MY LIFE AND STRUGGLES -23

QUILON CIRCLE CONFERENCE AND LOCAL STRUGGLES

Joint Circle Conference of P and T Unions held at Quilon (Kollam) in 1966 took many welcome decisions. There was change in office-bearers and radical change in how to settle problems. Com.N.P.Padmanabhan (Pappettan) was elected as Circle Secretary of Postal Class III Union. He was elected as Convenor of P and T Co-ordinating Committee also.Though Kerala P and T Circle was formed in 1961 and five years have passed, many urgent problems of the services as well as staff remained unattended by authorities, despite taking up by unions. Quilon Conference took decision to organise local struggles to settle local problems. This resulted in a series of local struggles all over the circle, in all arms of services. I am mentioning only about a few such struggles, which I was directly involved. (Com.P.V.Chandrasekharan, former Circle Secretary, E.III Union, Kerala in his book ‘P and T Trade Union Movement in Kerala’ has explained in detail about these many struggles, circle wise).

Kalpetta Trunk Board Agitation

Year 1967. After applying for telephone, people had to wait for months and years to get connection. It was difficult to get trunk calls quickly due to shortage of lines and equipment including switch boards. Kalpetta was the major exchange in Wynad hill ranges. Much delay in getting trunk calls, due to old T-32 Trunk Boards. Installation of improved T-43 boards was required. Divisional union took up the case. After much delay, three such boards were received at Kalpetta from Calcutta P and T Workshop (Telecom Factory). Union took up case for speedy installation of new boards.However, due to political and top level pressure, there was move to shift the new boards from Kalpetta to another exchange. Union intervened.

One day, Com.P.K.Sahasranamam, Branch Secretary of Union at Kapletta, contacted me and told that Sub-Divisional Officer, Telegraphs, has started from Calicut with some mazdoors in a vehicle to shift the trunk boards from there. I immediately proceeded to Kalpetta in bus.Tense situation prevailed in front of telephone exchange. As per SDO’s instructions, one T-43 Trunk Board has already been put in the vehicle. Second board was being carried to the vehicle. Entire telephone staff was outside exchange waiting for my arrival. Large numbers of local people, including subscribers have gathered. They were also agitated, as they understood that the board brought for Kalpetta was being taken away. No time to waste. I told SDO to stop shifting the boards. But he did not agree. I told our comrades to physically stop the shifting. Comrade Sahasranamam, P.R.Narayanan, P.M.Thomas and other workers blocked the mazdoors shifting boards. Local people, gathered in hundreds were in support and started shouting slogans against department officers. There was no other go for SDO. The board in the vehicle and another one being brought to the vehicle were returned to exchange room. People hailed and supported us raising slogans. SDO gave assurance that boards will not be shifted from Kalpetta. A confrontation was thus avoided. Success of the workers!

Agitation against termination from service

Com. Chandramathi, Telephone Operator, Calicut was terminated from service on 12th December 1966 under Rule 5(1) of Temporary Service Rules. She was attending duty when the order was handed over. She stood motionless and speechless. Colleagues were shocked at this unexpected development.

At that period, police verification was compulsory before any person was appointed in Central Services. It was mainly intended to deny job to those who were Communists or who were having any connection with communists; a legacy of British rule. Any adverse report will result in denial of job. After appointment, second verification also. In this case, it seems that the second verification stated that her father was a Communist. Hence the termination orders. No show cause notice. Such termination after appointment had taken place earlier also.

This injustice could not be allowed. As per decision of the union, Com.Chandramathi started indefinite dharna in front of the exchange. The entire staff supported and the dharna pandal was always full. Massive support was received from Unions of Central – State employees as also from other trade unions. Kerala P and T Unions also organised agitational programmes.

Com. A.K.Gopalan, M.P. brought the issue to the notice of central government and demanded reinstatement. CHQ, E.III Union raised the matter with department. Newspapers gave wide coverage to the agitation. This agitation exposed the political vendetta of the government.

At last, Department was compelled to issue orders reinstating Com. Chandramathi back in service. She joined duty on 21st August 1967 after long 8 months of continuous agitation. It was a big success. This was one very rare case where an employee terminated due to adverse police verification was reinstated.

Baliapattam Agitation

One day in April 1968, a subscriber of Baliapattam (Valapattanam) trespassed to telephone exchange, shouted at, abused and manhandled telephone operator on duty Com.K.S.George. It was a small exchange and he was alone on duty. Reason for the outburst seemed to be some delay in answering a local call, due to extreme busy period. This subscriber has abused operators over phone earlier also.Union immediately took up the case and demanded higher officers to take action against the erring subscriber. But neither a complaint to the police was neither filed, nor any other action taken. Under the circumstances, union gave a call to the staff to boycott the particular subscriber, meaning that no outward or inward call of the subscriber will be attended. Since it was CB exchange, he could neither make nor receive any call. The Merchants Association made complaint to Departmental authorities.

Divisional Engineer Shri K.S.Thomas came from Calicut to Baliapattam and discussed the matter with the Union representatives, but no settlement was reached due to the adamant attitude of the DET. Situation became tense and DE left the place in a hurry; In fact, he ran away afraid of being gheraoed and fell down.

Charge sheets under Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules were issued to Coms. K.Sreedharan, Divisional Secretary, P.V.Chandrasekharan, Branch Secretary, P.V.Unnikrishnan and some others on the charge that DET was gheraoed and obstructed from leaving the place. Certainly this was a well-planned attack on union and its leaders.

I was in Medical College Hospital under treatment. Hearing what happened at Baliapattam, I got discharge and returned. As Divisional President of the Union, discussed with all comrades. It was decided that serious agitation should take place against unjustified charge sheets and proposed disciplinary actions. Circle unions intervened. Dharnas, demonstrations and one day strike was organised against the victimisation. The strike was a grand success. Even the Steno, driver and peon of the DE participated to his utter shock. During all this period, boycott of the subscriber continued. This was a good lesson for those who were shouting and abusing the operators.

During discussions at all India level between union leaders and department, agreement was reached and disciplinary actions, except break-in- service were dropped. Union agreed to restore normalcy. (To be continued).

Kerala LDF Government, during its 4.5 years rule has increased social security Pension and Vayojana Pension from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1,400 till December 2020 and delivers the pension in their homes. Now government has declared that the pension will be increased to Rs. 1,600 from January 2021 onwards. Congratulations and thanks to the Kerala Government!

CIRCLE, ALL INDIA CONFERENCES

The first Divisional Secretary of newly formed Calicut Telegraph Division was Com.N.Madhavan Kutty (founder General secretary of CGPA, Trichur, Kerala), followed by Com.K.Bhaskaran Nair. In the Divisional Conference held in 1965, I was elected as DS.Fourth Conference of Circle Co-ordinating Committee of P and T Unions (NFPTE) Kerala was decided to be held at Calicut. A Reception Committee with Corporation Mayor Shri Bavootty Haji as Chairman, S/Shri S.K.Pottekkat, M.P., C.H.Mohammed Koya M.P., N.V.Krishna Varier (Mathrubhoomi), Adv. P.K.Kunhirama Poduval, P.Kuttikrishnan Nair (later Mayor of Calicut), Theruvath Raman (Pradeepam) and other important personalities as Vice-Chairmen, Com.K.Bhaskaran Nair as General Convener and me as Financial Convener was formed in a largely attended meeting.

Since contributions from low paid employees will not be sufficient, public collections were also made through advertisements and donations. Since businessmen, merchants fully depended upon P and T for their communication services, willingly donated and gave advertisements to Souvenir being published.

Circle Conference was held on 21-23 May 1965. The delegates’ session in Dalvi Nagar (Town Hall), in memory of the first President of NFPTE, who passed away recently and Open Session in ‘Com. Madhavan Nair Nagar’ (B.T.College), in memory of the Divisional secretary RMS Ernakulam, who committed suicide unable to tolerate continued harassment and victimisation by higher officers.

Circle Conference was inaugurated by Central Dy. Minister Shri Bhagavathi. All India leaders of NFPTE, D.Gnaniah, O.P.Gupta, K.G.Bose and others were present; 343 delegates and 56 visitors from 126 Branches participated. Difference in approach between revisionist leadership led by O.P.Gupta and progressive leadership led by K.G.Bose was very clear from their speeches. Kerala in large majority supported progressive line.In this conference, I was elected as Circle Organising Secretary of E.III Union. Earlier Asst. Circle Secretary. Change was required as I have become Divisional Secretary.

All India Conferences of E-III Union

Participated in All India conference of Telegraph Engineering Union Class III at Indore, capital of M.P., held on 10-16 January 1965.Next AIC was held at Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh, from 16thto 21st March 1966. Com.K.Bhaskaran Nair and I attended as delegates from Calicut. Others from Kerala Circle included Coms. M.C.Ayyappakutty, Circle Secretary, K.Ayyappan, P.A.Anirudhan and M.R.Chandran. In both these conferences, there was serious discussion about the policy to be adopted, struggles to be organised etc. Com.K.G.Bose, Ananta Bhattacharjee and others forcefully argued for struggles for achievement of demands. I spoke on certain problems faced by employees.

Kerala delegates decided to return via Agra so that world famous Taj Mahal can be visited. Tickets were not reserved and hence could travel by any train in ordinary compartment. Lucknow to Agra is an overnight journey. We reached Lucknow station waiting to board first train to Agra or going via Agra.No reservation in train. Heavy rush. Winter not being over, all were having hold-all packs, as was the system at that time with the dresses, books etc.bundled in them. To get in train with all these hold-alls was difficult as there was heavy rush. Windows had no bars or glasses, so that one can even jump through it. Others rushed through the door; I was asked, as the youngest, to put luggages inside through window and then get in through door. By the time I put the entire luggage, train started. I could not get in to the compartment. However, I got in the next and last compartment where there was no rush. Train gained speed.

When looked for a seat, I was dumb-founded. It was Ladies Compartment. A good number of young nurses were sitting. An elder sister came to me and asked in Malayalam whether I am from Kerala; I nodded. She told me not to worry and that she is returning from Lucknow after taking the students to appear in the Nurse’s examination. She is the Supt of Nursing School at Agra and by morning train will reach there. I was allowed to sit.After a few hours, train slowed, then stopped. No station to be seen. Pitch dark. It seemed that there was some work going on in the railway tracks. I was standing at the door and looking out. The Nursing Superintendent came and stood near me. All of a sudden, the train jerked and purse in her hand fell down. I got down carefully, but since purse was inside tracks it was dangerous to bend down and pick it up. I told her that I will take it after last compartment passes and get up with same, before train gains speed. She also got down, probably afraid that I may slip away after purse is taken from tracks. Train started moving, I picked up purse, gave it to her. But unfortunately, she was unable to climb up steps in the moving train. Both of us were stranded there in the dark night.

We were completely shocked and frightened. We saw a dim light and went towards it. Fortunately there was a very small Railway Station with an Asst. Station Master with a small kerosene lantern sitting in his room. We requested him to allow us to sit there. He said that last train has departed, he is closing and going home and advised us to go outside, where there are jutkas and they will take us to Agra, by road which is only 5-6 miles from there. In the cold dark night with warm clothes and big turbans, the jutka wallahs seemed like dacoits of Hindi films. My companion was brave, she knew Hindi well, spoke with them and we got in the jutka.The horse trotted with speed and we reached outside of Agra Railway station by about 6.00 am. Could see our comrades sitting there, probably discussing about what happened to me since they did not see me getting in to compartment. They were happy, I was happy. I said thanks to the Nursing Superintendent and joined with my comrades. Of course, we visited Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. It was a pleasant experience to visit one of the seven wonders of the world. Returned to Kerala by next train (To be continued).Photoes (1) N.V.Krishna Warrier (2) S.K.Pottekkat (3) K.G.Bose

19th December 2020 is the 19th death anniversary of Com. Suseela Gopalan, former M.P. and CPI(M) leader, who was very close to the P and T trade union movement. She was life partner of Com.A.K.Gopalan, PBM CPI(M) and mass leader.

Com. Suseela Gopalan, even before she married legendary CPI(M)leader Com. A.K.Gopalan, was in the party. She was a real companion to Com. AKG both as his wife and in the Party. She was the Founder President of All India Democratic Womens’ Association (AIDWA), which now has grown in to a strong mass movement of women. She has been elected to the Kerala Assembly and was a Minister in the LDF government.  She was in the Parliament and took up the issues of the workers and the people effectively.

While she was at Delhi as Member of Parliament, I had the occasion to meet her several times to take up cases of central Government employees and specially of the P and T workers. She took these cases sincerely and effectively. She was Chairperson of the Kerala Circle P and T Co-ordinating Committee for some time and gave guidance and direction to the workers.

She inaugurated a dharna in front of Sanchar Bhawan in restricted area despite threat of arrest. Just like Com.AKG, she dared the police to arrest her. She left only after the dharna was over to ensure that we are not arrested after she leaves. She was available to the workers at any time of crisis. Whenever visited her official M.P. quarters at 20, Janpath, Delhi she never allowed to leave without offering a cup of tea. She was always a source of strength to all of us.

During my stay at Calicut in Kerala, many times when Coms.AKG and Suseela came to the city, I used to go to the Railway Station to receive them and take them to the  residence of Advocate P.K.Poduval, where they stayed. They addressed many of the P and T union meetings and conferences.

On her 19th death anniversary, I respectfully pay homage to Com. Suseela Gopalan and remember the great service she had done to the common people and specially to the P and T workers.

A bunch of Red Roses to the inspiring memory of Com. Suseela Gopalan !

CALICUT – A HISTORIC CITY

It so happened that I reached Kozhikode Trunk Exchange to report for duty on 15th August 1964, after availing eligible transit period on transfer. When submitted joining report, the LSG Monitor ie. Supervisor, told me to join next day, that day being Independence Day. Why a particular date for reporting in an exchange working 24 hours / 365 days? Then it flashed in my mind. Independence Day (15th August) was one of the three national holidays available to the operative staff, for working on which day, either compensatory off on another day has to be given or pay overtime allowance. There was no other holiday for operative staff. The supervisor wanted to deny the compensatory off / OTA to me. I was not prepared accept this injustice.
Told the supervisor that I did not come in my interest but was transferred in the interest of service and if not allowed to join, problems will arise. Supervisor phoned Assistant Engineer, Trunks. Was allowed to join immediately. I could understand what has happened. AE did not want to invite trouble.

I stayed with my eldest brother Prof. V.A.Kesavn Namboodiri who was working in St.Joseph College, Devagiri. Later, for better convenience of attending shift duties etc., shifted to P & T Lodge, where many of my colleagues were staying and which was nearer to exchange.

Calicut, formerly capital of Malabar District, was a growing city. A city with a glorious past. Ships with merchants and tourists came from China, Persia, Arabia and other ancient cities in the past. Famous for hill products like pepper, ginger etc. Vasco de Gama reached Kappad, near Calicut in 1498 and the European connection started. The area was ruled by Zamorin’s kingdom. Gujaratis came for business. ‘Gujarati Street’ still exists. Kallai Timber Yard was world famous. Spinning Mills, tile factories and other industrial establishments existed. There were and still are a number of famous Temples, Mosques and Churches. Nearby Beypore was a busy port.

Many newspapers, weeklies including “Mathrubhoomi”, “Deshabhimani” “Manorama” “Chandrika” being published from Calicut. Well known writers, authors, drama writers, artists made Calicut their centre. S/Shri S.K.Pottekkat, K.T.Muhammed, P.C.Kutikrishnan, Vaikkom Muhammed Basheer, M.T.Vasudevan Nair – a few among them. A centre of cultural activities.

The beach on the side of the Arabian Sea is wide and stretch for miles with full of people enjoying breeze and beautiful scenery. Valiyangadi is the whole sale market for rice, provisions and hill products. S.M.Street, the main market, is in the centre of town. Telephone Exchange is near Mudalakkulam Maidan, where public meetings are held often. On the front side of the exchange is Mananchira Maidan where foot ball etc. are played. Mananchira tank nearby. German constructed Common Wealth Factory is there. Head Post Office was functioning in a building near S.M.Street. Telegraph Office near the beach.The first telephone exchange was in the compound of the old collectorate. Collectorate compound and building were sold to LIC which constructed a multi-storied building. The old heritage collectorate building should have been maintained as tourist attraction. A very small, but solidly constructed old telephone exchange existed on one side of the compound covered by trees and bushes. That also was demolished later.

Town Hall was the main centre for holding important public meetings. Calicut Railway station is one of the busiest in Kerala. The Government Medical College opened during 1957 Com. E.M.S. Ministry is about 7 kilo metres from the town. Mavoor Gwalior Rayons employed a large number of workers, but later went out of business. Many hotels and restaurants are open day and night providing tasty food. By the time I came to Calicut it was already upgraded to a Corporation. Trade Union organisations are strong and militant.

There is so much to write about Calicut, but I am restricting myself only stating that Calicut is a very friendly city. Calicut is now Kozhikode, with its original name restored officially.

Since August 1964, my official work and union activities were centred in this vibrant city. (to be continued).

LOCAL STRUGGLE AT KANNUR.

Telephone operators had to wear headsets, just like flight pilots, for speaking and hearing while on duty. It was not the small and convenient type that is used at present. The left ear will be completely covered by the copper plated set. For speaking, another heavy plastic instrument will be hung in the neck with a mouth piece. One has to have both sets fitted during entire duty time. It was very inconvenient, but no other way. By time of retirement from service, most officials will have hearing problems.

Due to hygienic and other reasons, each official should be provided with individual head gear sets and lockers to keep it. But due to shortage of head gear sets, same were supplied only to the extent of number of switch boards. Operator when leaving board will thoroughly clean and wipe the set with Dettol and cotton before handing over to the incoming operator. Operators will change, but the same set will be used for 24 hours. It was unhealthy and against rules, but could not be helped due to shortage.
One evening, Dettol and cotton supplied in switch room was finished. Engineering Supervisor, who was in charge, was informed asking for fresh supply. Though assured, it was not supplied in the evening or next day morning.

Morning shift staff, whose duty starts at 07.00 hours, was in difficulty as headsets could not be used without cleaning. Sets used by other operators for 7 hours could not be used by another official. Bad smell and dirty. I was also on 07.00 hours duty. Immediately called ESP, who was not serious, replied irresponsibly that it will be supplied by 10.00 hours when he reaches office. As Branch Secretary of the Union, I told him that unless Dettol etc. are supplied, no one will perform duty. 07.00, 08.00 and 09.00 hours shift duty operators came and all sat there without working. We could see many local numbers calling as also calls from other exchanges.
Contacted Sub-Divisional Officer, Kozhikode and reported the situation. He immediately asked me to connect ESP and fired him. Within minutes, ESP reached Exchange, supplied Dettol and work started.

A district headquarters exchange like Kannur being inaccessible for completely more than two hours was a serious issue. Newspapers flashed about strike, caused due to non-supply of Dettol and cotton. Administration was ridiculed and blamed. Higher authorities became irritated and angry. They will never admit their mistakes, but will put responsibility on their subordinates.Divisional Engineer, Kozhikode, issued charge sheets to all the duty operators under Rule-14 of CCS (CCA) Rules, under which, punishments including dismissal could be imposed. Most of the operators were ladies and very juniors. They were in panic about losing their jobs. Divisional Engineer Shri N.Hariharan reached Kannur for preliminary enquiry. I met him and tried to explain what had happened. He was not even prepared to hear me. He threatened with severe punishments.

It was at this time that the All India Conference of All India Telegraph Engineering Class III Union was held at Thiruvananthapuram on 18-24 December 1963. Attended as delegate. Met Com.O.P.Gupta, General Secretary, explained the issue and sought intervention. He was not serious. He simply asked why you have gone on strike on such a trivial issue. Then I met Com.K.G.Bose, a senior leader, who was Circle Secretary, W.Bengal and All India President of Postal Class III Union and explained the problem. He assured that he will raise the issue with higher authorities.

Open session was presided over by Com.D.Gnaniah, Secretary General, NFPTE and inaugurated by Kerala Assembly Speaker Shri Alexander Parambithara. P&T Board Member Shri Sen Gupta, Director of P & T Shri Mahadeva Iyer and other top officers were present. While addressing, K.G.Bose raised the issue and asked Shri Sen Gupta, how charge sheets are being issued for the faults of administration and demanded withdrawal of the same. Shri Sen Gupta during his speech looked at K.G.Bose and assured that, if any charge sheets have been issued in this matter, it will be dropped. My relief was great, hearing the assurance. I also understood the difference between approaches of O.P. Gupta and K.G.Bose. I thanked Bose personally after the meeting. I could also understand the policy differences between the two leaders. I whole heartedly supported stand of Bose and became an ardent follower. In later years, the bond strengthened.

Two days after reaching Kannur, Union Divisional Secretary Com.K.Bhaskaran Nair, called me asking to reach Calicut for a meeting with DET. When we met him, DET Shri Hariharan, told me that he had a re-thinking on the charge sheets and is prepared to reduce the punishment, if all the officials submit apologies. I refused blankly, having the assurance of P&T Board Member in my mind. Another round of discussion. On advice of Bhaskaran Nair, agreed to submit a letter of regret by Branch Union for the incidence. With that, charge sheets were dropped. All were happy. A big success for union.

Thrissur Circle ConferenceJoint Circle conference of NFPTE Unions, Kerala was held at Thrissur on 15-18 May 1964. Com.M.C.Ayyappakutty, then Divisional Secretary, Thrissur was elected as Circle Secretary and me as Asst. Circle Secretary. Ayyappakutty requested for transfer to Thiruvananthapuram to work at HQs, but was not granted by DPT, due to strained relations between administration and union. He had no earned leave at credit. I was asked to proceed to HQs and take over charge from outgoing Circle Secretary, Com.A.K.Koshy. I took earned leave and joined Circle HQs. Stayed in P & T House. Com.V.K.Syed Mohammed, Convener, P&T Co-ordinating Committee, with family was staying there. Many times Mrs. Syed provided me dinner (rice porridge), when I could not get food being late and hotels closed early. Within two months, Ayyappakutty got transfer to Thiruvananthapuram. I returned to Kannur.

Though charge sheets were dropped, DET did not stop there. He issued an order transferring me to Kozhikode, where I was not posted earlier on mutual transfer, as it was a feminised exchange. I knew that transfer was to harass me. It was a period, when all transfers were kept in abeyance due to internal Emergency in connection with border disputes with China and Pakistan.I appealed against transfer to DPT Kerala and then to Director General P&T, New Delhi. Central Head Quarters of the Union also took up the case against the transfer of Branch Secretary. Reply was received that the transfer is in the interest of service and cannot be cancelled. On advise of the Circle Union, decided to join at Kozhikode. (To be continued).

CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE CONFERENCE KANNUR

Consequent to formation at Circle level, Co-ordinating Committee of P & T Unions was formed at Kannur with Com.T.M.Janardhanan (Janu Master) as Chairman and me as Convener. In fact, I, a junior worker, was compelled to take the responsibility. It was decided to organise its anniversary on 5th April 1964 in a big way with participation of important personalities including ‘Mathrubhoomi’ Chief Editor and freedom fighter Shri.K.P.Kesava Menon. I was entrusted to go to Kozhikode and invite him personally.

Met Shri Kesava Menon at Mathrubhoomi office and requested him to inaugurate our conference. He agreed with two conditions. One, to arrange a car for journey from Kozhikode to Kannur and return; two, rest and food to be arranged at Rest House, Kannur. Agreed both. Travel by car was rare. Even celebrated advocates in Kozhikode used to go to Court  either in judka (carriage pulled by horse)) or in hand pulled riksha. Then he told that since car is being arranged, better invite well known lawyer and good speaker Advocate S.K.Kader (later Kerala High Court Judge) also to Conference so that both can come together. Met Advocate Kader and invited. Invited Com. Manjunath Rao, First Mayor of Kozhikode Municipal Corporation. Com.P.R.Kurup of Panoor, leader of Socialist Party (later Kerala Minister) was also invited.

Kesava Menon has suggested that a prayer will be suitable before start of conference. Accordingly, Janu Master arranged two girls from nearby Girls High School through Head Mistress and brought them to the conference.

Hundreds of people were present at Town Hall, even before conference started. Popular leaders were addressing. The celebrities were invited to the stage. Janu Master gave the signal to start the function. As Convenor, I started my written welcome speech, including main issues of the P & T Workers, which was prepared earlier in consultation with him. I mentioned abut the lack of space in the various P & T offices, staff shortage and other relevant issues. Requested Ad. S.K.Kader to preside over the function.

Janu Master was signalling to me frantically. I could not understand. The moment I came near him after welcome speech, he pulled me to back stage. ”How could you start the meeting without Prayer? What we should do now?” He was very angry. The two young girls, who were sisters, were almost on the verge of crying. I suggested that we will light the lamp with the girls nearby and take photo in a pose as if they are singing prayer. This was done. They were given tea and sweets and taken back to their home. Still, I had to face the anger of Janu Master for a few days more.

All leaders gave excellent speeches. Kesava Menon spoke about the need to increase efficiency. Relations between the workers and the public have to be improved, stated Ad.  Kader. Manjunath Rao said that the government should be a model employer and the justified demands of the workers have to be settled. P.R.Kurup asked the workers to organise better. Com.N.P.Padmanabhan, Convener, Circle Co-ordinating Committee, explained the demands of the workers and how services can be improved. Com.K.C.Bhaskaran, Divisional Secretary, Postal Class III Union proposed vote of thanks to all.  All speeches were very educative. People appreciated. Leaders were also happy seeing the overflowing audience, who were hearing with rapt attention.

A well-attended procession was organised from Head Post Office to Town Hall. A drama was staged after the session. The programme was a complete success.

Though that was the first time I met Kesava Menon, later while working at Kozhikode, had the opportunity to meet him several times, for one reason or other. Once it was for requesting him to allow the Thunchath Ezhuthachan Smaraka Auditorium at Tirur, to be allotted on rent for marriage of Com.Ravindranath, Tirur exchange. He told that he is no more President of the committee; Shri S.K.Pottekkat was the new President. I met the great novelist and story writer and former M.P. at his residence and requested. He was happy that such a request was received and allowed the same. The marriage was solemnized on21st August 1971. That was the first time that the Auditorium was allowed for marriage purpose. Another time when I went, Kesava Menon was taking lunch. He invited me to lunch. Sufficient food and curries were there, but told that I will go home and take lunch. He was a person who enjoyed food and also wanted others to have good food. Shri Gangadhran, his driver for a long time, told me once that after reaching destination,  Kesava Menon always used to remind the host to ensure food and rest to the driver.

Fire in Congress Office

As stated earlier, I used to visit Shree Sundareswara Temple, Talap, in the evening to hear the Gita discourses of Swami Chinmayanada. Sometimes, I will sleep in  temple compound where one can enjoy cool breeze coming from the paddy field expanse. Will take bath in temple tank in morning and return to lodge. Shanthi of the temple was a friend and there was no problem.

One night while sleeping there, heard some noise and woke up. Past midnight. Congress party office in front of temple in  middle of paddy field was in flames. It was a small thatched room. Immediately ran to  nearest phone, which was at the residence of Mr. Samuel Aaron, well known industrialist. Hearing barking of the many dogs kept in his house, he came out and allowed me to contact Fire Service. After sometime, Fire Service team reached the spot. By the time, except the low stone walls, everything was swallowed by fire. When enquired, told them that I was the person who informed. I felt as a celebrity among people there.

At about noon next day, while on duty, supervisor told me that there was a call asking me  to report to local Police Station. Went there. Sub Inspector asked me whether, it was me who phoned Fire service. When I confirmed, he questioned me why I have put fire to the Congress office?  I was bewildered. I had tried to help and I was being charged with an unsuspected offence.

Seeing my confusion, S.I. said with a mischievous smile that they usually charge the person who was first to the crime scene. However, he added that ‘since you are a central government employee, I am not charging case against you’. He also advised that in future avoid such troubles. Not good for government employees. I was relieved and returned to office. (To be continued). Photos (1) K.P.Kesava Menon (2) S.K.Pottekkat (3) Thunjan Smarakam

Air India Employees Plan To Take Over Air India ?

As per reports coming in, some Air India employees are planning to bid for Air India, by investing not more than Rs 100,000.As of now, there are 14,000 employees in Air India, and if all of them contribute Rs 100,000 each, then they can have a huge corpus.As per an internal note being circulated among employees, it’s stated that “…after successfully completing stage 1, we are planning our bid in such a way that no single employee will have to contribute more than Rs 1 lakh,” (Report in Trak.in).

A Welcome Development certainlyY.