JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 31

Tour of North East – A challenge

The tour to the North-Eastern states, called the seven sisters – Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura –  was very difficult in earlier days compared to the present situation. Immediately after the formation of  BSNLEU in March 2021, it was decided to organise country wide tours. Tour of North East was part of the plan.

Three telecom circles viz. Assam, NE -1 and NE-2 covered these states. All other six states have border with Assam.

After a hectic tour of W.Bengal and Kolkata in June 2001, started for Silchar (Assam) by flight. There was a grand reception of Silchar Airport by the leaders and workers and two well attended meetings were held there at Telegraph Office and Head Post Office premises.

Aizwal (Mizoram)

Along with Com.S.Lyngdoh, Circle Secretary, T.IV Union, started for Aizwal, capital of Mizoram by bus. On the way, the bus was stopped by All Assam Students Union(AASU) stating that bandh was going on and no bus will be allowed to go. The crowd was very angry and we were afraid of being beaten. But Com.Lyngdoh got down, spoke  in the local language and convinced them not to stop us. He was well known to them. A large meting was held at Aizwal which was inaugurated by me and was addressed by Principal of the local college, Prof. Gohain, union leaders  Narayan Chakraborty, Prabir  Dutta, Swapan Chakraborty and others. There was heavy rain, but meeting was well attended.

Dimapur (Nagaland)

On the way to Dimapur, capital of Nagaland, we could see a few landslides of yesterday night.  Being rainy season, we were moving slowly. All of a sudden the driver stopped the vehicle. We could see about half a kilo meter in front, a landslide, huge rocks and mud falling and blocking the road. Had we been two minutes earlier, do not know what could have happened. We returned on the road we came.

Guwahati ( Assam)

Returned to Assam by bus and addressed a well attended meeting at Guwahati, the capital of Assam. Com.M.R.Das and other leaders of all unions also addressed. Another meeting in the divisional office was also held.

Imphal (Manipur)

From Guwahati along with Com. J.N.Mishra,the President of BSNLEU, Comrades Swapan Chakraborty and  Prabir Dutta  started for Imphal (Manipur ) by bus . It took a very long time going through the narrow roads. Our meeting at Imphal was  fixed at about 10.00 hours. We reached the border at about 06.00 hours or so. At the border, there was a military/ BSF checking post. While checking , they found a large number of old  coins in two small bags kept at the dashboard of the driver. When questioned, the driver told that he is taking them to give to somebody, in connection with the burial ceremonies, as is a religious custom. BSF was not satisfied and they took the driver to  their office  nearby for questioning. They clarified that it is a crime to carry such old coins. The bus was stranded there. Passengers were very much  worried. It was morning time and people wanted to go to toilets, wash faces etc. But there were no facilities. No water. Everybody anxiously waiting for the driver. About an hour passed by.

We went to the BSF post , where the driver was being questioned. I told the officers that the passengers are much troubled. I requested them that if the driver is to be questioned, why the passengers should be put in to trouble as the bus can continue with the second driver , who is available. They agreed and the bus was allowed to go, while the first driver was kept there.

Due to lack of speed and also the unexpected delay at the BSF post, we reached Imphal only at  about 13.00 hours, instead of 10.00 hours. On the way our Imphal comrades have come with a car and taken us. All the employees, including one Account Officer from Kerala were waiting for us at the meeting place.  We had not even brushed our teeth, gone to toilet or taken bath, which we wanted first. At the same time ,  keeping them for much more time was cruel. So, after toilet and a cup of tea, I started addressing the meeting, while others went for morning rituals and breakfast. By the time others came, I had concluded my speech and went for my morning rituals. It was almost evening by  the time the meeting was over and we started.

On the way we saw a few cycle rikshas standing on the road waiting for passengers. Their heads were completely covered  by clothes and looked like terrorists. I asked our comrades, why they are dressed like that. I was told that the drivers are mostly young people with high education, but due  to lack of  job opportunity, they are compelled for this job and do not want their identity to be known to the people. Many youngsters used to go in to  the army, but for some time Manipur people were denied of military recruitment, due to some unknown reasons.  

It was almost night by the time we reached the border to Nagaland. Military personnel  blocked us  stating that one cannot cross to Nagaland in the night due to obvious dangers. We had to reach Arunachal Pradesh next day. On our continued insistence they allowed us to cross after noting our names and addresses and taking a declaration that we are responsible for any danger that may happen. Fortunately, there was no untoward incident.

Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh )

After a very long journey we reached the border of Arunachal Pradesh , but the car was not allowed to cross the border. Anyway, knowing the rules, Comrades from Itanagar have been waiting at the border and took us in their car. Including the top officers of the BSNL , a large numer of leaders and workers were waiting for the meeting. Though the meeting was fixed at 1700 hours due to our late arrival the meeting could start only at about 1900 hours. GS, Swapan Chakraborty, Prabir Dutta and other leaders also addressed.  

We returned next day to Tezpur in Assam and with a meeting there completed the tour. Due to heavy rain and bad climate, we could not go to Tripura and Meghalaya this time. But  toured there after some time.

The tour clearly showed us the challenges faced by the people of the North East. The area had been completely neglected. Rail connection is not in all states. Job opportunities are less.The continued agitations and protests are natural in such situation. The present conflict in Manipur is also part of this unhappy situation.

V A N Namboodiri  31.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 30

A Secret Journey to Delhi with Ballot Papers

The All India  Conference of All India Telecom Employees Union  Class III held at Bhopal from 24^th to 27^th December 1991 resulted in a change of the top leadership of the union. Com.O.P.Gupta , who was the General Secretary since the formation of the union in 1954,  and his team were defeated in a stiff contest. The progressive section with Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri as President and Com. Moni Bose, as General Secretary were elected with good margin, despite the revisionist leadership’s attempts  to manipulate the election process.

The voting was arranged in the big maidan, where the AIC was being held. The election process took more than one day with more than 3000 delegates participating in the same.  

Com. Homi Daji, M.P., the  former President of the Union and under whose supervision the election  was conducted,  had already left the place immediately after announcing the results. Utilising the opportunity,  there was an attempt by the defeated leadership with the help of goonda elements to   grab the  ballot boxes and the votes, in order to destroy the same and to raise a dispute and create  trouble.  But under the leadership of Com.J.Renganathan, Assistant Election Officer, with the help of election volunteers,  defeated the game and all the election materials including the ballot boxes,ballot papers and other connected materials were hastily put in three -four big sacks and kept in a safe place, the office of the Income Tax Employees Federation , Bhopal.

There were doubts raised whether the newly elected office-bearers will be allowed to enter the Union building in Delhi .  Where to keep the ballot boxes and the votes safely  was another question. It was decided that the newly elected President and General  Secretary will stay at Bhopal for two days, attend General Body meetings arranged there and then move to Delhi without informing anybody. Doubts have been raised by certain comrades earlier that the defeated leadership in Delhi may create some problem on our arrival, both at Railway Station and at Dada Ghosh Bhawan, the union headquarters.

Hence we planned our journey meticulously. Com. Ramachandran , State Secretary of ITEF along with the sacks of ballot boxes etc. will accompany us to Delhi. We will not go up New Delhi Railway Station, but will get down at Nizamuddin Railway Station and go to Dada Ghosh Bhawan directly and face the situation there, if any problem is created.

It was a journey with full tension in our mind. Whether we will face black flags in the station ? Whether we will be allowed to enter the Union office ? where we will stay ? With  regard to the sacks of ballot boxes, ballots etc. it will be safe as Ramachandran  will  take it to ITEF office and keep them there.  

During our long discussion in the train, we took a firm decision. We are the elected office-bearers and we are going to run the union from the union office itself. If the followers of the defeated leadership try to create problems in the Railway Station or  at the Office, we will face it firmly  and defeat their game. We are not going to runaway.

Once this decision was taken, there was no need to get down at Nizamuddin Station. The train reached New Delhi Railway Station and we got down with our luggage. Ramachandran had got down at Nizamuddin and gone to his office direct with the sacks.

There was a lot of people waiting for us with red flags and shouting slogans. For a moment we were bewildered thinking what to do. But seeing Coms. Adinarayana, General Secretary of P.IV Union, P.S.Raman Kutty, GS of T.III , N.M.S.Rao, Dy.GS of R.III Union etc. in front of  the procession we were overcome with joy. They have come in large numbers to receive us to Delhi  and also to ensure that no problem is created by others. A largely attended meeting was held there at the RMS office premises and we were welcomed.  

Com.Moni and I went to the Union office, Dada Ghosh Bhawan. There was no problem there also, the former GS Com.O.P.Gupta welcoming us and arranging for our stay etc.

( Yes, there was no problem at that time. But within months,  election dispute and many problems were created by the former GS making it a fight for survival and which we faced effectively and advanced. That is another story. The ballot papers became useful to us when election dispute was raised in the court.)

V A N Namboodiri  30.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 29

Jumping out of train

November 2006. The Third Membership Verification for grant of recognition to the non-executive union  in BSNL was in process. Leaders of all unions were touring the country, holding meetings and canvassing support from the employees. As General Secretary of BSNL Employees Union, along with other leaders in the alliance I was in Bihar Circle for a two day tour on 20th and 21st November 2006.

The first meeting on 20th was in Samastipur. We had to catch the train to Patna, where a big meeting was arranged in the evening. The meeting prolonged  and  somehow by the time we reached the station, the express train which we intended to travel had already left. Next  was a local train which would take much time. But no other go. Only 70 -80 km to Patna, but delayed due to  stopping long time in many stations.    Frantic calls coming from Patna asking us to reach immediately as a large number of workers are waiting. The meeting was fixed at 17.00 hours, but by the time we were nearing Patna, it was  almost 1800 hours. Coms. J.N.Mishra, All India President, B.P.Singh, Circle Secretary, N.K.Sreevastava, P.N.Jha and other leaders were with me.

Just about one 1 km before reaching Patna Junction, the train stopped for want of signal. I was reading a book and  did not notice that others were getting down there, since the meeting hall was near. It was an on the spot decision,  as getting down there will save at least half an hour. When they called me to get down, I rushed to the door. By the time, the train has started moving slowly. One comrade  who was behind me told not to get down, but go to Patna station and get an auto to the meeting hall. But I was not in a mood to be further late for the meeting. Being winter, the light was dim outside. Anyhow, I jumped  down from the slowly moving train to the side of the railway line, which  was full of grass.

The jump was perfect and I bent down forward. Had I bent backwards, I would have been under the train. Then only I realised  the danger. When I stood up, I saw that my pants and shirt were full of cow dung, on which I had jumped. Our comrades were panicked when they saw me  jump. But seeing me covered with cow dung, they started laughing. I told them  let us go to the meeting  without waste of time. We almost ran and reached the meeting hall. Some of the people had already left. There I cleaned the pants and shirt and spoke for some time. Com.R.P.Singh, FNTO Circle Secretary, presided. By the time the comrade who got down at Patna came back, the meeting was almost over.

The Meeting was saved and I had the satisfaction that I attended the meeting. But I got  a clear warning through experience against jumping from a moving train in future.

V A N Namboodiri  29.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS  – 28

Loss of suit case at Kolkata

August 2005. Full preparations for 29th September 2005 Strike called by Sponsoring Committee of Trade Unions against anti-people, anti-worker policies of central government. Continuous tours all over India, including Kerala, M.P., UP West, Punjab, Orissa and W.Bengal.

Strike Convention jointly organized at Kolkata by four circles of W.Bengal viz. Kolkata Telephones, T and D, Telecom Stores and W.Bengal on 18th August 2005. Reached Kolkata early morning by train. Took bath and break-fast at Salt Lake City IQ. Somewhat far away from city. Com.J.N.Mishra, All India President, BSNLEU, with me. We had to reach Telephone Bhawan by noon to attend a meeting before the  Convention. Hired a taxi and started from IQ. Proceeded to Telephone Bhawan with luggage, since I had to catch the flight scheduled at 20.00 hours to Bangalore. Flight ticket already booked. After reaching Bangalore, we – my wife, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter – will proceed early next morning to Kabani resort to spend 2-3 days there.

Heavy traffic on Kolkata roads as usual. Taxi reached the Telephone Bhawan late. Comrades were waiting impatiently at the gate of Telephone Bhawan. As soon as we stepped down from car, we were carried over to the meeting place by a large number of comrades, with welcoming slogans. We were provided tea and snacks. Meeting started in the CTO Conference Hall by 17.00 hours. Senior leaders Comrades Moni Bose, Ananta Bhattacharya and  others present. Com. Mishra and I addressed and explained the importance of winning in the Membership verification and other issues.

After meeting, I was directly to go to the airport to catch the flight. When asked about  my suit case, comrades told that I got down from taxi with nothing in my hands. I realized with shock that I had forgotten to take suitcase from the car- dickey. Driver also did not remind me. Neither Mishraji. Usually our comrades will be arranging their own cars, they will take the luggage also and I will be getting the same only when I return. As usual, I had thought that our comrades have taken care of the suit case.

What to do? Since I will be on tour for five-six days, I have taken half a dozen pants, shirts etc. There were some gifts to my granddaughter. There were two bank cheques for about Rs. 90,000/- from a friend which I was to hand over to my daughter. Books and union papers were also there. Fortunately, the flight ticket was in my pocket. I had not noted the number of the taxi. In a city like Kolkata, it is impossible to find the taxi without the registration number.

I had to start for airport immediately to catch the flight. Otherwise, I may miss it. But, Com. Moni Bose and others advised to file a complaint to the police. We went to a nearby police station and gave a written complaint. They started asking so many questions for filing FIR. I was worried about my flight. I was almost certain that I may not get the suit case back. Had the driver wanted, he could have come to Telephone Bhawan where I had got down and handed over. Com.Moni Bose contacted some senior police officers and FIR was ready without  delay.

Com. Dilip Das, Asst. General Secretary, arranged a taxi to airport. Usually I go alone, but comrades insisted that in case I miss the flight, it is better that some body is there. Heavy traffic on the road. Fortunately the strict instructions issued later that ‘the passenger should reach before 40 minutes of the departure of the flight by which time the issue of boarding pass will be closed’ was not in existence then. I called airport officer from the taxi and told that I am on the way, that it was an emergency and they have to wait for me. The reply was, ‘Come immediately’. I reached the airport after the scheduled time of the flight. I rushed inside, asking Com.Dilip Das to wait for me, in case the flight had already left. Looking in to departure board I was relieved. The flight was late; I got the boarding pass, informed Dilip Das and moved to the boarding gate.

Reached Bangalore, then to my daughter’s residence. Told them what happened at Kolkata. I always used to have one or two sets of dresses at Bangalore and that problem was solved. But what about the two checques? I was not sure whether it was crossed or not. If the taxi driver had  encashed them, the money will be lost forever.

Early next morning we started for Kabani. My daughter called her bank, told about the loss and requested to issue directions so that the checques are not encashed in any of its branches. The bank told that only the person who issued the checque has the authority for giving such instructions. I contacted my friend who issued the checques and he immediately did the needful. The money was now safe. Only suitcase and other things were lost. They were lost forever.

After reaching Calicut from the Kabani , I directly went to the State Hantex shop and purchased half a dozen shirts, costing Rs. 150 per each. That problem also was over.

This was a hard lesson. But it did not help much. I was always forgetting things. The famous Malayalam poet Akkitham has put the situation correctly, ‘I have never forgotten to carry the bag of forgetfulness’. He must have written the  poem with such persons as me in his mind.

V A N Namboodiri 28.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS  – 27

Train to Nepal

2003 March – Telecom Employees Association of Nepal (TEAN) has invited me as GS of BSNLEU to attend their TU class at Bharatpur on 12th March 2003. Since this is near India- Nepal border along UP – Bihar, I thought better to go by train. Started from Delhi on 10th by Saptagiri Express to Gorakhpur. Since I could not even enter the reserved 3-Tier compartment due to heavy rush by reserved and un-reserved passengers, I got in to II AC compartment and gave the extra amount to TTE. Such things happen. Reached Gorakhpur in the morning, where Com.K.D.M.Tripathi, Vice-President of Union was waiting. He was a sincere dedicated leader. He belonged to the priest family of famous Gorakhpur temple.

At 11.30 hours the train started. On the way the train stopped in a small station due to some technical fault. We proceeded from there on a local train. It was fortunate that by the clever maneuvering of Tripathi, we got two side seats in an ordinary compartment. On both sides of the train, there were dozens and dozens of bi-cycles cleverly hung on the window bars, similar to milk cans hung on the Mumbai trains. Tripathi told me that passengers get down, unload the cycles and continue their journey to their villages. Very interesting. The train did not start for a long time and more and more passengers were getting in. Six – seven women boarded carrying big pieces of old wooden railway sleepers which were in the platform. In fact, they were stealing them. They put it under the seats. Many old jute bags were also with them. They were watching the station carefully. We had put our bags on the upper stand. Tripati told me, ‘always watch our bags, they may disappear any time.’ I understood.

At last train started. It was stopping at all stations. After two – three stations, the women got down carrying the wooden sleepers. All of sudden, there was shouting by a young man clutching one of the bags taken away by them. It was his bag. The women told it is their bag. Others intervened, opened the bag and found out it was the boy’s bag only.

I wanted to have coffee or tea and Tripathi told that he will go outside in the next station and will bring tea, because if both of us go, our bags may ‘disappear’. He tried at two three stations, but no tea or coffee. Somehow he got two packets of roasted ground nuts, which we ate and drank water which we carried. We reached a station, may be 10 miles from the border by late evening. Went to a tea shop nearby, but came out quickly since the shop was most dirty and unhygienic.

We got in to a bus going to the border town Raxaul. We got seats. Though the bus seemed very old and worn, there was T.V. fitted and on. We were happy to watch the TV. Before start of the bus some persons boarded and stood very close to the TV blocking the view to all others behind. Nobody objected. When I wanted to protest, Tripathi signalled me,’danger’. I understood. The bus started. The road was so bad, that the bus was turning and tumbling this side and that side. We were afraid that it may fall or crash down. The speed was almost like that of a bullock cart moving on a rough patched road. Though the distance was about ten miles, it took about one and half hours to reach there.

We got down, engaged a tonga and crossed to Nepal. The Raxaul town was partly in India and partly in Nepal. TEAN leaders Com. Ashok Karn and others were waiting there. They took us to a hotel telling that we will move to Bharatpur next day to attend the TU meeting and class. We were so tired that we slept heavily.

If Com.Tripathy was not there with me ?

V A N Namboodiri  28.10.2024

Com. Basudeb Acharia M.P

When writing about train journeys, a prominent name always comes to my mind, that of Com. Basudeb Acharia, veteran leader of CPI(M) and 7 times Member of Parliament from Bankura, W.Bengal. One of the best parliamentarians, he was Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways for a good number of years as also some other Standing Committees.  Took up many issues of the railway workers and settled. He was always very helpful in taking up the issues of the P and T workers, BSNL and others. It was through his efforts that BSNLEU could meet the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and many Ministers of Communications several times. Whenever I went to his official quarters he was kind enough to meet immediately and do the needful. He will never allow me to leave before having  a cup of tea. That was his usual relation with everybody. Several times I approached him for getting VIP quota for train tickets since it was impossible to get reservation at short notice. Never the Railways Ministry refused his recommendation.

Coming to the point. Com. Basudeb Acharia was not only the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Railways, but was also a person who used Railways as his journey mode, most of the time. He used to travel by train, instead of air travel which he is entitled to, when going to Delhi to attend Parliament and returning to his constituency.  Of course, it was also convenient to him since his constituency Bankura was on the rail route. I still remember the way how he reached Kannur to inaugurate the All India Conference of All India BSNL DOT Pensioners Association on 6th February 2013. He came from W.Bengal to Chennai by train, then came to Kannur by Chennai – Mangalore Mail which reached a bit late at about 10.30. He inaugurated the Conference, had a hasty meal and off to Chennai by Mangalore – Chennai Mail at 15.30 hours or so. That was Com. Basudeb Acharia.

He had arranged a meeting with the then Chief Minister of U.P. Shri Akhilesh Yadav to discuss about immediate action to be taken against the culprits in the gruesome murder of Com. Sukhpal Singh, our District Secretary Ghaziabad. When we went to receive Basudeb Acharya at the Lucknow Railway station, we could see a large number of railway employees crowding near him and making all arrangements for him. When I tried to take his bag, he jokingly told that ‘ I am younger than you.’ Any way the bag was taken by the Railway workers. He was so close to them. We were received at  the gate itself by the Chief Minister. It was with utmost respect that the CM discussed issues with him.

Com. Basudeb Acharya is no more. He passed away on 23^rd November 2023 at the age of 81. But his comradely affection will last for ever in my memory.

V.A.N.Namboodiri  27.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 25

Flight, Train and Car

The Circle Working Committee meeting of M.P. Circle, BSNLEU, was scheduled to be held on  28th of October 2006 at Khandwa and as GS, I was requested to attend. I had booked train tickets for myself  and wife Pankajam to Khandwa sufficiently in advance. She was coming with me, since it was the place of my daughter in-law, Sunila and we can visit her family there. We went to the Railway station to board the train at 15.00 hours on 27th, but unfortunately tickets were not confirmed. It was difficult to travel in the heavy crowded train with out reservation, especially with family. Tried for flight, but that also could not get. We returned home and informed Com.S.R.Nayak, Circle Secretary and Shri P.N.Hedawoo, my daughter-in-law’s father, that we will not be able to come.

Next day at early 04.00 in the morning, the District Secretary Khandwa, Com.P.L.Sapre, called me and said that I have to come to Khandwa, whatever be the means of journey.  Membership verification was to take place within two months and workers wanted to hear GS. No excuse will be accepted, he said.

I had no other choice. I went to the Airport in the early morning to get a ticket for the  Jet flight starting at 06.30 hours. No ticket. But got a ticket for the Sahara Express flight at 10.00 hours. Returned home, had breakfast etc and came back and boarded the flight to Indore. From Indore, comrades have arranged a car to Khandwa. The CEC meeting was in progress. Spoke in detail. Met parents of Sunila at their house and had dinner.

Our comrades tried for train reservation for return journey, but failed. I had to reach Delhi some how next day to attend an important meeting. District Secretary stated that we  can go to Indore by car in the night, stay in the IQ and catch the early flight at 07.30 to Delhi.

At about 23.00 hours we started to Indore by car. The driver was  very experienced and knew all the road routes well. It was heavily raining and the high way was having heavy traffic. It may take some time to reach Indore and I will not get any chance to sleep. The driver and the comrade who accompanied me discussed and decided to go by a short-cut road, instead of highway, stating that it will reduce the distance by about 20 to 30 km and save much time. So, on the way, the driver turned to the short-cut road.

The decision seemed to be  very good. There was no traffic jam, the road was neat and passing through villages. We made good time. Rain continued incessantly. We must have passed about 30 kms when some vehicles from the opposite side started coming. Within a short time we reached a place where a number of vehicles were parked on the roads with many people standing. The rain has almost stopped. We also got down.

We were near a bridge, which was overflowing with rain water in torrents. Only the railings of the bridge can be seen. The current was very strong and nobody dared to approach the bridge. Any moment it can collapse also. On the  other side also there were many vehicles. Some people told that since the rain has stopped, the water will come down by about one hour or so and then will be able to pass. By seeing the torrents of water, it was difficult to believe it. I have to reach the Airport at least by 06.30 next morning to catch the flight. Much distance to go.

The correct decision was to go back and go through the highway. The bridge on the highway are much higher and will be safe. We stood there for about half an hour and then returned the same way we had come. It was more than 30 kms. We came to the place where we had diverted from the highway and started for Indore. We were in real fright whether we will be able to get the flight. The driver increased the speed.

We reached Indore by about 05.00 hours, rushed to the IQ, woke up the watchman, took bath and reached the Airport. We were in time fortunately.

Started for Delhi by 07.30 flight and reached Delhi before 10.00 hours. Target achieved. 

V A N Namboodiri  26.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 24

Theft of Pearl Necklaces

CPSTU Convention in Hyderabad on 22nd June 2015. Meeting of AIBDPA Hyderabad District on 23rd June. Started from Bengaluru by flight to Hyderabad along with wife Pankajam on 21st. Reached HD at 14.40 hours. went directly to BSNL IQ. Comrades J.Sampath Rao, Circle Secretary  BSNLEU, Ramachandrudu, CS AIBDPA and other comrades came and made all  arrangements for our stay. On 22nd and 23rd attended the above mentioned  programmes which were arranged efficiently.

Hyderabad is famous for pearls of all varieties. Pankajam  suggested why can’t we purchase pearl neck laces for our dear grand daughters? Agreed. Mentioned to Com. Sampath Rao. He arranged some lady comrades to come with us. They took us to a famous jewellery shop. Many items of pearl necklaces in the show cases. We selected 3 light rose coloured twin neck laces. Hard bargaining by our lady comrades and settled for about Rs. 33,000/-  Beautiful small bags also gifted to take the same. We were very happy, thanked the lady comrades, rushed to the IQ, packed suitcases and then taxi to Kacheguda Railway Station. We were in time, got in the  Bengaluru Express. Train started in time at about 19.00 hours. Had very good sleep. Train reached Bengaluru at about 06.00 hours early next morning.

Heavy rush while getting down from the train to the platform. I was standing in the corridor near the door placing the suitcases on the compartment floor, but I was pushed away in the rush and suit cases fell down and was pushed away sideways. After others got down, we also got down after taking the suitcases which were near the toilets.

Hired an auto riksha, reached daughter’s residence at Basava Nagar, near HAL Airprt. Pankajam  opened the suitcase and searched for the pearl neck lace to present it to grand daughter Arya. Lo, there was no neck laces, not even a hint that the necklaces was there. Although I was very sure that I had packed the necklaces in the bag from the IQ, I called comrades at HD to find out whether I had missed them there. They checked and told that they  are  not there.

I went to the Bengaluru railway station and gave a written complaint to the Railway Police Force. After getting the details  they filed FIR. I had taken the suit case with me and  showed them that though the lock was not broken and suitcase not opened, the position of the lock on the  zip was on one side of the suitcase, instead of the centre as I have put it. The police officer   then told me that it is a clear case of theft and showed me how the thief might  have opened it by a knife or so, probably in the train in the night or while getting down at the station. He also told that they might have planned the theft very meticulously, probably from the time of the purchase itself in Hyderabad watching us coming from the shop.  He said that if there is any information, he will intimate.

Next day day at noon I got a call from another railway station asking me some more details about the theft. Gave it. But nothing later. I enquired to  the RPF  again, but no further information. I understood that it was lost forever.  My wife was very upset. We were shortly going to London to meet my son and family and two necklaces were for the grand daughters there.

Lost is lost. But it can not stop us presenting pearl neck laces to my grand daughters. I spoke to Com. Sampath Rao and asked him to purchase similar necklaces and send it to me. Fortunately there was a meeting of AIBDPA AIC Reception Committee to be held at Tirupati on 6th July and I was invited to attend. Com Sampath Rao and some other comrades were also  coming. They purchased similar pearl necklaces at the same reduced rate and gave me the same at Tirupati. 

After returning to Bengaluru,  one neck lace was given to Arya, my  grand daughter. She was happy.

On 12th July same year me and wife went to London. The other two necklaces were given to grand daughters Saumya and Sneha. They were Happy, we were happy.py. Then forgot about the loss. Why worry about things lost, when there are so many other things to attend?

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS  – 23

Journey with Com. Chittabrata Majumdar

A meeting of the Central Executive Committee of BSNLEU was fixed at Pune on 15-17 June 2005 and I had my flight booked. I reached the airport in time, checked-in and got the boarding pass. I saw Com.Chittabrata Majumdar, M.P. ,  General Secretary CITU, sitting in the lounge. Went and met him. Of course he was coming to inaugurate the CEC on our invitation. He was not feeling well and was unable to walk. I spoke with the air-port staff and they came with a wheel chair to enable him to board the flight through the lift. I  went with him assisting, when required. It was an Indian Airlines flight. We boarded the flight by the lift available. He was provided a seat in the first row of the economic class by the young air-hostess. I requested her to allot me a seat near to  him so that I can be of assistance, if required. She did not mind me and I had to go to my seat somewhat irritated, since the passengers were entering the flight. I felt very uneasy about Com. Chittabrata.

After the plane was in air, I went to the air-hostess’s cabin and spoke in a bit angry tone, why she did not allow me a nearby seat to assist my companion. All of a sudden her face became red and I was worried whether she was going to cry. She told me in  broken voice that she did not hear me, she is new to the job and please do not complain to higher authorities. Now I was worried. I told her no problem and that I am not going to complain to anybody. In fact she did not violate any rule. I went to Com. Majumdar, but he was already sleeping. Did not want to disturb him. Came back. By the time we reached Pune, he was feeling better.

I learned an important lesson. Don’t be rude to anybody, especially to women.

Next day Com. Chittabrata inaugurated the CEC and delivered a meaningful speech. By then he was was quite well and returned to Delhi.