Mr.
Bhagiyanathan
Electrical, 1970 Batch
Bhagianathan Sir is one of those rare people who, inspite being in
the city of change, has held on to himself, ideology and values. And just as he
was leaving his city of work and life for the past 35 years, we were able to get
him to share some of his experiences.
Basically
from Kurukancheri,Thrissur. He had undertaken BSc, 2 years, in Bombay when he
got the “call of the engineerdom” and he joined CET. He remembers that his first
admission was in the Civil , which he later changed to Electrical. He adds on
that his was the first four-year engineering batch at the
college.
Landing
Here
After trying a hand on his own contracting-odd jobs
back in homeland, he came to the emirate in 1975 (August 10th , to be
exact!!). He remembers being among the first ‘planeloads’ that was attracted by
the beginning of the Dubai Boom.He didn’t waste anytime, either. Joined the
Ministry of Electricity, Dubai, in September 1975 and moving into the cosy flat
in Ghusais, he has sticked to both the job and place since then, till he retired
in 2005. The apartment still sticks, though.
About
Work
“30 years of work in the same company must be unheard of , these
days, to you guys, but it was different then…” he adds, sharing with us some experiences in his long
association with the government office. He tells us that he might have joined
the K.S Electricity Board, if not for this job here, though he adds in that
“government jobs
are more appreciated here, than back home.” But he reflects on the new “office-hopping” trend of
today and muses that he regrets not trying to change his office, atleast once.
“Ive become more
lazy after joining the Electricity Office. Life is standstill”. But then, “The comfort
zone” and responsibilities home weighed him down from trying . Which he advices
the youth of today to be vary of. But then he is happy that he achieved so much
in life because of the job , and Dubai, especially with his children and
family.
About
Passions
He is a staunch fan of the Art of Living practise,
which he claims has “changed his life”. He had awoke to the AoL way of life while in India for a
vacation, which he pursued back in Dubai, every friday. Daily meditation and
yoga excercises have become a part of his life now. He strongly recommends the
practise, and yoga to the youngsters in the stress-packed world today.
About
Cetagulf
The avid reader, who likes to grab any piece of
information on the go, was very impressed, and had great things to say about the
cetagulf group. Besides the apparently friendly jousts at each other, “
there were really
interesting and surprising information passed in the process”, which he told differentiated
the group from any namesake online organisation. He showed a very surprised us,
a collection of information on the Nuclear Treaty, which was the hot item in the
group mail then. Though he did admit he had a passive presence in the cetagulf
activities, he followed the news and events, and was aware of “all that was
happening”.
As we prepared
to leave, after the very pleasant conversations we had, we were really charmed
by the down to earth personality of Bhagiyanathan sir, and the warm atmosphere
at his home, which left a lasting impression in us. We were struck by the fact
that there were/are many subtle gems in the cetagulf family, having vast and
vivid experiences, which we can learn from, admire and emulate. But
unfortunately, many are in the process of leaving the city for good. We were
very lucky to meet him before that.
Mr
Bhagiayanathan and wife Mrs.Girija Kumari have moved to pristine green kerala. His elder
daughter Praseeda, a chemical engineer, from Trissur Engg College, is married to
Praveen , both working in US Technologies(USA). Younger daughter, Praveena, is
an architecture alumni of CET,2005 batch, and member of CETAGULF, married to
Subodh, and working in Hitech Offices, a wing of the Al Reyami Interiors, in
Dubai.
To the
“youngsters”
“Start Saving!”. An advice he was ready with. Going back is a reality he says
everybody has to face, so better think about what to do back home, now. And he
advices to go back, if you are in a plan to, before the age bar hits 50.
“Body and mind
needs time to adjust”.
“The gen now has more access to resources now”. Utilising the resources and
the freedom is a responsibility. He makes a point.
CET was better at my
times..
“There was less politics then”, he recalls, and a lot quieter too(in which
angle?). But the campus was less secular. He remembers various
organisations based on religions.
For CETAGULF
When we asked about future activities
cetagulf/ninavu should associate in, he suggested on creating an
educational scholarship for the economically weaker section. “ Not only for education, but for
other charity causes, like weddings, housing, …etc” The group should form a
charity wing that identifies the REAL needy. Girija, his wife, reminded us of
many such causes in juvenile homes, the old age homes and many mental
institutions in the state. She recalled us one experience during one of her
voluntary help missions.
