2001 July 24 –  I was returning from  a one day tour of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

In connection with the membership verification, I had gone to Srinagar, J and K , by flight on 23rd July.  Jammu and Kasmir still in turbulent situation due to terrorists, but can not  avoid journey. Com. A.R.Tak, Circle Secretary ITEU welcomed me at airport. Meeting was for formation of BSNLEU Circle Union by merging T.III, ITEU, Administrative and  E.III(N) unions. Despite grave situation, more than 200 comrades participated. Formed BSNL Circle Union with Coms. V.K.Mahaldar as President and Nizar Ahmed as Circle Secretary. Addressed a well attended seminar. BSNL IQ booked for stay, but Com.Nizar Ahmed took me to his home stating home is safe and not IQ. I could feel the tension in their  faces. Com. Tak was also staying in a portion of the house. As the system in Kashmir, we all took our tasty dinner prepared by Mrs. Nizar sitting on the beautiful carpet in the kitchen and discussing organisational matters. Only vegetarian as a special case.

Next day, there was another  meeting in the morning. By the time meeting was over, it was time to move to Airport to catch my flight. Started by car, but it was stopped at many points by para military / military forces. There was a blast that day and every vehicle  was being checked and searched. Just about half km from the airport, the car stopped. There were at least 20 vehicles in front’. The para-military forces have created a blockade and no vehicle was being allowed to proceed without full check. The check-in time was almost over, and I got worried. Got down with my bag, walked up to the barricade and crossed it after check. I requested one person who was proceeding to the airport after check and requested him to give a lift since my car was far behind. He agreed. I went to the ticket counter to find out whether my ticket is confirmed. 5 – 6 persons were in queue, but when I told them that my flight was due, they allowed me to check with with counter. Luckily ticket has been confirmed. I thanked the comrade who accompanied me and moved to the entry gate.

It was at this moment that the young man who gave me lift came and said that he has got more luggage than can be carried and whether I can help by taking some, since I did not have any big luggage. I was in two minds. Don’t know what is inside the  luggage and I may be in danger. on the other side, had he not helped, I would not have reached airport at all. I took the risk, took the luggage with me and moved to the gate. The security stopped me, told me that the luggage is not mine, he has seen what happened and it cannot be carried by me. I had no other go but to return the same to the young man. However, inside I was relieved that the danger is over.

I went inside, got the boarding pass and boarded the flight. The young man also came and was in my next seat. I asked him what happened. He laughed and told me that  there was no problem except strict checking, had to pay extra charge for the extra luggage. After all I could attend the meeting with the Communications Minister next day, arranged by Com. T.Govindan M.P.

However the meeting did not take place. Phoolan Devi, M.P. was murdered in front of her bunglow on Ashoka Road and the  city was in turmoil.

Chhattisgarh state was formed in November 2000 bifurcating M.P. Consequently formation of separate telecom circle. Necessary to tour the new state. Started from Delhi on 17th December 2000, reached Champa Railway Station next day.(Though written Champa, people there call it Chappa. A big station.). Coms. S.R.Nayak, Circle Secretary, M.P., S.C.Bhattacharya, GS ITEU and many other leaders at the station. As usual it was journey in a vehicle, stopping for meetings at important places. First at Korba. Then to Ambikapur, many km away.

Vehicle passing through forest after forest. Chhattisgarh full of thick forests. During journey through the forests of Raighar, the driver, a young man, asked me whether want to see the place where Kalidasa wrote and staged his first drama. I was interested and told him ‘yes’. Every body interested, though already late for next meeting. None of us had seen the place. Driver knew the place well and took us through a very small side road for about 2-3 km. It was thick forest full of tall trees, as also many huge rocks. We went up on a very big rock climbing man made steps and got to the top. A small theatre carved out of rock, where some 20 people could sit.  Stage also. Room inside the cave, probably to stay. Driver told us that it was here where Kalidasa stayed and wrote his first drama and staged in front of celebrities. The saying is that the King, Vikramaditya,  invited him to Ujjain, where he wrote many dramas and staged under the patronage of the king, as part of ‘Navaratna’ celebrities. Later, I was told that every year, Kalidasa Jayanti is organised and inauguration will be in  this place. When we went there 20 years back, it was isolated and there was not a single  person there. But now it seems that the place has become popular with many tourists.

We returned to the main road, a fast drive, managed to reach Ambikapur, of course late. Comrades were waiting patiently and the meeting was held. During the next few days meetings at Raigharh, Bilaspur, Raipur, Bhilai, Jabalpur and so on, returning to Delhi by train on 22nd. Failed to get reservation, but got RAC in the train as a consolation.

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 received the boarding pass. I saw Com.Chittabrata Majumdar, M.P. and General Secretary CITU, sitting in the lounge. I went and met him. Of course he was coming to inaugurate the CEC on our invitation. He was not feeling fell and was unable to walk. While I was speaking with him, the airport staff came with a wheel chair and was taking him to the flight. I also went with him assisting when required. We were lifted to our Indian Airlines flight and he was allotted a seat in the first row of the economic class by the young air-hostess. I requested her to allot a seat near 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.

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 one lesson. Do not be rude to anybody, especially to women.

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

It was early 1990s. Myself at Delhi as General Secretary of E.III Union. I had to start for Jaipur early morning by 06.00 hours train. It was December and very cold. Had only returned late last night from another tour. I got at about 04.30 hours took bath and went outside Dada Ghosh Bhawan to the road. Waited for auto riksha to Delhi Railway Station from where the train starts. Very few autos, all engaged. After some time an auto came, stopped near me. Driver asked me where I have to go? Told him, old Delhi railway station. Ok, get in. There was another passenger inside. I asked him where he is going. He also going to Delhi Railway Station. Fine. After about 10 minutes the driver stopped and got down. we also got down. At that time most of the autos were very old and break down was normal. ( It was some years later that the state government prohibited autos more than 15 years from plying which improved the situation). The driver told that petrol is almost finished and have to be filled from the next petrol pump. Asked us to get in. He asked me to get in first so that the cold will be less. The other passenger sat on the side. The driver was a turbaned Sikh. Auto started.

The driver asked me to pay Rs. 200/ as charge stating that he had to fuel at the next petrol pump. I took my purse and told him that the charge is too much and that I have payed only Rs.60- last night when coming from the same railway station. All of a sudden, he snatched my purse from my hand and took Rs. 200/ from the purse. Returned the purse to me. When I strongly protested, my co-passenger told me to wait till we reach the station, where complaint can be made. I had thought that he will support me. Immediately I understood the situation. I was trapped inside the auto. The auto turned to a side road which was narrow and there was not much traffic. I got a bit panicky, but I did not show. The small brief case I used to take was with me. The driver stopped the auto, probably to pass urine. I used the opportunity, pushed the young man and was on the road. I started running on the opposite side. Fortunately they did not follow. After about 10 minutes, I reached the main road, got another auto. I told the driver what happened and requested to rush to the station to catch the train. I told him that I have got only Rs. 10 with me. He said no problem. On the way there was a Police Constable on traffic duty. I told him the incident asking to inform 100. (Mobile telephones have not been introduced). He said that he is on traffic duty and kept silent. The auto driver took me to the Railway station. The train was almost to start. The auto driver did not take any money from me although I offered him the Rs. 10 available with me. When getting in to the train I saw a young lady who had come to see off her relatives. I told her to inform 100 about the incident. I got in. One hot tea and I was OK. Comrades will come to the station to receive me and the return ticket is already booked.

I reached Jaipur, attended the meeting and returned by night. Next morning at about 08.00 hours I called No. 100 and reported the matter. They asked my place and within some 10 minutes rushed in to the office.’Which side the auto riksha has gone’ they asked. I told them that it was the incident of yesterday. Then they told me to file a complaint in the nearby police station.

I went to the Police station and complained. The SHO asked me to give it in writing and told me to write that the driver has taken Rs. 1,000 from the purse. I told him that it was only Rs. 200 which he has robbed me. I gave the complaint like that only. When I was returning, the station writer called me to his room and asked whether I am from Kerala. He was a Malayalee. He told me that the chance of getting the money is almost nil. When I told him that the SHO wanted me to write Rs. 1,000 instead of Rs. 200, he smiled mischievously. All of a sudden, I understood. Further he advised me two things. Never protest in such situations for they may hurt you and even kill. Secondly, never get in to an auto riksha if some body is already there, and especially if there is a woman. I strictly always kept this advice in mind.

While here, the auto driver was a thief, or a thief created of the particular situation, another driver I remember who was a remarkable one. I was returning to Dada Ghosh Bhawan from Nizamuddin Railway Station in the night and hired an auto. On the way when it passed Talkatora stadium and was moving through the isolated road, we could see two auto rikshas stopped on the side. A woman was trying to get down from one auto riksha, but the driver of the auto was pushing her inside. My driver stopped the auto, went there, shouted and intervened. The woman got down with her baby, got in the other auto along with her husband and went off. The first auto riksha was still there. My driver came and we went on our route. I asked him what was the problem. He told me that once the family got in, the driver started harassing the woman. When the family saw another auto, they got it stopped and was trying to go by that auto but the driver was physically obstructing. Our driver was a well built young man and when he intervened, the issue was settled.

It is Delhi. A mixture of good and evil.

21st November 2006. Bihar.

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 21st was in Samastipur. We had to catch the train to Patna, where a big meeting is arranged for the evening. But 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 way. Only 70 -80 km to Patna, but delayed due to  stopping in many stations.    Frantic calls coming from Patna asking us to reach immediately. The meeting was fixed at 17.00 hours, but by the time we were nearing Patna, it was  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 place 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. The train has started moving slowly. One comrade  who was behind me told not to get down, but go to Patna and come back. But I was not in a mood to be late for the meeting. Being winter, the light was dim outside. Anyhow, I jumped  down 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 understood 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 but I got  a clear warning against jumping from a moving train.

I am not an expert in reaching the station late, getting in to the wrong train / compartment etc as some of my comrades. I always try to be careful. But still  made mistakes several times and got in to the wrong train in my anxiety to somehow catch the train. But never expected that of boarding a wrong flight. But that is what happened during my return journey from Nepal in December 2003.

I had earlier posted a write-up regarding my journey to Bharatpur, in Nepal in March 2003, the trouble in the train on way to Nepal border. This time, I travelled from Gorakhpur along with Com.K.M.Thripati to border town Birganj via Sitamarhi and same difficulties. It was on 4th December 2003. Crossed to Nepal in a cycle riksha. TEAN comrades were waiting on the Nepal side of the town. Took us to Janakpur where the two day TEAN conference will be held.

Janakpur is the place, according to the Nepalese belief, child Sita was found in the rice-field by King Janaka who brought up her as his daughter. There is a place nearby where a piece of the broken bow is said to have fallen when Sri Rama accepted the challenge for the marriage of Sita and took the Parasurama bow and bent it. We visited these places.

The Conference was held in a systematic way as usual. There was a procession with all the employees in uniform which was spectacular. Two days conference on 5th  and 6th December 2003. On the first day itself I addressed the inaugural session. Com. Madhav Kumar Nepal as well as the General Manager of the Nepal Communications addressed. Next day I had to return to Delhi as I was scheduled to leave for Chennai from Delhi on 6th by T.Nadu Express starting at 22.30 hours to attend the CITU All India Conference as a fraternal delegate. Com.KDM Tripathi will continue for  the second day.

I requested TEAN comrades to arrange for a bus or van to go to Kathmandu to catch the flight to Delhi which was scheduled to leave at about 14.30 hours or so. They said it is better to go by flight from Janakpur to Kathmandu since there may be a lot of check up on the road due to Maoist problem and may not reach in time. The plan was to go to  Kathamandu by 10.00 flight and I was dropped at entrance to the airport. Since the Conference was in session,  I told them they can go back, I am OK.

Entered the airport. There was no check up or anything. The airport consisted of three four separate huts and a small airstrip. Not a single person was there in the whole area. I was alone. In front of the huts, sign boards were placed like ‘Rama Air’, ‘Sita Air’ and “Budha Air’. My ticket was for Budha Air. After half-an hour some passengers arrived as also airways’ officials. The officials told that the flight will come shortly. One flight came and went, but not mine. I was anxious as I had to reach at least two hours earlier before the Delhi flight as Kathmandu was an International Airport. Time passed on. No flight. In between, the GM Nepal Telecommunications also reached to return to Kathmandu. When I shared my anxiety, he assured me that as soon as we reach Kathmandu domestic airport, he will take me to the International Airport in his vehicle.

The plane reached at about 13.30 hours, later than the time I have to report at International Airport.  It was only a helicopter which can accommodate about 20 passengers. The helicopter landed, passengers got down, we entered and it was in the air. Took barely 15 minutes. It was flying low and we could see the beautiful landscapes, hills etc. Enjoyed very much. By about 30 minutes we were in Kathmandu. I took my bags, got down and rushed to the bus nearby which was empty. They told me it is not our bus, it was  only coming. I told them it is urgent and got in and told them to take me to the International side of the airport. They advised that I have to go out of the airport and then go to the International Airport and dropped me near the outside  gate.

I ran out to catch some vehicle for International Airport. It was December, very  cold and I had three bags with me including the gifts  and souvenirs presented by Nepal comrades. Many cars were going to the Int. Airport. Showed my hands, but not a single one stopped. I ran. It was less than a km and  reached there within no time.

Entered the Airport and went to the Indian Airlines checking counter. It was closed. An official nearby told the check-in is over. I requested him to speak to the pilot or concerned person and ensure my journey. He obliged. Somehow he agreed me to give the boarding pass. There is airport charge to be paid in another counter. I gave Rs. 500 note, but cashier told that changes are required as no Rs.500 Indian note is acceptable. Showed another counter where I can change the note in to Nepal currency. I changed the currency, paid the charge and got the boarding pass. I was told to rush to the entry.

Since an International Airport, even if Indian, you have to go through immigration.  I got in to the elevator rushed to the immigration counter where at least a dozen people were in the queue. I was in such a hurry, I bypassed the queue and reached the counter stating my flight is going to start. The British passenger who was first in the queue gave way but smilingly said that ‘since you have got the boarding pass, the flight can not go without you’. I was not very sure. I again ran to the boarding gate which was some distance away.

A lady official of IA, who was at the entrance checked my boarding pass and hurriedly took me to a nearby IA plane. All my bags were opened and checked on the steps to the plane. At last I got in, but no seat for me in the economic class, every  seat occupied. The Air Hostess graciously allotted a seat in the Executive class. I took my coat, cap etc. hung them on the hanger and sat. Despite December cold, I was sweating. At last I have boarded the flight so that I can reach Delhi in time.

The ordeal was not over. The flight did not take off. A young IA official boarded the plane and was shouting whether VAN Namboodiri is in the plane. I stood up. He told that this is not not my flight, my flight is waiting for departure nearby. He helped me in taking the bags and we were out. We got in to a nearby plane, but before that once again all the bags were opened and checked.

The flight started. I was in a window seat and enjoyed the scenery out side relaxing. I asked the Air hostess how I got in to the wrong flight. She told that due to heavy rush, two flights with almost the same number were there at the same time and hence the confusion. I reached Delhi at about 1700 hours caught my flight to Chennai and was off.

The NFPE Federal Council was scheduled to be held at Cannanore from 15th to 18th May 1995. Coms. N.J.Iyer President, K.Adinarayana, Secretary General and many other leaders will attend. I was an invitee. An opportunity to visit my family at Calicut.

Started from Delhi on 7th May by the Mangala Express. Could not get reservation. In waiting list. Boarded in a 3 tier sleeper with  hope of getting reservation on the way. A family including their smart little daughter going to Mangalore also in the same compartment. Got acquainted. The girl was very intelligent and was teaching me the names of the flowers etc in English when  passing through the forests of North India. We spoke in English only. Her name was Fiona.

When every body was preparing to sleep. I spread a sheet on the floor to sleep. The girl told her mother that she will sleep with her and her berth can be given to ‘uncle’. I thanked her for the berth and went to sleep.

Our train stopped at Jolarpet for hours together. A serious accident. A goods train clashing with the Madras – Kanyakumari Nallai Express. It was told that 60 people died on the spot and many more seriously injured. By the time  train reached Salem it was 24 hours late. Reached Calicut at about 11.00 hours on 16th May, late by  one full day.

My programme for the Federal Council was on 16th. No time to get down at Calicut to go home, take bath etc. Extended ticket up to Cannanore. Participated in NFPE council and addressed.

Along with Com.P.V.Chandrasekharan, Circle Secretary, E.III Union Kerala, who was there, visited Com. E.P.Jayarajan ( presently Minister in Kerala govt) who was under treatment at  home, shot by goondas while returning by train from a party meeting at Vijayawada.

I returned to Calicut in the evening. Fiona and family became our family friends. Her marriage  was celebrated two years back at Mangalore which I was  fortunate to participate. Both of us were extremely happy as also her parents Mr. and Mrs Cyril Crasta. Later happily I found out that Mrs. Flora Crasta belongs to Logo family whose one senior member was the Convener of the P and T Co-ordinating Committee of Mangalore for a long time.

Train journey from Calicut was first through Madras only. Then through Jolarpet touching Vijayawada, Itarsi, Jhansi, Agra etc. A regular point where I got down was Itarsi junction. One or two comrades will be waiting there, near the place where my compartment will stop. I will be standing at the door with a package which will be handed over to them. Since the train will stop a few minutes, we will have tea, discuss union matters. Signals on, I get in to train.

The package was two dozens of Coaltar (carbolic) Soaps manufactured by the Kerala Soaps and Oils Ltd, the state owned soap company with HQ at Calicut. It was intended for Com. S.R.Nayak, Asst. General Secretary and Circle Secretary of AITE Union Class III, M.P.Circle, who was staying at Jabalpur. He was the comrade, who fought against the revisionists and built up a strong base for the progressives in M.P. His struggle in the union for correct policies is an epic itself.

Why Coaltar Soaps for Nayak? He was one of AGS of E-III elected at Bhopal AIC in 1991, in which I was elected as President and started staying along with Com. Moni Bose, GS. Com. Nayak as AGS used to come at CHQ now and then and help in the work. Later, other AGSs like Com.M.N.Reddy, P.Abhimanyu, P.Asoka Babu, P.Appaji, Debashish Dutta Gupta and many other senior comrades had been at HQrs helping in the union functioning. It is to be mentioned here that all of them came taking their own earned leave and spending all expenses from their own pocket. Union could not bear the expenses being in difficult financial position. No fund was handed over by the defeated leadership. For me, their presence was helpful in more than one way. I am a poor cook and depended mostly on hotels. Breakfast will be from a nearby small tea shop with four pieces of bread with heavily coated butter. Lunch from nearby dhaba, mostly Chole Batture, very tasty but full of oil. Both were not good for me, but somehow managed. Sometimes when I get time, I will cook rice, vegetables, chilly, etc all put together in the cooker, boil it and eat with curd and salt. Not very tasty, but good for health. When our comrades will be there, they will prepare tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner. Com. Abhimanyu used to make excellent tasty food.

Com. Nayak was in Delhi during his turn at HQrs during the 1990s. He had forgotten to bring bathing soap. I had additional coal tar soap of Kerala Soaps and I gave it to him. After some days he confided to me that he is feeling better after using the soap. He was suffering from actute psoriatic arthritis which will cause much itching, swelling of joints,damage to nails etc. After using the soap,the pain was reduced and feeling better. From then on whenever, I return from Calicut, I used to bring the soaps for him which will be collected at Itarsi by his comrades.

In between, Kerala Soaps and Oils Ltd. was closed due to loss. I used to purchase the soaps from Factory itself, which was near my house at Vellayil. Since it was closed, I went to the shops and purchased. Then again I started to go to many shops to purchase whatever they got. At last I again went to the factory, with help of some union comrade, collected whatever old dry soaps were there. That was the last time I could supply the soaps to Com. Nayak. I spoke to Com. Suseela Gopalan, State Minister, who assured that every effort is being made to reopen the factory.

In between I took to Nayak some coaltar soaps from a Mangalore factory, but it did not clinch. The ingredients may be different. On way to Cuba to attend WFTU Conference, we delegates from India had a stop at Jordan for one day. I bought soaps and creams made from the mud and waters of Dead Sea which is world famous for skin diseases. I gave them to Com. Nayak, but they also were not beneficial. My journey to Calicut also reduced after my wife came to Delhi after retirement.

Com.Nayak passed away on 8th August 2013 at AIIMS at New Delhi after aggravation of the disease. His sacrifice to the union can not be overestimated.

Kerala P and T Joint Circle Conference was going to be held at Kollam on 13 -16 of May 1992. I had to attend. Chennai comrades wanted me to cover Chennai on the way and to attend some meetings. Hence started from New Delhi at 22.30 hours on 7th May  by T.Nadu Express along with  Com.K.M.Pillai. Some CITU books given by Com. E.Balanandan to be delivered to Kerala. I spent time reading a Sherlock Holmes purchased from Railway Station.

Unfortunately there was a serious  accident on Uppal – Warangal route, before our train reached Warangal. All trains were delayed for many hours. Food supply affected. No food in the night. The train which was to reach at Madras in the morning, reached there by 22.30 on 9th, delayed by 10 hours.

Com. J.Renganathan, Federal Councillor, C.K.Narasimhan, Hariharan and other leaders were waiting at the station. They were disappointed. All the three meetings and receptions arranged in Madras, expecting that we will reach there in the morning had to be cancelled. What to do!

Of course, we had discussion next day morning in which Coms. A.K.Saramma, All India vice-President, JR, and others participated. They came to the station and  gave a warm send off to us. I boarded the West Coast Express at 12.00 hours and started for Calicut. No reservation, but  RMS comrades in the station ensured that I get a comfortable seat in  the ordinary compartment.

I could anyway attend the Kerala Circle Conference.