Most of my
boyhood companions have either retired from their jobs or are on the verge of
retirement. Officially I have a year left for entering that stage of life in
which you never get a day off. Personally, I wouldn’t want to retire at all
till the last breath. Being practical, I know that the best time to start
thinking about retirement is before my boss does.
School
reopened yesterday after a month’s summer holiday. Reopened partly, that is;
the whole school will reopen when the monsoon ushers in a totally different
mood in the state. As we got ready to go to school yesterday, Maggie remarked
about the inertia that the one month vacation had built into her psyche. It is
then I realised that I was waiting for the school to reopen. I hope my boss won’t
think of my retirement too soon though I know that even he is restricted by the
given system.
What actually
buoys me up is the reward I receive from my students for my efforts. The
results of the Board Exams were released yesterday and my students’ performance
filled me with delight. I’m not an adherent of the Nishkam Karma doctrine of
the Gita. I will not continue my job beyond a day if my students’ performances
are not up to my expectations. I leave Nishkam Karma to the saints in the Himalayas
and the emerging pundits in current Indian politics.
But the
prospect of retirement doesn’t threaten me the least. In fact, I’m well
prepared for that inevitable phase of life. Reading and writing will continue
to be my faithful companions. Perhaps, I’ll begin to enjoy many things which I
never cared to notice hitherto. I’m pretty sure a whole new reality will open
up before me.
A friend
wished me happy old age on my last birthday assuming that I had turned 60 when
I had only turned 59 in fact. I told her that even 60 is not old age now. I’m
still young and will continue to be so till my last breath (hopefully). Let
others retire. I shall recalibrate. I know how to make new beginnings.
Keep writing sir,, touched souls
ReplyDeleteI will. Thanks for the motivation.
DeleteThat's so true Tomichan - the best time to start thinking about retirement is before my boss does. Very nice to know about your teaching experiences. I think there will definitely be a lot to do once you retire, esp on the blog sphere. You have got a good number of dedicated readers eager to hear your experiences. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vinay, for the encouraging words.
DeleteEither you would have misread your fried or your friend would have misread your spirit - which cannot be deemed worthy in friendship!!! Go back and read again. Probably, the friend wished you for turning young again. See, a friend has to know you well. Am I right;)
ReplyDeleteYou are right.
DeleteNice Article.had wonderful information.Great Work.Keep Going
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