Ardhanari

Ardhanari

My first Boss in BEL was late Shri B Ramachandra Rao. He was very good in drafting and noting. I learned nuance of drafting from him. (I had started writing Letters to Editor before joining BEL and my first letter appeared in The Hindustan Times on 13^th June 1973). Many of my draft letters were approved by him without any correction. My colleagues used to say that I am a good draftsman, though I do not know the ABCD of drawing.  Perhaps knowing my drafting skill, Mr. Rao drafted me to Government Audit Cell. Even after transfer from Audit Department, dealing with Government Audit continued to remain with me for a long time.

As a part of liaison with Government Audit, I used to go to Railway station to welcome the Audit party coming from Bangalore. All f them were simple and humble and even the very senior officers used to come by train only and stayed in Guest houses instead of 5 star hotels.  Most of the members of the party were known to me and was very friendly with me so much so that if I request to drop a Para, they will drop it (I never used or misused that trust). In case a new party comes, I used to ask the stranger “Are you Mr. Ramakrishna? Etc.   

Once a Government Auditor scheduled to come, was visiting BEL GAD for the first time, while the other team members came separately after 2 days.  Before proceeding to Railway Station I told Shri. Rao that this time I am not sure whether I will be able to bring him from Railway station.  I told him that I will not be able to ask the usual question, as it will be harmful for my body. When my boss enquired as to what is the problem, I told him that his name is “Ardhanari”.