In life, there are many times one has to accept change with a pinch of salt. One such change was about to come our way this month. After a career spanning some three and a half decades, my father was finally retiring from service at the top of his game. His last portfolio was that of the Finance Secretary to the Government of Sikkim.
Over the years, all of us have tried our best to emulate Dad. He has been the one person everyone in our family -- close ones and distant, have looked up to. A man known for his principles and work ethic, who never bent under pressure, neither took many day offs. So when thoughts of his retirement surfaced in my head, I knew it was something we had to accept sooner or later. When 30th August came around, I was under the impression that Dad had one more day before he gave his farewell speech. Later the same evening, he called me up and said "I've finished". It took me some five seconds to register what he had just said. Ofcourse the next day was a state holiday so ofcourse this would officially be his last day. What was I thinking! He went on to tell me about his farewell organized by the staff at the Finance Department and the gift he recieved. Hearing what his seniors and juniors alike had to say about him was heart warming really.
After my conversation with him, I got a call from my sister. Once we got chatting about Dad, I broke into tears. It was such a relief letting go and who better than your own sister consoling you. We spoke for a long time this once. She was more surprised than me since she assumed he had a good two years to go before retirement came knocking. The talk ended up making both of us feel better.
Watching Dad get ready in the morning, making me choose a tie and shirt combination, serving that morning lunch and seeing my folks off to work had become such a routine. It was hard to imagine life otherwise, which is why the tears, disbelief and the reluctance to accept this change. Today he mailed a copy of his farewell speech which made me smile. I want to share the same with you because I am afraid these meaningful words maybe lost with time which should not be the case for sure.
"As I stand here today, I wish I could sum up everything I want to say in a few words– but that is not possible, considering that there is so much to say in a service spanning thirty four years. But I do want to tell all of you just how much I have appreciated some of the things that have made my career special and rewarding. I have always felt that public service is a privileged service among other services. We work for the common good of the people, not for individual glory and gain. We are in essence a member of the team that is working for social and cultural upliftment, economic advancement of the common masses, improvement in socio-economic infrastructure and such others. But there have been times when I wondered - Are we living upto the faith and trust bestowed on us by the people to perform dedicated service in public interest? Are we justifying the salary we draw each month from the public exchequer? These and many such questions often troubled my mind and I am sure many of you also must be tormented by similar thoughts, now and then.
The truth is the governments function because there are dedicated bands of workers who go about doing their work without any expectation for rewards, recognition or incentives. These are the silent workers in the team who seek no fame or favour, either. They are the energisers and the engines of progress and change. It is from such selfless people I learned lessons in life which made me resolute in pursuing the right path without a thought for personal glory or gains. They inspired me to keep plodding and exposed me to myriad experiences which have all added colour to my life and made it meaningful and memorable. At this stage of my life I acknowledge their contribution and inspiration.
In February, 1978 I was a young engineer eager to make an entry to the hallowed portals of government service. That seems yesterday and here I am today standing in front of you as a retiring officer. This is life and all of us must go through the same exit and entry gates sooner or later. I came from a home of a villager in Kewzing and was fortunate enough to get the best of education, thanks to the scholarships offered by the then Government at that time. Government service has given me financial security and respect and the opportunity to work for the common good of the people of my State. I hope I have been able to live upto their expectations. My parents would have been proud to see their son retire as the Finance Secretary of the State, had they been alive, today. This can only happen in a form of government where each and everyone has equal opportunity to climb the ladder of success, if they persevere. I express my deep gratitude to the government of Sikkim and to all those who helped me along the way to reach this level of success in life.
I am grateful to the Chief Secretary and to all my colleagues in the Finance Department for being here and organising this function on the eve of my retirement. My special gratitude to the colleagues in the Finance Department for their support and friendship and making lots of efforts to educate me in Budgeting and Finance. I hope I did not disappoint you.
Finally, thank you for your kind words and good wishes and for the wonderful retirement gift. I shall remember this day with affection that it deserves. My good wishes to all of you. Thank you and good bye."
No comments:
Post a Comment