As I said earlier, I was an unemployed youth (even though I was wishing for the opposite for a long time) until last June. After the waiting of almost 5 years, I grabbed my first job some how. I can't explain how much I was relieved to see my name in that rank list which main listed me for an assistant job in Food Corporation of India and even if I explain no body will understand. (not because nobody has gone through such a difficult phase of long unemployment, but different people goes through different dilemmas and the hell I had gone through was unbearably difficult for me).
So, at the end of December 2015 I was sure to get this job in FCI but had to wait another 6 months to join. Again, I faced some more problems as there was no vacancy in Kerala for the post I was selected for. Well, I should admit this, I was not at all sad about going out of my state. I really wanted to get out of that place, I wanted some fresh air (Yup, I get a lot of air where I'm now, will explain that below) and I wanted to meet new people since I was in fact living in a self made cocoon for some years then. I was selected for the south region; so leaving Kerala, there were Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andra and Telagana to be posted in. Somehow, I was so sure that I would be posted in Karnataka and so the Tamilnadu new recruitement list showed my name crushed my brain (yeah, I'm mostly a brained person, Not hearted). I was devastated for no reason, actually I should be happy like my family who thought at least I would be in Tamilnadu which they found better for me than to be in Karnataka. So, the next question was where in Tamilnadu. Unfortunately, the absence of the General Manager of FCI,Tamilnadu in Chennai office on my joining day kept my place of posting in suspense for three days. Then I got the order and ta da..I was posted in Tuticorin. I was without any emotion, was like 'where ever'. When I called my parents I had to repeat the name for three times each to them, then I resorted to the name "Thoothukudi". My brother who was with me that time and who actually had been stayed in Chennai for 4 years asked me whether that place really was in Tamilnadu. So, in my family I was the only one who was familiar with at least that place name 'Tuticorin', but again with no clue of the geographical positioning. I searched the map and found it. I couldn't blame my brother, he in Chennai was farther to Tuticorin than me in Kollam to Tuticorin. So, We caught the next train from Chennai to Tuticorin; the one and only pearly city express and I landed next day on the soil of Tuticorin. As I said earlier, I was without any emotion and the view of the place ensured that I would be feeling less for my time being there/ here (which is proven wrong now).
I wish to explain the place, but I have no information either regarding the past or present. When I landed here; hot, sandy wind welcomed me. I just felt I was landed in Sahara. Wind was blowing like it intended to take whatever came its way and the sun started to fire up. The word came from my mouth was 'Damn'. My First month there was a lesson for me and it also showed me a part of mine which I have never seen before. I who never compromised to a bit temperature rise until that time was tolerating killing heat at night in sweat. That was only part one, the city was/is the center of pollution. It got a number of industries of different kinds from thermal power plants to sterlite copper which of course helping the climate to always be heated up. The ruthless wind which always carriers sand just make you wonder why you had just washed up with hard fought earned water. Yeah, the place was/ is facing acute water shortage. As a normal malayali who take their leg out of the state, I also faced the problem of not getting the food of my choice. Thus I was sure that I would not be happy in this place, I might adjust but I wouldn't be happy. (I had to adjust, no option left for a person wasted almost 5 years of life). But I was wrong, and I'm happy that I was wrong because I'm happily working now at a place where temperature is always higher and where 99% of an year is without rain. How's that possible, living in an arid place without getting the food you like.
So what has changed? If I say the truth nothing has changed. Neither me nor the place. But I'm posted in the best FCI office of this country and possibly with the best FCI people. Yes, I think FCI district Office, Tuticorin is the best place to work for any person and probably because the office is not a mere construction for daily working, it actually care for the people work there. That is people care for each other. I should confess this,before came to the District Office here, I have only seen the yellow painted FCI depots in Kerala. So, the office here was a different experience. Every thing in the office arranged in such a way that it automatically help for the working environment and better being of employees. I intend to say that my district office can compete even with major IT offices of the country. (it is important since FCI is government institution).
Obviously, infrastructure is one factor. The institution you work provides you the best working environment is a positive factor for any employees, for office life and out side life. Also, I'm working under the best Area Manager who just wish to do everything possible to make the best for the Corporation. It is actually a blessing to work under such a dedicated person who inspires each second to spend for something positive. So, I have seen people here who proved to me that whatever position they hold, they work and they actually are not only doing their official duty but they are creating an atmosphere where newbies like me feel free to join the pack and do our parts. So, all the people in my office hold a special place for the happy life of mine. They actually contribute to happiness by being there for me. I should mention my manager specifically since she has been taking care of me from the starting and always allowed me to learn in my own way.
So, I get to forget where I'm now. Actually, Tuticorin and its people are no strangers to me now and I don't feel much difference at the same time when I feel completely different from the place I was raised. The sandy winds still blows with might, the sun still burns, and food really kills me and I yearn to see rain but I don't think I'm surviving here now, I'm really enjoying. For that, I should thank each and every person that I met here. They all made me feel I got everything positive when there was actually nothing to happy about. May be, wherever posted in India I may met people like this, I wish so. But I don't know whether I may find the best office, best area manager,best managers and best colleagues combo some where else.
This all matters when considering that even though finally I get a job and that too in government,it is an assistant job only (with meager salary) and FCI is not considered by many as a very prestigious PSU comparing others (this is after all FCI is actually giving food security to our nation). So, I myself was disappointed first about my job, then about the state and place of posting. But after working at FCI district office, Tuticorin for 1 year, I have been feeling more confident and satisfied. Even after facing adverse situations/ challenges on a day today basis in the out side world (horrific climate with water and power shortages), the working conditions provided by FCI at Tuticorin along with the very cooperative people made me strong to tackle every obstacle in front of me whether in job or in personal life. So, my first job satisfies me pretty much (still wish for a better salary package in the coming revision) to 100% and I wish to give 100% back to the job and the Corporation. I'm happy and contend that I'm posted in an office where I got every opportunity to grow.
So,I entered the second year of my professional life this June and I hope to serve the nation through FCI and thus serve the people. Also wish to conquer the Tuticorin climate before I go back to the my home turf. Now,I know my posting in Tuticorin is the first and best lesson I can have in my professional life. I'm assured that the starting of my career is happened at the best place possible.
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