Great Day

It happened in 1984 in Bangalore. I was the Head of an Institution called "Vocational Rehabilitation Center for Handicapped". One fine morning when I was approaching my office, I was shocked to see all my 51 colleagues gathered at the portico. It did not look like some sort of protest or strike. On the contrary they smilingly received me when I got out of the vehicle and one senior colleague handed me over one telegram from the Govt of India. I was pleasantly shocked to read the content. It said that I was selected for the National Award for my service rendered to handicapped people and that I should send certain details about me immediately. One of my colleagues said that the telegram was received previous evening when I just left the office. All my colleagues had unanimously decided not to contact me at my residence and inform about the telegram till next day morning to give a surprise. The interesting fact and the truth is that I was more excited and moved the way the telegram was handed over as a surprise and also so affectionately by my colleagues. It was more exciting and thrill than the occasion when the prestigious National Award was given away by the President of India in the befitting function at New Delhi. I always remember the loving and fruitful association I had with all my colleagues who were the main source for my successful contribution towards the welfare of the handicapped people.