A retirement party with a difference
Retirement parties are special events in our department. It’s the much looked forward to get-together since all veterinarians of the district are invited. We have a few women vets posted in far-flung areas so it’s nice that everyone gets an opportunity to catch up.
Most of the times we’re so busy catching up that we’re not even listening to the farewell speeches. Frankly, we often fail to appreciate the significance of the milestone in a person’s life. We would think the speeches were perfunctory and full of false praise. In reality, the retirement party is an emotional milestone in the life of a person who has served the organisation for over two decades. It’s a touching moment.
I attended one such retirement party of our deputy director recently. A simple and humble man, he refused the extension offer though everyone in the department coaxed him to accept it. The retirement age for government officials is 58 but they are offered an extension of two years and most of them accept it and end up retiring at 60.
His refusal appeared strange to everyone since most doctors opt for an extension as the pay is good and the lure of being in job makes them stay for two more years.
When his wife came on stage for a thank you speech, she chose to make a point. She said when the offer for extension came, the couple had a frank talk. Though they were tempted by the monetary benefits and family circumstances dictated that he continues with the job, they decided not to go for the same because they felt such a huge salary was a burden on the exchequer that is already under debt.
The same salary was equivalent to the amount four young recruits would draw. With rampant unemployment, they felt a fresher deserved a chance. She felt if everyone chose to stick to their jobs even after the mandatory retirement age, it would not be fair to those waiting for a job.
So, in order to give young professionals a chance to serve the department, they decided to let go of the two-year extension.
There was a huge round of applause for the deputy director’s wife as she ended her speech.
This was indeed a fresh approach. It was encouraging to know that there are still people who think about others rather than catering to their own interests. We surrounded her after the function for a round of pictures.
This was one retirement party that I would always cherish for it taught me something about being far more responsible in life and making choices for the greater good.
TO GIVE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS A CHANCE TO SERVE THE DEPARTMENT, THEY DECIDED TO LET GO OF THE TWOYEAR EXTENSION