लगे हैं, जितना हो सके ऑक्सीजन की आपूर्ति और संबंधित दवाइयां की व्यवस्था की जा रही है ताकि इलाज के अभाव में मौतें नहीं हो। टीकाकरण पर जोर दिया जा रहा है और पूरी कोशिश है कि जल्दी से सबको टीका लगा दिया जाय।

लेकिन इन सबमें जो सबसे प्रभावी कदम है वो सावधानी ही है जिसे हम पूरी तरह से नजरंदाज कर रहे हैं। हमें भूलना नहीं चाहिए वो खौफनाक हालात जिसने सबको मजबूर कर दिया था। हमने न जाने कितनों को खोया है, आगे भी ऐसा नही हो उसके लिए सावधानी जरूरी है, खुद भी सतर्क रहें, दिशानिर्देश का पालन करें, टीका लगवाएं और दूसरों को भी प्रेरित करें।

सरकारों से इस्तीफा मांगने और नाकाम साबित करने के बहुत बहाने मिल जायेंगे, मौत को इसका बहाना मत बनने दो।

नमन उन शहीदों को….

आज दो वर्ष हो गए उस दुर्दांत अपराध के जिसने हमारे 44 जांबाजों को शहादत की नींद में सदा के लिए सुला दिया था। पूरा विश्व जब प्रेम दिवस के रूप में प्यार को विभिन्न तरीकों से परिभाषित करने में मशगूल था, तब सिर्फ उन 44 परिवारों पर ही नहीं बल्कि पूरे देश में मातम का पहाड़ टूट पड़ा और दिल रो रोकर भी बस एक ही रट लगाता रहा कि अब बहुत हुआ। बहुत निभाया दोस्ती और पड़ोसी का धर्म, अब वक्त नजदीक आ चुका है जब उन भूखों और नंगों की फौज को सबक सिखाया जाए, हिन्दुस्तान के धर्म का एक अलग रूप से भी उसे अवगत कराया जाए।

हम महात्मा गांधी को राष्ट्रपिता का दर्जा दिए हैं, उनके आदर्शों को सर्वोपरि मानते हैं लेकिन इसका मतलब ये नहीं कि हम नेताजी, भगत सिंह, चंद्रशेखर आज़ाद और रामप्रसाद बिस्मिल जैसे बलिदानियों को भूल गए हैं। वो वक्त था जब पूरे देश से सिर्फ एक ही आवाज आ रही थी कि कुछ वक्त के लिए अगर बापू को असहयोग आंदोलन रोकना पड़े तो पड़े लेकिन इन दो कौड़ी के देश को एहसास दिलाना नितांत जरूरी है कि ऐसे हालात में गरम दल का रवैया कैसा रहता था। यह जरूरी नहीं कि हम सिर्फ गांधीवादी विचारधारा के प्रचारक हैं, हालाकि आज़ादी के बाद से आजतक ऐसा ही देखने को मिला कि हमारा देश इस कदर गांधीवादी होता चला गया कि हमारे जवानों की शहादत पर सिर्फ बेबस लाचार की तरह आंसू बहाकर हम अपने दर्द को धीरे धीरे भूल जाते रहे हैं।

हमारा एक सिद्धांत है कि एक अपराधी छूट जाए तो कोई बात नहीं लेकिन किसी निर्दोष को सजा नहीं मिलनी चाहिए, और हमें गर्व है ऐसे संवैधानिक सिद्धांतो पर लेकिन इसका दुरुपयोग इस कदर हुआ कि अजहर जैसे आतंकी को हमें छोड़ना पड़ा ताकि कुछ निर्दोष लोगों की जिंदगी बचाई जा सके। लेकिन इस सिद्धांत के समस्त बिंदुओं को जोड़कर देखने पर मालूम पड़ता है कि आखिर निर्दोष की जानें जाती ही है, भले वो जानें सफेद कॉलर वाले के बदले वर्दीधारी की हो। इसमें कोई विवाद नहीं कि हमारी ढुलमुल रवैया ही उन दुर्दांत आतंकियों के कायराना हरकत का मनोबल बढ़ाता रहा। उसे पता था कि ऐसी वारदात के बाद कुछ दिनों तक क्रिकेट बंद हो जाएगा, कुछ सितारों को वॉलीवुड में काम मिलना बन्द हो जाएगा, न्यूज़ चैनलों और अखबारों में बाद विवाद होगा और एक बार फिर से हम दोस्ती का पैगाम लेकर हाथ आगे बढ़ाएंगे और देश में बैठे कुछ गद्दारों की टुकड़ी की तरफ से आवाज उठने लगेगी कि हमें वार्ता करनी चहिए। मुझे आज तक एक बात समझ में नहीं आई कि हम पाकिस्तान से किस विषय पर बातचीत करते रहे हैं।

लेकिन अब वो बेबसी का आलम नहीं था। देश के शहीदों के विधवाओं और अनाथ बच्चों, अपने बुढ़ापे का लाठी खो चुके बुजुर्ग माता-पिता को गांधी के गृह नगरी से आए प्रधानमंत्री से उम्मीद था और पूरा देश इस उम्मीद में ही जीने लगा कि अभी सबक सिखाने का वक्त आ गया है और देश की सरकार ने उन उम्मीदों को साकार कर ये सख्त संदेश दिया कि हमारी शहादत अब सिर्फ बेबसी से सही नहीं जाएगी। हम अक्सर इस दलील को हवा देते हैं कि शांति से हर समस्या का समाधान निकल ही जाता है लेकिन कुछ समस्याएँ ऐसी भी होती है जिसका समाधान बातचीत नहीं बल्कि डर होता है, और इस समस्या का समाधान डर पैदा कर ही निकाला जा सकता था और हुआ भी।

आज हम उन तमाम वीरों को नमन करते हैं जिन्होंने अपने जीवन का सर्वोच्च बलिदान देकर भी अपनी माटी की सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित किया। हमारी संवेदनाएं है उन समस्त माताओं और बहनों के प्रति जिन्होंने अपने सुहाग या बेटे को खोया है, उन बच्चों के प्रति जिसके सर से पिता का हाथ उठ गया।

Disclaimer: केवटराज की भक्ति तो अतुलनीय है। उनकी भक्ति की तुलना एक व्यंग्य मात्र है।

सतर्कता ही सुरक्षा है

बात उन दिनों की है जब एक राज्य में एक लोकप्रिय राजा शासन करता था। अचानक से कुछ ऐसी वारदात सामने आई और राजा को सूचित किया गया कि चोरों का एक बहुत ही खतरनाक एवं रहस्यमय तरीके से चोरी करने वाला गिरोह राज्य में सक्रिय हो गया है और मौका मिलते ही वह लोगों का सबकुछ लूट लेता है। राजा ने अपने सैनिकों एवं मंत्रियों के साथ काफी मंत्रणा की लेकिन समाधान समझ में नहीं आया। उधर उस गिरोह का प्रकोप दिन प्रतिदिन बढ़ता ही जा रहा था। प्रतिदिन नए लोग उसके शिकार हो रहे थे और सैनिकों को इस रहस्यमयी खतरनाक गिरोह को रोकने की दिशा में कुछ भी सफलता नहीं मिला।

अतः इसके बढ़ते हुए प्रकोप और लोगों को हो रहे आपूरणीय नुकसान को देखते हुए राजा ने कई दौर का मंत्रणा की लेकिन कोई स्थायी समाधान नहीं मिला, मंत्रियों ने राजा को अवगत कराया कि राज्य के सारे सुरक्षा तंत्र इस रहस्यमयी गिरोह को भेदने में असमर्थ है और इससे निपटने के लिए उच्च स्तरीय सुरक्षा समिति गठित कर दी गयी है जो इससे निपटने के उपायों पर शोध कर रहा है। अतः यह निर्णय लिया गया कि तत्काल इस गिरोह के प्रकोप से बचने का एकमात्र उपाय सुरक्षा के कड़े इंतजाम हैं अर्थात लोगों को अपने बहुमूल्य चीजों को सुरक्षित स्थान पर ताला लगाकर रखा जाए, जितना संभव हो सके सभी लोगों को रात में जागकर पहरा दें, सपरिवार घर पर ही रहें ताकि कोई न कोई जागता रहेगा और चोरों से सुरक्षा करता रहेगा। राजा ने खुद कई बार लोगों को जागरूक करने के लिए जनसंबाद किया और सतर्क रहने को कहा जिसे लोगों ने बहुत ही गंभीरता से लिया जिसके परिणामस्वरूप चोरी के मामलों में कमी तो आई लेकिन गिरोह फिर भी सक्रिय रहा। रहस्य को भेदने में असफल रहे सैनिकों ने कई तरह के लोकोपवाद को जन्म दिया कि किसे शिकार बनाया जा सकता है और किसे ज्यादा सतर्क रहने की जरूरत है।

फिर क्या था, राजा ने आदेश दिया कि पूरे राज्य में इस बात का ढिंढोरा पिटवा दिया जाए और लोगों को यह बात विभिन्न माध्यमों से बताया जाए कि चोरों से सुरक्षा का एकमात्र उपाय आत्मरक्षा ही है। राजा के प्रहरियों ने राज्य के हरेक गाँव, शहर, कस्बे एवं  मुहल्ले में ढिंढोरा पिटवा दिया कि चोरों से कैसा बचा जाए। लोगों ने सतर्कता बरतना शुरू किया। सभी लोग अपने घरों में यथासंभव मजबूत ताला लगा कर रहने लगे, रात-रात भर जागकर प्रहरी देने लगे, एक दूसरे को भी जागरूक करने लगे कि सतर्कता ही एकमात्र समाधान है। लोग अपने घरों में बंद रहे, सभी ने अपने नौकरी, व्यापार, खेती-बाड़ी बगैरह से छुट्टी लेकर रखवाली करने लगे। इस तरह दिन, सप्ताह महिना और लगभग छः महीने गुजर गए। चोर फिर भी आता रहा और जो लोग ज्यादा सतर्क रहे उनके घरों में चोरी नहीं कर पाया लेकिन जो लापरवाह थे या जिन्होने सतर्कता में थोड़ी लापरवाही की उसका सामान उड़ा ले गए।

चुकी सतर्कता वरतते हुए कई महीने हो गए, लोग अब ऊबने लगे थे और लोग धीरे धीरे लापरवाही वरतने लगे, सतर्कता में आनाकानी करने लगे और लोगों को लगने लगा कि ये चोर मेरे घर नहीं आ सकता क्योंकि इतने दिनों में तो आया नहीं। कुछ लोग तो ऐसे भी अफवाह फैलाने लगे कि ऐसा कोई गिरोह था ही नहीं। फिर क्या था, चोरों के सक्रिय गिरोह ने मौका पाकर धीरे धीरे सबको शिकार बनाना शुरू किए क्योंकि राजा के सिपाहियों ने अभी तक इस रहस्यमयी गिरोह को पकड़ने के सार्थक उपाय ढूंढ नहीं पाये थे। राजा के सुरक्षाकर्मी प्रतिदिन जागरूकता अभियान को चलाते रहे लेकिन लोग अब ऊब चुके थे और लापरवाही करने लगे थे। लोग अब ताला लगाना भी छोड़ दिये, कभी ताला लगाते भी तो ऐसे ही लटका कर छोड़ देते।  परिणाम यह हुआ कि जो लोग महीनों तक सुरक्षित रहे, क्योंकि वो सतर्क थे, अंततः वो भी शिकार हुए और उनके अभी तक के सारे मेहनत पर पानी फिर गया और उसक सबकुछ लूट गया।

अतः सतर्क रहें, समझदार बनें क्योंकि कोरोना अभी खत्म नहीं हुआ है। इतने दिनों तक जो त्याग और बलिदान से अपने आप को और अपने परिवार को सुरक्षित रखा उसे आखिरी दिनों कि लापरवाही में मत गँवाओ क्योंकि टीका अभी भी तैयार नहीं हुआ है और महामारी अभी भी है। अतः जबतक टीका का सफल परीक्षण होकर लोगों तक नहीं पहुंचता, सतर्क रहें और सुरक्षित रहें।

मास्क जरूर लगाएँ और अच्छी तरह में मुंह एवं नाक ढककर रखें, शररिक दूरी बनाए रखें, हाथ को साफ करते रहें। योग करें एवं स्वस्थ्य एवं पौष्टिक भोजन करें।

लड़ेगा इंडिया तभी तो जीतेगा इंडिया

Bidding adieu to Ranchi

Having spent over two years in Ranchi I left it last month as I moved to Siliguri on my next assignment as Regional Head. As I travel down the memory lane since the day I landed in Ranchi, it gives me mix memories of tough times as well as some sweet memories mixing both it was simply an awesome stay there. As a Banker, we move from city to city where we experience two set of lives, culture at workplace and personal lives where we stay.

My posting at Ranchi was not accidental but was virtually well thought of idea of someone, off course not mine because I was enjoying my stay at Lucknow. The branch which I was heading, was doing good business and stay at the city of nawabs was quite pleasant. Suddenly I received an email to move from the comfort zone was not at all comfortable but I always enjoyed moving from one city to another, so happily moved on to take new assignment.

As is widely acknowledged that race of achieving topline among PSBs started putting dent on bottom-line. The pillar itself got badly affected and the very survival became a challenging task. So the shift from topline to bottom-line became common goal of PSBs. Regulator came heavily on banks to bring in transparency in asset classification. PCA was imposed on several banks including some large and strong banks and the same kept on hanging on almost all PSBs. So to escape it the only solution was to strengthen bottom-line and to do so asset class, quality underwriting and maintenance of the same caught centerstage. Verticalization and centralization caught momentum and expansion of SARAL on more locations was the steps taken to ensure the same and in this drive I was picked from a rather comfortable location to head it at Ranchi.

Challenges before me was manifold including bringing in systemic process transformation. In this direction the resistance came from almost all directions including customers, Branch Heads even from within as there was an attempt to shift entire system from a comfort zone to new comfort zone. Hardly did I find people suitable to work in SARAL having twin qualities of basic knowledge of credit appraisal with fair attitude. Team building itself was a daunting task which took several months to achieve it, but ultimately a team was created which deserves loud applause. SARAL works completely on digital platform which ensures every work to be done in timely manner and no backlog be accepted as it creates digital record.

In a state like Jharkhand where people do business with an intent to earn profit for livelihood not to create value like other major cities. A place where customers prefers respect to getting loan on competitive terms. Calling “Babu” to customers was more desirable expectations from a banker than to offer lesser rate of interest. In short lending practice was based on relationship with borrowers than on financial strength. To shift them on a well devised process, calling for compliant documents, discuss on financial ratios et all was not taken in good taste and resultant disruption was attributed to an individual or a set of individuals than to the system and new set up. However, there were certain good customers who always honored the new process including many Branch Heads who got confidence and allayed fear of credit-phobia.

On personal ground too it was quite satisfying stay because for the first time I was working at a place which has a culture in which I born and brought up. The culture, society, taste of foods and the people of same language. Staying with our own people was wonderful experience. Stay at Eklavy Tower, which turned de facto bank’s residential quarter, gave a wonderful experience in terms of its ambience and people living around.

Though I worked for slightly over two years but I gained experience of much more than it, be it as a banker sitting in the chair or on individual ground. I had a notion to read people well but I was proven wrong on some occasion and the people whom I once preferred to be my well wisher turned to be a backstabber. However, I still feel it was their failure not mine as I strongly feel that the attitude which I carried when reached there, I carried it back even better one.

I am in a new city now with new set of people, but well versed with lovely Bengali people and its cultural heritage. Will always miss Ranchi and people at Regional Office with whom I developed friendly rapport. Some lovely friends at Eklavya too added to sweetness of my memories.

Why joining clubmates is alwasy so nostalgic!

The Co-ordination club, its glorious history of four decades speaks a lot about it and explains its importance which exists even today with the same amount of energy as it happened to be in early eighties when a group of visionaries envisioned to start a unique style of set up with a moto of “Help us to help you”.

There is no denying the fact that whatever I am today and many like me, this great set up has immensely contributed to our success. Since 1982 till now, it is almost impossible to count the success stories it has written and added to its feature. It has become it’s habit not to count now and just keep on adding. Its current is so fast that raw member joins and gets polished in such a way that hardly two ends meet ever.

The one platform which tries to gather all those who left for pursuing their life journey post crossing the first line of success i.e. the commemoration of birthday of our beloved Vikas Bhaiya, one of the founding members who are no more with us. we observe his birthday i.e. 13th Sept as Ratan-e-coordination. I got an opportunity to be a part of it yesterday and met many members starting from Vijay Bhaiya, one of the founding members to the recent members. It took me in the year 2002 when I joined it and 2005 when I left it for pursuing my banking career in Vijaya Bank. Slowly and gradually how did I cover the journey of one and a half decades in banks is hard to recall but when I join the gathering which has such a heterogeneous mix, it makes me recall the olden but golden days. The ups and downs, the motivation and consolations, the meetings and healthy competition to excel and perform better than others.

When I spoke to the gatherings on the occasion, I had in mind my days at club and the struggle I had faced and the duty as a passed out beneficiary I had to pay back to this club. All my young brothers and sisters who listened me patiently need to recall their days they spent there and its contribution in their success so that we calculate appropriately how to pay it back. I once again reiterate my commitments towards the club.

Happy 72nd Independence Day

The entire nation turned into celebration mode to mark 72^nd Independence Day of our great nation. It is tricolors all around with patriotic songs creating vibes of respect for our martyrs. Schools and colleges have been organizing varied programs to mark this national festival. School going kids are at sky high, doesn’t matter what he/she understand of Independence.

Looking back at the progress path of the nation post independence, we gather host of reasons to rejoice and celebrate. We have made remarkable progress in all the fields, be it economy, Science & Technology, Defense, Literature and sports, to say a few. At one hand we fondly recall and pay tributes to the martyrs on the other hand we feel proud of ours being the world’s largest democratic country.

Look at any field which defines the progress of a nation we have reached a milestone. We are food sufficient nation and need not import food grain to feed ourselves, we have joined world class club in space technology, our forex reserves is all time high, our economy is world’s sixth largest economy. In sports we have world champion cricket team. Our roads are flooded with expensive cars including imported ones like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and Audi. Our spending habits are increasingly getting boomed. Road network has gradually included almost all villages and there is extensive network of highways and expressways making transportation smooth and fast. Our leaders are globally known for their extraordinary talent and capability and world’s IT is virtually commanded by Indian professionals. We have talent pool to rule the world of professionalism.

Despite all these achievements, we have something to worry about which we couldn’t achieve even after 71 years of independence. The inequality which persists even today is increasingly strengthening the concept of India and Bharat. While India caught bullet train and achieved the progress fast, Bharat is still struggling to make even the minimum stride. What needs to ponder on, is two news coming from the same city within a short span of time very recently. A news that kids of a parents died of hunger whereas the CM of the same state spent lakhs of rupees as five star hotel bill just to attend a oath taking ceremony of a CM of other state. This gap between rich and poor has been gradually widening and it is still wide apart.

Even today from the Red Fort our PM reiterated his commitment to provide housing to all by 2022. It is the area which raises the alarm that even after 71 years of independence we have failed to provide shelter to all. There are number of poor families spending nights on the footpaths or under the flyovers. They don’t have access to basic amenities like drinking water, minimum healthcare and nutritious food. People are committing suicide getting trapped in the labyrinth of poverty. In a nation where we have number of billionaires, these people deserve at least these basic amenities and that is the reason we are called a nation of poor and a nation of Sapera.

Another area which deserves better attention is healthcare facilities for masses. Though we have been adding state of the art hospitals in different parts of the country, the medical facilities are still a nightmare for common people. Number of doctors per 1000 people in our country is among the worlds lowest. We don’t have even 1 doctor per 1000 population. Gradually increasing medical treatment cost has caused an extreme amount of worry for even middle class families forget the poor.

Ours is the world’s largest democracy and we must feel proud of it but does it really mean for the people. We understand that it is of the people and by the people but yet it to be for the people. During election campaign political leaders roam through villages and people gather to see as if someone from another planet has descended on the earth. They don’t rush to see the leader but to see the luxury cars on which they travel. And that is happening because the governance is not yet “for the people”. We need to think. It means someone else is getting extra slice of resources meant for someone else. It undermines the promises of right to equality.

We are proud of being independent but yet a larger section of the society needs independence in true sense. We will celebrate true Independence Day when we will be able to minimize this gap, if not fully filled in.

Bye bye 2017 and welcome 2018

As the year 2017 inches closer to an end I travel down the memory lane of the entire year recollecting mixed memories which I gathered over the year. The year, unlike many previous years, will remain a memorable one throughout my life. The year  remained full of challenges, responsibility, at times even uncertain and enjoyment. At both, personal and professional front the year remained glorious one for me and my family.

The year started with a positive note as the deadline of demonetisation got concluded on 30th of December 2016 and thereby a big relief for me as a Branch Head. Facing masses of mixed reaction for almost 50 days at the fag end of last year had been posing a new challenge at each moment. Though the year started on a relaxed note from demonetisation rush, the post demonetisation exercise continued and again there was challenge to complete those unaccomplished works which were shelved due to higher manpower requirement for demonetisation rush.

What made the year very special at professional front is that it started as well as ended with two different ambitious projects of the bank. As the year started with rolling over of an ambitious project of the bank “Union Project” targeting better customer experience, it ended with another project known as “Union Bhavishya” to create future leader of the bank and being a part of both the projects made my year truly special.

It’s not only at professional front but on personal front too, the year remained a very special for me as my family joined me after a considerably long time. I got time here to spend with family and devote for myself as in Lucknow I could save around three hours of traveling time each day. Three hours a day and 365 days in a year made ample room for personal use.

Being Branch Head, I made some very good friends beyond banking channel from different fields, who added value to my cheerful life. There was a big political shift in West Bengal in 2011, in Maharashtra in 2015 and so in UP in 2017. It’s just a coincidence that I remained in that state closely witnessing sea change in political landscape.

For all such fancies and cheers the year gave to me , it’s time to say big thanks to 2017 and welcome to 2018 with even higher amount of aspiration, positivity and lot many expectations. Let’s resolve to be positive, selfless and courteous to others in order to make a stronger society.

Before concluding I must say thanks to all those who made my year so special. My loyal customers, friends and family, colleagues, both seniors as well as juniors, especially my team Clarks Awadh.

Wishing you all a very Happy 2018.