Strategic Consultant
Recently, Narayana Murthy and S.N. Subrahmanyan sparked controversy by advocating for extended work hours, suggesting a 70- and 90-hour workweek, respectively. Their remarks highlight a disconnect between corporate leaders and employees enduring familial and logistical pressures. Critics argue that longer hours hinder productivity and well-being, advocating for work-life balance and a reassessment of corporate cultures to prioritize employee satisfaction and efficiency.
In the banking world, auditors play a critical role in maintaining financial integrity, bringing tension and unpredictability. Senior Branch Manager Mr. Mathur shares humorous anecdotes from his lengthy career, emphasizing the balance between compliance and auditor appeasement. A recent rigorous audit revealed the importance of keeping auditors engaged to ensure smooth resolutions, highlighting the human side of finance.
Dubey Sahib's rise from clerk to bank manager amazed colleagues. He embraced his new role with his wife's support but faced a humorous hiccup when wearing women's perfume to work. The tale serves as a reminder of unexpected challenges on the path to success. His slow, steady nature marked both his work and personal life.
The office hummed with morning activity as employees began their day. Unbeknownst to them, a tiger sought refuge in the washroom, unnoticed for four days. It went unnoticed until it seized and ate the Assistant General Manager, then the General Manager and Vice President. When it captured the tea boy, Chhotu, the office was thrown into chaos. Employees found the tiger and saved Chhotu, highlighting the overlooked importance of every role in the workplace.
Goel Sahib, a retired bank manager, found himself in a predicament with a fractured leg and a barrage of unsolicited medical advice. His visitors offered remedies including goat's hooves soup, sheep's milk massages, and visits to the crematorium. Despite the confusion, Goel decided to follow his doctor's advice and avoid black dogs while riding a scooter for a quicker return to his beloved treats.
The "Mrs. Rastogi Syndrome" involves individuals speaking about their spouse's workplace as if it were their own. This behaviour has now resurfaced in a WhatsApp group. It's a humorous quirk that highlights the unique and endearing ways in which people blend their lives with their loved ones. The syndrome brings a touch of colour to interactions, creating opportunities for shared laughter and reminiscence.
In the heart of Grimstone castle, Leonard the self-important lizard believed he was the sole reason for the castle's stability. Tourists and Nigel, a guide, exaggerated his role, but the truth was the diligent maintenance crew that kept the castle together. Leonard's unwavering belief in his importance served as a reminder that harmless delusion can add a touch of magic to everyday life.
In the banking sector, I encountered unforgettable names and stories, each reflecting people's lives. Quirky names like Boroline Bibi and Sheikh Boroplus, and peculiar expressions became part of everyday life. Meeting customers in rural branches showed me the real India, facing prejudices and hardship but also resilience and hope. Names are more than identifiers; they are stories and burdens, shaping a larger narrative of culture and humanity.
Before the 1990s, the year-end closing ceremony at banks in India held considerable importance, requiring extensive manual effort. The meticulous tasks of calculating interests, balancing accounts, and concluding the financial year not only fostered a festive ambience but also strengthened the bonds among employees. Despite the challenges of manual banking and occasional tensions among union leaders, the camaraderie and collective commitment are nostalgically cherished. While technological advancements have phased out these traditions, the spirit of those year-end festivities endures in the memories of those who were part of that era.
Mr. Ashish Dutta aimed to close an old passbook in his daughter's name, but the bank claimed it was linked to an active safety deposit box. Dutta couldn’t find the key and insisted it was returned with the box cleared, years prior. A bank error caused the box to be broken, finding bags with valuable properties. Records then showed it was mistakenly assigned to a Mr. Dutta instead of a Mr. Sen. After a tense scenario involving both parties and bank authorities, the valuables were correctly returned, with the records and charges fixed.
Indrajit Roy Choudhury 