MERCI, ORIENTAL

On the anniversary of the Tsunami of the 26^th December, a wave of emotion will sweep me on the evening of 26^th December 2007, as I bid goodbye to the Oriental Insurance Company Limited.

Yes, the Voluntary Retirement that I sought has been granted and I will be leaving Oriental at the close of office hours on 26^th December 2007. It will be a departure marked by poignant memories of my career in Oriental.

As I rewind to that balmy 9^th February morning of 1987, I can recall reporting for my first day, filling up forms and completing formalities in a PSU – a large Insurance Company. I was out to the stationery department, and shortly thereafter, I would come up to the main building to the Accounts Department.

The last twenty one years have passed with me number crunching – about a fortnight every month for the Payroll reports of Tamilnadu and initially, Cochin Regions – then only for the TN Region. I was also interested in having my hand in every pie our department baked – the Inter Office Accounts, Cash handling, analysis of accounts – I have seen them all. I have also been associated with twenty year end Audits, and have handled the Auditors and their queries to the best of my ability. I must, however, submit that my stint at the Internal Audit Department was not even to my satisfaction. Probably my heart lay elsewhere – read the Accounts Department, and I looked forward to my regular visits to assist my parent department.

I leave with a sense of satisfaction of having done my bit – a very small bit, though, in making up the sum total of what Oriental is today. I also leave with a sense of what if….. I am sure I could have done much better, only my laziness and circumstances, more of the former, which held me back.

I might have treaded on a lot of toes – to all those colleagues, wherever they are – my sincere apologies. It was unintentional and probably in the heat of the moment. A lot of people with whom I have worked have been instrumental in my contribution – and to them – my sincere gratitude. I cannot name them individually, but if they are reading, all those colleagues will know that they are part of this large group. I look forward to all your best wishes in shaping my future.

A word about my career. Neither blessed with intelligence or academic diligence, I chose what was best in 1987 – a career with a Government organization. We did not have the luxury of a booming economy then, and this was the choice of a rare few. Today, as the economy is booming, jobs are to be had for the teens, I look forward to a new career with hope. The elders might be aghast at my quitting a secure job – the youngsters look at me with awe when I say that I am twenty one years in one organization! In a way, we are those who have fallen between two stools – I am sure there are many comforting hands for me – should I fall.

Thanks again – for a wonderful time at Oriental, and looking forward to your continued best wishes.

May God bless Oriental and all of you and your families with all good things in life.