Our Mom Retired !!

Since 1972 I have been working in Mumbai and I retired from service on my 60th birthday, ie on September 12, 2012. These 40 years as a professional, lady with a career, female with dual responsibilities (home and at work), made me learn many things and face many challenges boldly. I am fortunate to have my daughters Priya and Preeta as my friends with whom I shared the humour and the concerns I faced daily. The travel in local train has become a nightmare no doubt, but I made some lovely friends along the way and learnt some new hobbies and languages too! I can vouch that I loved the working hours and travel-time very much.  

Here is a poem written by Preeta on behalf of my family, my children, their spouse, and their kids..... wishing me on the eve of my retirement! Aren't I lucky! - Shanta

Our Mom Retired !!
(after enjoying 40 years of working life!)

After a very long innings,
Today you retire
You'll be missed by many,
Your personality n work they admire

Ethics, efficiency, presence of mind,

Are some of the traits in you
For any problem, you'll find the solution
With steps as much as few...

Mentor, adviser, helper, supporter

Many roles you adorn
You loved your job, did it with zest
You were USIEF Mumbai's backbone!

Now it is time to rest, and
Let your hair loose
Do nothing, do something
Spend your time as you choose

As you retire today Mamma
Your children n grandchildren join the celebrations
We love you so much for so many reasons
To us and many, you are an inspiration!!

Have a fab retirement!
Love,
Priya, Preeta, Kartik, Nikhil, Prithvi, Ananya
12-September 2012 (Mom's 60th Birthday!)

(Penned by (Preeta Iyer)
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Shanta’s Farewell Poem at USIEF Mumbai – 11.09.2012

Dear all


USIEF Mumbai had planned my official farewell party on September 11 and our Executive Director Mr. Adam Grotsky had come from Delhi for the same. Like any other similar event, I knew that I will be called to make a speech, a response to the nice words that are normally said about the person then. I had lots to say, but the occasion did not warrant that. Also I was worried as to how much had to be said so that it was not long drawn .....(to bring out a yawn!) . When my turn came to address the colleagues who had gathered, I spoke for about 2-3 minutes and then read out the following poem.... Wish to share the same with you here. Please read on.... srk



Shanta’s Farewell Poem at USIEF Mumbai – 11.09.2012


In 1972 when my career blossomed
I was lucky to be trained and groomed

I had mentors - good friends who were ‘Educators’
Which confirmed, I was not doomed….

Dinoo Wadia taught me filing
Jennifer, how to communicate
From Quereshi, I learnt diplomacy
And from many - how to orate…

Dressing sense, from my family,
How to impress by your look
And follow up as a good human
Endear others by invisible hook…..

Age 60 might be really big
When it is seen in years
But 16 at heart is what I am
Even today - of life I have no fears

I loved the office I worked for
Be it now or in the past
Sixteen years at USIEF
Its memory will always last

During these lovely USIEF years
I’ve learnt and I’ve grown
I’ve met many students and scholars
Built many contacts, some well known

I thank my colleagues in Regions and Consulate
My friends, they will always be
And special thanks to the superiors
Starting with Mr. Adam Grotsky!!

THANK YOU!!!



© Shanta Ramakrishnan, Mumbai
September 11, 2012
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'Au Revoir USIEF!!'.... from Shanta

Hi friends,


Here is the note I sent out to all my colleagues in USIEF - everyone at the four regional offices in India - on September 12, 2012, just before I 'retired'! ...... Sharing the same with you. Please read on.......

Dear all

' All Good Things Should Come To An End! ' What a profound statement this is! And it holds good even today. Here I am, writing to my colleagues at USIEF on the last working day of my life.... I retire COB September 12, 2012.

Sixteen years at USIEF Mumbai ... they have given me immense satisfaction, both professionally and personally. At a time when you think that, when you cross 40 you do not get good jobs, I was hired for what was seen as a caliber that was required. And that was the beginning of an upward curve that put me in touch with lovely colleagues, wonderful superiors, curious students, intelligent scholars and very useful contacts. In each one of you, I have spotted at least one quality I have admired, and hoped to emulate. I thank you for what you are as a person and for your contribution to USIEF in totality.

This is NOT the end of our communication. Let us stay in touch (Cell No............) and meet whenever we think it is possible. You can also write to me anytime and my email id is sha...@.........com. You can also visit my blog http://shantaramakrishnan.blogspot.in/ which has been dormant for sometime but which I hope will have some new entries soon!


Once again, thanks for your affection and for your assistance, but for which life might not have become so colorful.

Best Wishes to you and your loved ones,

Shanta

MOTHER!!!

To me these are some of the qualities a Mother is made of:
M - Methodical (in her thoughts and deeds)
O - Observant (ever watchful and alert)
T - Tolenrant (gives her family a long rope)
H - Helpful (you can approach her with your concerns)
E - Efficient (her ability is beyond words)
R - Resourceful (unbelievably so!)
(c) ShantaRamakrishnan
April 25, 2011

Finding a Cellphone!!

Train travel brings with it innumerable experiences to a Mumbaikar!! Each day you learn something new or are intrigued by something you saw in the train... I have used the Thane-VT belt for traveling in 'ladies compartment' to and from work since 1972 (!) and have enough stories to fill a book. But what happened very recently takes the cake.

It was the beginning of a long weekend, end of a very harrowing and busy day for me. Two festivals were happening back-to-back and there was heavy security and police bandobast in all railway stations, junctions etc. The announcement to keep away from stray objects and packages was jarring, yet loud and consistant. I was tired and was heading home. Here is what happened.... read on... Shanta

FINDING A CELLPHONE!!

It was 9.30 pm, I was late from work
Got into the train as it started with a jerk
I rushed inside to get the usual seat,
Then noticed that there was something beneath

A shining mobile phone, with its Bluetooth ‘on’
I stopped short, “shall I ignore and move on?”
That will be easy, to sit elsewhere
And forget that I ever saw something there....

Visions came to me in quick succession
Someone forgot the cell, her valuable possession
If she misses it, she will call, sure that would happen
But if not ?????, my mind ran wild to the other option.....

What if someone had left it behind deliberately?
It is a current topic of high concern, surely?
As so many thoughts rushed within me....
I raised an alarm and consulted other ladies

In the next station, we shouted out loud
A policeman ran in, ‘What is this all about?’
We pointed the cell-phone, left behind in the train
He made a quick phone call – fast working brain!

Two men jumped in, in the following station
They had gloves, serious looks and in a quick motion
Neared the cell, worked on it and looked around
And then told us to relax, we were on safe ground!!

For one minute I thought, “ Did we over-react?”
But the lady nearby said that we deserved a pat
“It is better to be careful and avoid trouble
We need not hold a needle - that would burst the bubble....”

Penned by © Shanta Ramakrishnan

(as written on September 12, 2010)

Happy New Year 2010!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!!!

The year 2009 comes to an end
365 days flew, many changes it sent,
Some good, some not so, that is the way
Life happens to us, we cannot shy away

Wishes for good times come from here
Deep from the heart, only sincere…..
Gear up, bring in the year with a bang
And enjoy, cheer, sing with your gang!!!

May the new year bring you luck and peace
And good times - to keep you saying 'cheese'
Let calmness and safety be always present
All year through in Two Thousand Ten (2010)

Best of Luck!

© Shanta Ramakrishnan

Inspiration to a young mother!!

In June 2009, my daughter Priya and her hubby Kartik became proud parents of a baby boy. They named him Prithvi. After a few months of maternity leave, when she resumed work, I knew what Priya was going through.... the feelings of guilt which each mother feels as she leaves a tiny tot behind to go after a career, even if it is for just a few hours a day, the heavy feeling that goes within herself as she is wrung between professional and personal responsibilities. Being a working mother myself, I knew this was the time to give my daughter all the moral support that she needs. So I sent off a 'Best Wishes' e-card alongwith the following poem. Pat came a reply that the poem said it all...

Dear Priyu,
You indeed have progressed in life
Also got married, became Kartik's wife....
‘Prithvi's mom’ a designation, new
But, as always, you are YOU!!!

Take care, have patience and think straight
'Adjustment' will be your soul-mate
Get on with life, take responsibilities along
Continue your dual role - as you sing a song!!

Best wishes on resuming work, Priyu
Hugs, strength, good wishes are due...
GOOD LUCK..... GOD BLESS!!!
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© Shanta Ramakrishnan. 16.10.2009