Homecoming

Homecoming

When I got a telephonic call ‘Will you take the distributor training, its on a working day’, I was wondering – should I or should I not? 

Having opted for flexi hours I could have easily managed by squeezing a few more hours on other days, I contemplated and agreed to take it up. Teaching has always been a passion and any opportunity that presents itself is an automatic lure to fan that flame. When I came to know of the venue, it was a nice feeling cause I was to render the training sponsored by my erstwhile employer  and it was to be in the same building where I once worked. 

I reached the venue and was pleasantly surprised to be welcomed at the gate by the watchman, who recognized me. ‘Namaste Madam, aaj kal aap kahan hai?’ Returning to the August institution almost after a decade and being greeted warmly – what a great way to get started. It’s a fine vibe I thought to myself. He personally escorted me to the venue on the fourth floor and as the day progressed it unfolded before me an unexpected tide of warmth and good cheer throughout the two days. 

Young boys had now become men with signs of prosperity – a small paunch and greying hairline. Some of them were participants in the training and were ready to help in the entire process – be it registration, resources or participation. All done joyfully with a sense of belonging. While I was thankful to them, internally I was grateful to the Lord for spreading out before me this aspect of life. Rarely do we get a chance to return the trudged path and to find that there are relationships beyond that have transgressed the fencings of the contractual reasons that once made up your team. 

There was more to follow. Some of the girls (they are still girls in my eyes, although I could see they were women), currently the staff came to meet me and greet me during the lunch break. Some of the distributors who had long been with the institution reconnected with me and gelled as if they were old acquaintances.

Its not that I had not visited before. I did go once or twice but to meet specific personnel. In fact these colleagues of mine were on leave and that exposed my presence to the world at large I guess. After all we are all guided by His design. 

As if all this was not enough. There was some more surprise to follow. Even some of the members of the top management greeted me, chatted for a while  and appreciated my blog. One even told me that he had gone  to the extent of actually booking the very suite to witness the sunset, when he had  visited Ganpatipule. I was also humbled by the hospitality extended by a close friend of mine and now a very big name in the industry. Sent my spirits soaring to know that relations continue beyond the call of duty. 

Just nothing had changed. People were still the same – warm and caring. The same glint in the eyes on meeting me. The same laughter although the jokes had changed their fabric. Truly some institutions serve to be the continual universities.  They are not just businesses – they add value to all around. 

Anagha Hunnurkar

August 15, 2012