joining at Nellore branch

THe day I joined at Nellore, no one talked to me. Employees union people were new to me. Staff union people were angry with me because I quit their union. Added to it , letter from head office came that inspite of my arrogance and being headstrong ,they had given transfer to Nellore. They wanted reports about me if I went astray again. At that time, Gurudasappa was the manager. RR KANADEwas the secondline manager. Kanade was Maharashtrian. He was very nice. He did not know Telugu. He told me about the letter in confidence. Branch was very conjested. Sundari was the only other lady in the branch.Slowly one by one started talking to me. Except Bapuji every other person became friendly with me. At that time , Seshagiri rao , Venkata ramana,MSN SARMA,Rajendra Prasad, Madhakrishna Murthy,Achandrasekhar,Pchandrasekhar,Rama manohar rao,K Prabhakar Rao,were clerks. Subramanian,Ravindran,Manian were officers.ASuresh,MAkrishna Murthy were special assistants.A Srinivasulu,Karimullah,Narayana, Ramu, Dasu were substaff.Raghu , venkata subbaiah and Srnivasulu were NND agents.

marriage&marriage party

Marriage with Prasad had been confirmed. Soon my colleagues learnt about it.My father sent few wedding cards. I distributed them in the bank.I went to Nellore just one or two days before marriage.Nandini and Vasudeva Rao attended the marriage. After joining in the bank I gave marriage party to my colleagues.My manager was in town but did not attend . All others attended.I gave party in Geetha cafe. After dinner, They gave steel water vessel with lid which I use even today.AS I got relieved Prasad came and we took only my dresses and left for Nellore. I thought I was doing favor to my brother by leaving all other articles to them. But my brother thought that I had over burdened him by not vacating the house promptly and transport the goods to Tirupathi. From that day onwards I never tried to take kind or cash from my parents or brothers or let Prasad demand anything from them.I told Prasad to ask me whatever they wanted from my parents, because I am a working woman.

tappal keys

Our manager wanted to punish me for the galata I made . So he gave me tappal and clearing during departmental changes. Actually I wanted to learn statements, advances , bills discounting and others. As the relations were strained I could not demand them. For tappal box we had keys because stamps , covers and petty cash was kept there. While going to bathroom or to lunch room I used to keep them hooked to the hip .One day I went to the bath room and by that time my skirt became lose as it was lunch time. As a result keychain also became lose and slipped into the toilet.I did not know what to do.I came out side and told them.Ever one laughed at me and I felt ashamed.Because manager was angry with me, he said that I had to produce keys some how or he would report.THen seeing my plight, one of our colleagues asked the daily wager to go to toilet and remove the keys from the toilet. As no one had flushed after the keys were lost, he could remove them easily.From then on I never keep the keys near the hip.

of marriage preparations

Marriage with Prasad was confirmed. While giving send off to me my father asked if the boy was ok for me. Before I started to Nellore to see him, my mother told me not to say yes if I really did not like the boy.We will see other matches. THis is not the end. So I went with a free mind. I liked him and I was sure he too liked me.I answered my father in affirmative that he could proceed in that matter.I was alone at Guntur. My mother told me to buy red and green bangles in dozens. To get stitched white blouse with red border. Like that small small things which I had to do. I used to go alone after coming from bank to shops and search for bangles and other things. Tailor was making undue delay in giving the blouses, I used to sit opposite him ,like in dharna , to get my blouses stitched. He used to request me to go home and come next day.I was afraid that he would not complete by the time I had to leave for Nellore for marriage.My father bought me two big hankies--one with red checks and the other had blue design over it. H e bought me belt shoes with high heels. I purchased big ear rings and silver anklets for marriage.I felt very smart.I was afraid Prasad would be disappointed once he knew that wear glasses.I had short sight.when he came to see me I did not wear them.But he never took that issue seriously.

Kamalas brother/sister

My father came once and told he had seen a boy for me.He was a doctor at Nellore christian hospital. Boy was fair ,handsome and ok.If I see the boy and everything goes smooth ,it would be settled. After few days, KC came to my house . He said we were going to be relatives soon. I asked how it was possible. Then he said that the boy my father saw was his brother in law. I asked why Kamala, his wife did never mention about him till then. Then he started telling about the boy. Kamalas parents had five girl children. They were really worried that not even one was a boy.Kamala was the third daughter. THey got married their first daughter. Second one was different from the beginning. She used to like boys dresse, play with themand make friendship with them. THey did not view it seriously at first.After reaching teens , she completely discarded girls attire and started playing and moving with boys alone. Parents could not control her.She got seat in Guntur medical college. She used to sit with boys there also.Parents told her to leave the house because they had other daughters to be married and she would not behave according to their wish.She left home and Christian missionaries at Guntur took pity on her and provided for her living and education. Later they sent her to Bombay for sexual change . There she was operated and she became a boy. She changed her name as boys and because Christian missionaries had to come to help in time of need, she pledged to work in their institutions.I was aghast with this knowledge.I told my father about this and he promptopped that matter.

of games and children

I am popular with children. Soon children from my neighbourhood started coming to our house in the evenings. I used to tell them stories and play with them. I had no inhibitions. So in no time we all became friends. Usually I used to wear my brothers shirt soon after coming home. Boys felt I was one among them. We used to run , jump and play because there was sufficient place in our house, verandah and in the open to play. Two marvadi boys from distance used to come. they were brothers and they had a big cloth shop in Brodiepet. I bought one white saree with ink blue border in their shop.They had one little sister who used to accompany to wherever they go. Previous year they came out like that. It was raining hard for days and drainage canals were overflowing. Children could not identify and she being a small child of three or four got carried away in the flow and children could not save her. It was such a sad end to the life of a small child. When boys were saying that I felt very sorry. No one could blame them because they too were children.From opposite our house also children used to come. two girls and a boy. Boy was very chubby and only child to their parents. He was pampered and his behaviour was high handed. Later he became a good child and a good student.Later one of those girls got married to one of our distant relatives and I saw her in marriage at NELLORE. ACTUALLY I DID NOT RECOGNISE HER.But she came to me and reminded me. I knew her as a child and she grew up fast and got married.I felt happy for her and her family.

Bats and birds

OUr Guntur house was very big and old building. Verandah was roofed by tiles.THere were big mango trees on both sides . IN the roof and on trees there were bats, birds and squirrels. Sparrows used to come in to the house and fly hither and thither. Once ONE sparrow died after hitting the fan. I was shocked and ran out . I was afraid even to take out the dead bird .Annapoornamma came and cleaned the house. Like wise bats used to come in to the house and fly during the nights. I was alone. So I was naturally afraid that they strike at me. THey would me miving so fast.Till they went away I used to rush outwards and wait.

I told you I wore white saree with green border on the day of pelli chupulu. After they went I kept it on stand and later folded it and kept it in the trunk. I did not wear that saree for many days. Oneday when I held that saree to take out from trunk some dry paperlike touch I felt. When I unfolded the saree to wear one bat was attached to saree holding it tight by its nails.I shrieked and ran out.I told to my house owners what happened. They came inside and found that it was dead.With great difficulty they removed and detatched the bat from the saree.I did not wear that saree from then onwards. I felt it was sort of omen and felt happy that that match was not materialised.

pelli chupulu

Word might have passed that there was a girl of marriagable age who was a bank employee. So some one enquired our house owners about it. They were in second line Brodipet. THeir father was aged and bed ridden.Brother and sister. She was already married and was pregnat at that time. Brother was older and was working as Assistant Engineer at Hyderabad. My parents came to know of their enquiry and told them to come and see me one day. That day I came early from Bank and got ready . I wore white saree with green border. I like that saree very much.Brother and sister came to see me. My father was there. He gave them biscuits and our house owners served coffee to them.Our poor widow, Annpoornamma was peeping from an odd angle as to the proceedings.Sister was very fair and beautiful. Brother was dark and hefty. He looked older and of serious disposition.He was not polished and stylish.I did not feel shy or interested in him.THey sent word that I am ok for them. I did not want to be a burden to my parents. If he had okayed me without dowry I wouldnot have objected. But it seemed They demanded rs.25000/ as dowry in those days because he was a gazetted officer. My father did not even ask me because we could not afford such big amount. The case was dropped.

Kasaiah

Kasaiah was a research scholar in Economics at that time. He was one of my brothers best friends.He was a bachelor then. He was calm and good natured man. He has so much faith in my brother even for today. He praises my brother that he is a Rishi. Because my brother does not have any personal life. All his life is dedicated towards our parents, brothers, sisters , wife and children and their welfare.He got married late in life . He saw many matches but nothing materialised.But the woman he married is really a very good natured lady. Pity is that they did not have any children. But my uncle, Subbarao mama, predicted this outcome before his marriage . My brother did not reveal him because it was not a happy issue to be disclosed.Later he became a lecturer in SV University. He became reader of Econometrics.He later became professor and head of the department of Econometrics.I think he retired as Dean. Now they are living peacefully in their own house at Tirupathi.His sister in law married our childhood neighbors son, Gandhis brother. She is manager in United india insurance company. She is a good friend of Kalavathi, my daughterinlaws mother.

Satyanarayana

Satyanarayana was adoctor. He was my brothers friend.Kasaiah, Pantulu garu and Satyanarayana used to come to our house in the evenings to chat with my brother. After my Brothers transfer also Satyanarayana used to come to our house often.He used to enquire how I was doing. Once I got oesinophilia and I was practically gasping for breath. Then I went to Government hospital . There he saw me and came to me. He got me checked up thoroughly and prescribed medicines for me. I went to attend Jayasrees marriage to Nellore. She was my brother in law ,Venu bavas sister. THere, in the choultry while walking fast in a dark place I slipped and my foot was cramped. Swelling and pain lasted for many months.Even for medicines it could not be subsided. Then Satyanarayana advised me to tie drumstick leaves to the affected area. Then it would subside effectively.I laughed at him for advising those things being a doctor. But he never took me seriously.My brother signed as surety for him for some bank loan. He did not pay in time. My brother started getting legal notices for it. Once my brother came to Guntur to request him to repay the loan at the earliest. I think he did so . He got transferred to his native place ,Vizag. After that I did not meat him.

Manikyam

Manikyam was our maid servant at home. She was working since my brother joined in that house. She was a tribal woman .She was dark, chubby woman with round cute face. Her voice was very sweet. She was married . Her husband was a rickshaw puller. He was a drunkard and beat her everynight. But SHE would never express her dissatisfaction against her husband. She was always happy.She was also working at some other doctors house. She had a daughter who was crippled and mentally retarded. I never saw that child. That doctor used to give that child medicines free of charge.So as a gratitude Manikyam used to work there more and stay there for more time.Doctors wife was also a good lady.Manikyams husband used to suspect that she was doctors keep.But actually there was no such thing but he used to beat her on that pretext.

At first she used to come to work sincerely and discharge duties without my following up.But as time passed by she understood my lenience and if I did not observe she would say that she has completed the work fast and go away. I used to give keys with the owners so that if she came late she would clean the house and utensils . But she would not clean the floor properly but said she did so. Soon she started absenting for days telling lame excuses. Once I scolded her for her behaviour and said something in English in flow. She got offended because she could not understand English and thought I actually used foul words against her.But IN reality it was not so.

Nanjundan

Nanjundan was our divisional manager.He was stationed at Vijayawada. He used to come to our on visits. Whenever he came, our manager used to introduce me to him saying I was a very good worker. When once rapport got missing he started to complain about me to him I was arrogant and I did not respect my higher officials. Howmany mistakes I made in day to day work he noted and informed even to the head office. When DGMS AND GMS came to the branch during my probation he used to sing laurels that I was the best worker .After my confirmation he would compalin against me.

When my marriage was fixed I sent fresh request transfer application along with my wedding card.At last, I got my transfer.But manager did not disclose it to me. Oneday our daftary, Gopal said he saw it in managers drawer. He requested me not disclose his name.I went to managers cabin and asked about my transfer orders. He said that if I dont ask him to relieve me he would give me my orders.He would relieve me according to his whims and fancies.I accepted and took my copy. I waited for one month. but still he did not relieve me. Then one Sunday I took Prasad withme to Vijayawada and went to Nanjundans house. He welcomed me really cordially. His wife was also at home.

Then he told me his life history. He was a water boy in our bank at first.Because of sheer poverty his father had joined him as water boy in Canara Bank at that time. After joining in the bank he passed matriculation and became clerk officer , manager divisional manager by sincere hard work. But here even a peon is wealthy and just joins the bank not for survival but just a time pass. He said he would not have joined the Bank if his parents could afford his proper education. I was very moved to hear him say thes things to me. He said he would talk to our manager and see that I am relieved soon.As he told he talked to our manager and by that weekend I was relieved.

Post confirmation

My problems started after my probation. I wanted to learn what all was there in banking and go up the ladder soon. I was very ambitious at that time. Manager realised it and entrust me with more work than was entrusted to other members. I had to attend the regular department and then had to attend to other new departments.After confirmation I wanted to go home by 5pm like all other workmen. He did not like it.So he used to entrust me with so much work that I could not complete it by 5pm at any cost.Then he used to insist that I could not leave till I completed it.Normally if one has more work others with helping nature would come forward to help them. But he used to tell others not come to my help at any cost.I felt suffocated. Kc was of no help to me.Mani kumar was branch secretary at that time for employees union. They came to advise me. We collected at some college grounds and discussed about managers misbehaviour towards me and his sadistic attitude.He said that he would organise all local bank employees to come to our bank start dharna till manager said sorry to me . But that night Kc came to my house and said thatbif that step was taken management would view it very seriously and as I was a fresh employee I might even lose my job. The best way out was to say sorry to the manager to subside the issue. I was afraid and lost my confidence. My family did know nothing about these developments. If really such drastic steps were taken by management ............I could not imagine.

Next day ,when I went to the bank all other bank employees came and shouting slogans against bank manager and no one sat in their seats.Kc silently took me upstairs where managers residence was there . manager was waiting .H esaid thatI should give it in writing that I was sorry for such development and I would not repeat such things in future. I felt very humiliated but obeyed him. When I came down and entered the branch people guessed what happened.They were disappointed that no drama or dharna has taken place. They dispersed.From then manager did not dare to make me sit after 5pm.Some how, I felt KCwas behind these developments. If he could get my transfer materialised , I would never be disillusioned and these developments would never have taken place. I stopped talking withKC nad our manager only freindly terms.

confirmation

I have been under probation for six months. During that time, I had stayed late after office hours because KC who had been my friend and Staff union branch secretary told me to do so. H esaid management was in favor of Staff union and as such I would easily get my transfer to Nellore soon after completion of probation. I believed him and his union. Tata Rao who also joined withme at Guntur joined Employes union.Actually we were not supposed to join any union till confirmation. According to their union leaders advice he never stayed late and even if he was forced to he would tell excuse and go away. He too was interested to get transfer to Hyderabad or some other place. I thought that as I was helping management by sitting late hours and doing what two fullfledged clerks were doing, I would surely get my transfer as soon as I completed my probation. I dont know what management thought. to dispose of Tata Rao as his turn out of work is poor and retain me as MY output was more. He got transfer to place of his choice and I could not succeed in getting transfer.

THey change departments every one month and inform head office regarding the departments we worked. They would send us question paper and we have write it. Answer paper would be sent to head office along with managers recommendations. Then WE WOULD BE CONFIRMED.

Kameswari&Rajyam

Kameswari and Rajyam were Krishnamurthys relatives.Krishnamuthy was my brothers friend . he was a medical representative. Even today they are close friends. He is elder to my brother.Kameswari is his younger sister. Rajyam was his niece ie sisters daughter.He remained a bachelor to look after his mother and family.Kameswari and Rajyam became my Friends when I went to write bank entrance exams at Hyderabad.At that time I stayed in their house for two days. At Vijayawada they were staying as a combined family.By Saturday afternoon they used to come to Guntur.We used to go to cinemas, hotels and gossip till late nights . By Monday morning they used to return to Vijayawada.Some times I used to go to Vijayawada to their house and enjoy.Time was moving very fast.THose two years I stayed at Guntur , we three of us enjoyed a lot.

Once when I went there, Janaki , Rajyams sister became matureand they were conducting a function for her. Later she became Vasus wife.Vasu is my brother in law.

poor widow

One lady who was very tall used to come to our owners house and request them to let her stay in the varandah during nights. At last they permitted with the condition she helps them in household chores. She was not really too old but was in widows attire ie. cleanly shaven head and white saree worn in orthodox way and no blouse. I questioned her why she was like that . She said her husband died very young in age due to appedicitis. She had a soon who became a lorry cleaner as she could not educate him due to poverty. She was in her forties . She had no education. She knows only cooking. She was a Brahmin.She was forced to become a cook for her livelyhood. If she was not in that specific traditional attire no Brahmin family would appoint her for cooking with Madi.She had no one to help her. I felt very sorry for her.She used to come into my house and chat with me.Her name was also Annapurnamma.

town library&bookshop

As soon as I got settled with new job I started searching for town library. Soon I came to know there was one at Arundelpet. I went there and became a member. To my surprise there were English novels there and mostly Mills&BOON.My happiness found no bounds. Regularly I started taking books home with cards.There was a big bookshop inArundelpet 3rd lane. My friend KC found that they rent novels there.Rent was one rupee per day. So daily after coming from Bank I used to go there and bring a book. By next day morning I used to complete it and return it in the evening.

Near our Bank there was a big market and a famous college. Once I went to that market with Sujatha. But there they wont sell vegetables in quarter kgs. Only in kgs we have to buy .So that market was of no use to me. I used to make curry with one brinjal a day.So if I buy in kgs I have to prepare same dish for a month. Even bananas for cooking they sell in dozens.I cook one banana for two days.Near our house there was a small market where I could request them to sell me in single pieces.

KCC godowns

Guntur is famous for mirchi and tobacco godowns. Usually bankers were giving OCC&KCC limits for big and reliable parties.KCClimits are to be given against stock kept in godowns under our lock and key. I heard that actually there would not be any stock in those godowns but limits would be granted with the adjustment they make with higherups.When officials start to go to godowns for surprise checking as is supposed to be done, customers get feedback immediately and by the time these people reach there stock would be present there.Actually I never worked in advances department nor went for surprise inspection.But people used tosay that it was the normal practice in almost all the banks.For renewal of limits, enhancement of limitsor fresh sanction, in the commission higherups get even the clerk who does the paperwork also recieves certain amount.Idont know the truth in these allegations but I was sorry to hear those things.I was disillusioned.

Ramakrishna

Ramakrishna was our agricultural officer at Guntur. His wife was a government college lecturer.They had three girl children and one was a polio patient.He used to talk with the customers, especially with villagers in local slang.Oneday, one villager brought a big Sora kaya, a member of cucurbitaceae , to him and kept it on the counter for him.Another day, one villager brought one or two kgs of pure ghee to him and gave him across the counter. Till that time I was under the impression THat in banking industry there wont be bribing and no temptations. But I was shocked to observe these things. Later I came to know that these are nothing before some of the other demands.

He later came to Nellore branch as Priority credit cell manager.He was mainly giving loans for poultry. Some used to say gudduki rupai ie it was his commission for sanctioning the loan.I dont know if it was true or not.When his daughter matured he invited friends, relatives, colleagues and big customers.Even for marriage so many gifts would not come. One entire was not enough to keep the gifts they recieved on that occassion.Actually it was such a simple function but mega turn out.

summer holidays

My eldest sister,Rajeswari came with Ashok and Asha to Guntur tospend few days with us. At that time My brothers children, Seenai and Durgai also came with my parents. Those few days we enjoyed like hell.We went to movies , shopping and whatnot.My brother did so much for me. My father opted for voluntary retirement on medical grounds when I was in my ninth class. From then on my brother and sister looked after all the financial matters along with love and affection. So I opened RD accounts in the names of Seenai, Durgai and my mother rs 50/ each.When I got transferred to Nellore I CONVERTED THEM in to KDRS and after maturity I gave them to my brother. It was not very big amount but what I could afford.My mother and father used to come and stay with me in rotation, because atleast ones attendance towards my brothers children was must.

After coming from Bank I used to wear my brothers shirt as a jacket over my blouse. My house owners and neighbors used to look at me strangely.But the actual fact was that I used to like my eldest brother very much and I wanted to copy whatever he did. Wearing his shirts was one such act.

Sri Rama RAO

Sri Rama Rao was my first manager.H ewas our senior manager.At first he was working in Andhra Bank but joined Canara bank as direct officer. He was short nad fair in complexion. H ewas very active and intelligent. His wife was also a nic elady. He had one son and two daughters.I used to play with them because after business hours they used to come down.Their family was residing upstairs.He had two sisters ,one of them was a polio patient. His sisters marriage was attended by all our staff members. Big customers also attended and helped him.He was going to movies very frequently.At that time I was also seeing movies quite often.

In the backyard of our house aged couple were staying. He was working in some film distrbutor office. So he could get us tickets for any movie, in any theatre first day itself.We use dto get tickets from him. I used to sit in balcony. Our manager used to sit in next lower sections . I used to feel great thinking I was one up against him.Now it all seems so silly.Later he became Divisional manager and visited Nellore Branch twice or thrice.His children also were settled in States.I think he retired as DGM.He was very much interested in TV and was participating in some family programmes.

Guptha and Ramachandra murthy

Guptha was a Setty and very jovial.H e was unmarried. He was very interested in getting married. Whenever he went to other towns or cities , he would buy sarees for his future wife. his brother was also our bank employee, Anjaneyulu.I think he was my brothers friend.Guptha was not knowing whom he was going to marry. But he had so many dreams to be fulfilled. He used to buy silk sarees , gift items and whatnot for her. H eused to keep his table and surroundings very neatly.Pin box, stapler, punching machine and everything should be new,neat and clean for him.He was not interested in promotion or writing CAIIB.BuT later I heard that he got married but committed suicide. No on eknew the actual reason. But most of our colleagues expected outside debts which he could not repay.

Ramachandra murthy was a senior clerk. He was very fair in complexion but headstrong.If any one touche dthe allotted to him if he delayed. he would never attend to it in future.Officers were afraid of him because he was atrouble maker to them. Yagna narayana, Lingamurthy, Ramachandra murthy would not attend to office work with interest. For single day thye would complete balancing of just two ledgers only.Officers were afraid to question them.But later he became special assistant and came to Tirupathi few years back. It seems he had come to Tirumala and he lost his purse. I gave him some money and he sent it back after reaching his place. H ehad two children and both were in States.As soon as I came know about it I thought of asking him to consider my daughters for his sons.But it never materialised.

Annapoornamma&Padmavathmma

Padmavathamma was my house owner. Her maternal aunty was Annapoornamma. She was a widow. Padmavathamma was a divorcee. She was very obese and could not move freely. Her aunty used to do all the work. She had no children and her husband had transferred the properties in his brothers name . ASshe had no where to go she was staying here.They were good natured and were helping me a lot.For Atlathaddi, they invited Brahmin neighbors and early in the morning they served dosas as many as we could eat. On some other festival, they prepared minapa vadas and invited Brahmin ladies and served vadas to all of us as many as we could eat. Itwas some kind of nomu I think.I was very eager to attend such functions because their preparations used to be very tasty and it was such fun getting up early in the morning and eating in groups.

Padmavathamma had an elder brother who was retired . H ecame once and stayed for some days. H eused to pour wine or beer in to copper vessels and used to sip it sitting in the verandah. At first I thought he was drinking water but later they told me it was not so.As I was still unmarried at that time, they used to be very alert and attentive as to who are coming to my house and about my movements.I was very secure there.

year end work

Annual balance sheet was done on december 31st in those days.Everything was manual. Interest application ,balancing of all ledgers and tallying was done many days beforehand. Loan instalments paid after calculating interest was kept in SL and being credited after balance sheet.Window dressing was very popular but we used to get circulars and strict instructions not to indulge in them. Branches which reached their targets used to tranfer their excess funds to those branches which failed to reach targets. For that particular yearend ie 1978 KC had come in the morning to my house. It was Sunday and the nextday was dec 31st. He told me that few of the employees went to branch to assist management complete balance sheet in time. We went to the branch. THey made me write transfer waste and tally it. Slips were coming unendingly.Figures were being altered constantly.I was not knowing with what figures I had to tally the different heads especially minor subsidiaries.They called us but did not make any food arrangements.When I asked KC as to what Ishould do , he took me to nearby hotel for lunch. Meals was very nice there.After comig back I commented ABOUT not providing food for us by the manager.So , in the evening his wife prepared lemon rice and sent it to us.

THe tragedy was there was no use of our working that Sunday. Again they changed the figures by Monday morning and again we had to tally everything.

pen down strike

Soon after Ijoined the Bank, workmen went on pen down strike or work to rule. Here no one would say no to any work allotted to them.But they would be attending to it slowly so that nothing would be completed except counter work. It went on for many days.I dont know to achieve what benefits they had undertaken that type of strike. One day we observed bandh and all bankers took tp procession in the main roads of Guntur. I did not participate in the procession but waved at them when they went by our house.But in later processions I took active part by carrying banners and shouting the slogans. At first our festival advance was Rs200 payable in four instalments.My father bought me silver anklets and rose color saree.I used to buy sarees to my liking. All sarees had white back ground with different colors for borders or prints. At Tirupathi I used to buy at Jamuna stores.Another year I bought big ear rings with my festival advance.Iwas not stylish but smart in those days.

Anand

Anand was a n officer there. He was promoted as an officer from Tamilnadu. I think he was of my age only, but joined the bank just after his degree completion. He complted part 1CAIIB and attempted 0 to 1 exam and passed in the first attempt. He was a Tamilian. We had second line manager Nehru who was also aTamilian. These two used to talk to me in English. Most of the time after 5 pm I used to work with them. Our senior manager used to go away and these two were staying.Around 7.30 --8pm we used to lock the premises and walk down to our homes.My house was in brodiepet and theirs in Arundelpet.WE became friends in no time and most of the time fe used to talk about his girl friend who was a medico at that time.He taught me how to lodge oscs cdbs ie out station cheques and credit discount of bills and cheques. I was very eager to learn what ever was new to me.

Nehru was an old man around 50 years of age.He was always of pleasant disposition. H ewould never lose his temper. His approach was always mild and entertaining. He used to cut jokes and we all used to enjoy. He was cutting jokes at me also but at that time I could not understand that they were levelled against me.After I came to Nellore, I heard that he had heart attack and passed away in guntur only. Our colleagues took the body to his home town.It was a sad news to me.

CAIIB PART 1

Iam a science student ,that too natural sciences.CAIIB exam is all about arts and commerce. K Chandra sekhar said it was very difficult exam and he had been appearing for the past six years. H etold me that he would give me the guide for all the papers if I were interested. I wanted to see what it was all about. THE papers were five--banking,acoountancy,English,geography and economics.It was about degree standards. Casually I leafed through the guide and determined to make an attempt. In the first attempt I passed English, geogarphy and economocs. Banking and accountancy were there to be passed. Banking was only theory but accountancy involved sums . I came to know that in arundelpet some guys were teaching accountancyfor CAIIB.I joined there and prepared for Banking and accountancy in my second attempt. I came with flying colors. In those days it was considered a rare feat.I was refunded the exam fee by the indian institute of bankers. It was rs 15/. I bought a small hand bag with that amount and I was holding it for many years.THe person who gave me the book and told about the exam never passed the exam.

Chalapathi Rao

Chalapathi Rao was our officer. He was in his thirties when he got transferred to Guntur. He was recently married. Always he used to tell about his experiences in his inlaws house.How his fatherinlaw and motherinlaw were afraid of him , how they would respect him and small small incidents there. H ewas a chain smoker. So he said he would ask his younger brother in law to bring cigarettes from shop now and then whenever he went there. He was a kind hearted man, always smiling. We became friends easily because he had good sense of humour. He was not living with his family because she gone to her parents for delivery.But after wards I learnt that while going to the branch ,he collapsed on the way and passed away. His wife got the job on compassionate grounds. He was very weak and tall. I think chain smoking and general weakness brought his end so early in life. I feel sorry for him and his family.

Nandini

Nandini was transferred from Bangalore to guntur. Her husband was a medical representative. She had good working knowledge. She could handle any department. She was given deposits. When some customer had come to close his deposits she told him to come after few days. H e got angry. It seems at Bangalore that was the procedure as city branches were big and had vast clientale.Here we use do such things on the same day how ever strain it might be. There was asmall row over it. But afterwards , a compalint had been lodged against her behaviour by the customer. She recieved letter from higher ups asking for an explanation and to close the mATTEr with the customer. She was also astaff union member. When our union people had gone to the customer and requeste dhim to take back his compalint he said that he was not particular about giving complaint but manager had insisted for it. Some how that problem was solved. She ha dfamily problem with her husband and he had left her and gone back to Bangalore. She faced many problems after wards regarding her behaviour and stand. Later I heard that her parents also disowned her for lack of character and she became an officer and got transferred to Calcutta circle.

Ramu

Ramu was my colleague at guntur branch. He was fair, short and calm and mild person. He was substaff promotee. But he had zeal to learn and do things perfectly. As he was slow in turning out his work , he would come early to the branch and start doing his work. H ehad that much involvement. In those days, standing instructions were made manually by seeing a register. he would come early and do all such miscellaneous work beforehand. Later he became special assistant and I come acroos him in STC,HYDERABAD mpst of the times I go to attend there traing programs.

HBSankar was my special assistant. HE was lean and aged person. H ewas achain smoker but a good person. He taught me counter work and how to be perfect in it. Unless I put side totals and tally he would not check the postings on the next page.If I did any mistake he would take pains to make me correct it myself than to simply correct it himself.When I was there he observed Ayyappamala. In those it was new and only few people observing such things. I think he was a KANNADA BRAHMIN with religious bent of mind. Soon after I got my transfer to Nellore I heard that he had cancer and after few months he passed away.GOOD SOUL.

Bapuji, poornachandra raoand Patanjali

Bapuji, Poornachandra rao and Patanjali were my senior clerks. All three of them were calm and quiet persons. They would never involve in others issues. They knew the work very well. Bapuji was KCs friend . He was not married by then.I think he was afraid of girls. As I have two brothers and two sisters at home and studied in coeducation , all were same to me. I used to go to everyone and talk freely with them. But whenever I went to him and talked he would perspire profusely. I used to comment even on that. Later KC told me the real reason. So after that I stopped going near to him to talk.H ebecame special assistant and got transfer to Nellore. On the day of his relief he talked to me so nicely and told me to get transferred to Nellore soon. I had a very high opinion of him.

Due to some reasons I explaine dearlier I changed my union befor going to Nellore. I was shocked to find that he refused to acknowledge me when I joined at Nellore. I heard that he talked ill of me to members of Nellore branch just because I changed my union member ship.He never talked to me during his entire tenure at Nellore and even afterwards.

about my working

Soon my officials learned that I was fast in attending to my work. Practically I was completing the work allotted to for the entire day by 2pm. And I used to tell them so. They would entrust mr with other work. I would complete it by 5pm. Then they would tell me to write transfer waste. It would take full three sheets both sides.I would wrire, put totals and tally the sidesby 7.30pm. After that only Anand. Nehru and my self would clode the branch and leave for our homes. I was happy that I was proving my worth. But my seniors like Yagnanarayana and Lingamurthy and Ramachandra murthy used to pity me that management was taking undue advantage of my innocense. When they were entrusted with balancing of SB ledgers , they would complete only one or two ledgers from 10am to 5pm while I used to do it along with tallying within 30 to 40 minutes. But officers never used to question them as to why they were not working sincerely. Because they were seniors and they knew that whether did anything or not they would get their salaries.

But later I realised their way of thinking and working is what is followed by most of the employees. Most of the time they entrust work to those who do it without grumbling and leave those who protest. THey are not really bothered about the turnout of work by the employees but their egos being satisfied. Even if do whatever is entrusted to us 364 days in an year but refuse one day what they tell, we will be in their bad books and bad looks.

I was very much interested to learn all the work that can belearned in the banking industry.THey found out my weakpoint. To humiliate me they would give me tappal section. If I asked for change of dapartment they would combine two departments and then say that if I want change I have to do the extra work entrusted also. I got disillusioned. They would not allow anyone to help also. Their intention was that I have to work after 5pm even after my confirmation of job. They did not care if Tata rao did anything extra or not. They could not digets when a new employee ,that too a lady refuse them. They took it as aprestige issue and started harassing me.

Sujatha

Sujatha was senior to me by three to four years. She studied upto intermediate or PUC.She was short and somewhat on bulkyside. But she used to do her work very sincerely. I heard from my other colleagues the following information. I dont know to what extent it is true. She had been given in marriage to one of CB employee. On the sixteenth day of their marriage while coming in train when the station was nearing , in anxiety he put his head outside. His head struck to one of the lamp posts and he died immediately. She got the job on compassionate grounds. I heard his father used to come to the bank for some money occassionally. Later she was married again by her brothers to some one else. H ewas working Ramgudam thermal project. H ehad a sister to be married and her skin was so dry that it was looking like land in severe drought areas. Even in photos that parched skin can be seen. Sujatha was a quiet girl and she had two daughters by the time I knew her. She was studying BAvia distance education. She used to come to our house to learn her English lessons from me.

If everything was smooth , she would call me Padma. If management was against me or if I quarrel with management she would stop talking to me and call me Padma garu or yemandi even if there were no disputes between us. First I could not understand her behaviour. But later I came to know that she did not want to be in bad looks of the management . So it changed along with management attitude with me. I was not angry or displeased with her behaviour because most people dont want trouble and especially dont involve when others are in trouble.

lATERI came to know that she had three girl children all of them well educated and settled abroad and she is ALSO IN STATES AFTER HER RETIREMENT .

N V Rao

N V Rao used to talk very effectively. He was working atVijayawada. Once or twice we went to Vijayawada union office also to request fim regarding my transfer. H etold me to apply and he would see that it gets materialised.But actually he did not do anything. I had to wait two years before I got my transfer. Tata rao , who was also aprobationer like me joined employees union and he got his transfer by the time our probation was over. KC made me sit after office hours telling that if Idid so management also would consider amicably my request.While TataRao went after 5.30pm telling some excuse I had to sit till 7.30 pm and do the work hearing to KCs words.

Naturally I was fast. I used to complete the work entruste dto me by lunch break. AsI was free they would give me some other work. Seniors and Tata rao used to drag their work anfd kept their work pending for the next day so that no one would give them extra work. Fool as I was , I used to pity them that they were very slow in their work.I could not realise that management was taking undue advantage of me under the guidance of KC.Because I used to go by his words.

When I strongly asked NVRao why he did not get me transferred to Nellore. he said that if he had wanted he would have transferred me long back but he did not feel like so he did not help me. I was shocked. I quarrelled with KC about it. He could not reply me. I got angry and did not talk with KC from then onwards. At last I got my transfer orders to nellore. KC said Ihad to send the leaders at HO Bangalore money because I got my transfer.BUT when I enquired they said there is no such bribing while getting transfers to union members.I got disillusioned regarding everyone and the management. I changed my union before coming to Nellore.

K Chandrasekhar

Kchnandra sekhar was the firts person to extend his friendship to me. H ewas also a Brahmin. He was recently married and she was Kamala. She was in her first pregnancy when Isaw her for the first time. They were living inArundelpet. He would take her to all the parties even when others dont come with their families. He was helping me in bank issues. He told me about CAIIB and that he had books if I wanted to apply. I took that guide from him. By that time he did not pass any subjects. Still he gave that book to me. H e used to come to my house along with Kamala. He had mother and an younger brother. H ewas the only earning member of his house.

At that time there were two unions --employees union and staff union. H ewas the secretary of staff union. At that time , NV Rao was the state secretary of that union. H esaid that he would recommend me to NVRaoand see that I get transfer toNellore if I joined staff union. H eshowed me a letter from NVRao to that effect. In those days union meetings were held in the house of HB Sankar.I was bored by his meetings but the other members were awed by his speech and his rememberance powers.

my colleagues at guntur branch

Everyone was interested to talk to me because Iwas the new recruity. Our senior manager was Sri rama rao. Our secondline manager was Radhakrishna. Our special assistant was HbSankar. aGRICALTURE OFFICER rAMAKRISHNA, Anandan was a new officer. Lingamurthy, Yagnanarayana, Pathanjali, POOrnachandra rao, Tavv asatyanarayana, Majeti Satyanarayana,Guptha, Sujatha, Ramu,Ramachandra rao. Kchandrasekhar were clerks. Gopal was the dAFTHARY. Nehru was also asecond line manager. Govindu was an officer. Two other boys were substaff and one was a daily wager. In no time we all became friends contrary to my fear earler.

life at guntur

I stayed with my brother at guntur. We were alone. He never asked me to cook. By the time I get up milkman would have brought milk and my brother would boil it and prepare coffee dicoction ready. We were just getting ready and go to Sankar vilas and have meals there and I would go to the branch and he to hospital.His friends were my friends. they were Satyanaraya ,a doctor ,Kasaiah, research scholar of economics,Krishnamurthy,medical representative and his brother Kameswara rao ,he too a medical representative,and Pantulu garu bank employee. Every evening they would all come to our house and we used to gossip. They never made me feel I was a girland I moved with them freely. Frequently we all would go to cinemas second shows only.I enjoyed the time after my banking hours more . Satyanarayana used to come to our house even after my brothers transfer to Tirupathi. But after my marriage I lost contact with him. Even to day Kasaiah and Krisnamurthy are in touch now and then.

Soon after my joining in the bank my brother got transfer orders to Tirupathi. I did not know what to do. My parents and brother did not anticipate that I would secure ajob in bank and that too in Guntur. So from the day my brother got transferred to Guntur he had been following up for transfer to Tirupathi and it got materialised on the day of my posting to Guntur. See the play of fate.

My firstday at canara bank guntur

I think thye had given me four days joining time. So I left for Guntur after my sister was discharged from district headquartes, Chittoor. My brother was staying at Brodipet, fourth line opposite Ravi institute. In those days that was very famous for giving coaching for Eamcet appearing students. He was there alone. His family was at Tirupathi with my parents.Seethai, my brothers youngets son was suffering from thyroid problem from birth. But it has taken more than two years for my brother to evaluate it ,inspite of he being a doctor. Medicines were started . So he kept his family with my parents for the sake of his children.

On that we got ready and he accompanied me to Canara bank along with his friend. It seems that his friend told he knows certain employee and he belonged to Tirupathi only. THe branch was near market area and college. It was upstairs. My brothers friend went and told his acquaintance about me. They called us inside managers cabin. I gave my appointment letter and transfer letter from STC,Bangalore. After staying for fifteen minutes ,they left. There was so much rush in the branch insisde the counter and outside the counter. Seeing all those I was afraid whether I could successfully manage the job or not. I was afraid that I could not remember all therinames and get acquainted easily with each one of them.

They made me sit in the SBcounter and told me what to do. But actually I dont know what Idid that day. Rather than excited Iwas tensed up.

Last two days at stc ,bangalore

Everyone was excited about their postings.They were going to head office to enquire or influence if they had any connections. I did neither because I didnot know what to think or do in that direction. They arranged group photo with faculty. THey said that they would give each one one copy on the last day. On Saturday they arranged lunch and small get together. But as Bangalore was new to me, my father did not feel confident that Icould return to Tirupathi succesfully.At that time. my second sister and brotherinlaw were at Kuppam. So my father asked my brother in law to go to bangalore and take me to Kuppam. Then I could safely return to Tirupathi. I feel Prakash Rao, my brotherinlaw was not eager but some how he could not refuse my fathers request. So he came by afternoon and immediately he told me we had to start and go to railway station, otherwise we might miss the train. I was enthusiastic about the the lunch and gettogether but he would not fear of it. So reluctantly I missed everything and accompanied him to railway station. I couldnot even collect our group photo. Someone said they would pass it onj to me but it never materialised.We had to wait for nearly more than two to three hours at railway station. We could easily have attended the function and boarded the train. But alas. it was not to be so.

By the time we reached Kuppam and had gon ehome, my sister was not there. House owner said that she had amiscarriage and she had severe bleading which could not be controlled. So her hospital staff hed taken her to district hospital at Chittoor.In those days my brother in law was not communicative with us. Hearing these developments he became very grim. He would have thought because of me only all this has happened. But for me he would have stayed at KUppam and would have looked after my sister. I was afraid. Early in the morning we left for Chittor and directly we went to didtrict head quarters. My parents and my brother were already there. I had to join at Guntur, my place of posting , on Monday.It would take one or two days for my sisters discharge. She was alright by the time we saw her. My father told me to go to Tirupathi immediately and get ready for my stay at guntur. So without even breakfast I left for Tirupathi. Everyone was concerned about my sisters health. No ome was interested in my job .

joining at CB,STC,BANGALORE

My first posting was to STC,Bangalore for fifteen days. My father accompanied me to Bangalore. We started by night and reched there in the early hours. We tried so many lodges, but could not secure a room. So, we sayed in the busstop till morning and went to STCby 10am.Like me there were 40 students.WEintroduced our selves.They taught us every thing. It was an induction course. We all participated eagerly.WEwere shown a hostel to stay near stc. In each room four to five members stayed. In some rooms boys satyed and in some rooms girls stayed. I t was exciting . Every one become frieds with other members. I remember some of their names. they are Chandini Tatcharya, Rajashri, Rangarao,Prabhakar rao and others.In the evenings, we used to go out and see the city. We used to get ready by 9.30am and go to Kamath hotel and have break fast. In the after noon , we used to go to lunch to another Kamath hotel.Every alternate hotel in BANGALORE WAS NAMED AS kAMATH. i SAW HINDI MOVIES THERE LIKE HUM KISSI SE KAM NAHIN, AND ANOTHER. dURING NIGHTS WE USED TO GO TO BIG HOTELS WHERE SINGERS WILL SING AND BE DANCING ON THE FLOOR AS IN MOVIES IN DIM LIGHTS.

Those fifteen days I enjoye dlike hell.I was a free bird.

appointment letter from Canara Bank

I got my appoint ment letter from Canara bank. No one in my family wanted me to join there. THey were all gazetted officers and I was about to join as a clerk. If I continue my research I can one day acquire doctorate. But I was adament. I was more influenced by my colleagues at SV UNVERSITY TO JOIN ANY WHITE COLLARED JOB.In between, I applied for medical representative post for bog pharmaceutical companies. I got interview letter also. In those days. for ladies they would give postings in the cities and they need not travel all the time. My brothers and sisters refused to let me attend the interview . THey said that doctors abuse medical represantatives and look them down. They were not given proper respsct. Like this every job I wanted to take up they did not like it. But how can I become a gazetted officer with no professional degree?

My guide at the university was a palmist. He would tell our past, present AND FUTURE BY SEEING OUR PALM AND ITS LINES. He saw my palm and told me that if Icontinued my research I would become world famous . But if I quit it, I would lead very below normal life and an obscure life wher e there will be no excitement, no thrill ,no satisfactionand no contentment. He also to;ld that Just because Iwas leaving his guidance ,he was not saying so. the lines depicted such consequences. Even after hearing all that Idecided to quit research and join the Bank.

my job interviews

Iattended Canara bank interview at Hyderabad circle office.Iwore light rose plain saree.Ihad gone in the interview in the afternoon. THey asked simple questions and Ididnot feel any attention.Thye asked me if I knew typing . I told them that I didnot know.THen they asked me what the emblem of the bank was. I really did not know. I told them that as there was no Canara bank at Tirupathi Idid not know about the logo and emblem.My interview occured durind emergecy period in 1977.I attended Bank of Maharashtra interview also the very next day. From both the banks I recieved letters that i had been kept in waiting list.Iattended Andharbank interview at Tirupathi. I was the first one to attend the interview . I wrote the written test so perfectly that i WAS SURE iGOT ALMOST centum. But then andhra bank was not nationalised .So they did not ask any questions and they selected candidates who had either recommendations or money. So ,Ijoined as a research fellow and continued till I got my appointmentletter from Canara Bank.

my project

My project in research was role of growth promoters and retardents in Cucurbitaceae. THe reason was there wide range shepes and sizes in Cucuebitaceaelike snake gourd, pumpkin, cucumber and one wild variety which was single seeded and very small. I started doing experiments. Ethyl alcohol was important to take extracts of fruits and analise the quanity of gibberlins, auxins and reatardent cytokinin. Gibberlins and auxins were growth promoters. THere was stiff competition for etheline and space in Ac lab where we have to keep the seeslings for growth under isotonic condition, light and temperature. Some how I did preliminary work and submitted. Our guide told me to send those papers for a science journal. I sent it. Since my handwriting was poor, he asked me to learn type and shorthand. Istarted going to type institute. Iwas collecting material for my project in sv library. Iwas given land in the garden to grow plants for my research.LIKE this almost one year was over.

One day my brother sent a cover that I got job in Canara bank and I was supposed to join at STC,Bangalore on 23/01/1978.It was almost 20 jan. Actually they were not interested in my joining clerical post. because al of them were gazetted officers.If I continued my research. oneday I too would acquire doctorate.But when I told my colleagues in the department, most of them advised me to join the batch. Because in those days , we had senior research fellow Malakondaiah ,who had come back to research because he could not secure a job even with a Ph.D.So I came home and tolld my father that I would quit research and join the bank. THere was protest from all around, even from our neighbors. Generally if we are cornered we feel like rebelling. So. I was adament and complete dthe formalitiesd to quit research because by that time I was getting UGCfellowship.

introduction -contd

Ididnot know at that time that fate had a completely different plan etched exclusively for me. I did Bsc(BZC).later Idid M.Sc in applied plant physiology. After that I could not secure a job in teaching field. So as a stop gap I bought Upkar guide for competitive exams and starte dpreparing for it. I attended Andhra bank, BANK OF mAHARASHTRA. Canara bank clerical exams.I attempted officers test in IOB.Iwrote Indian FOREST SERVICE examination also as Ihads the minimum required height .I was actually preparing for IAS ALSO. Iprepare dnotes in Indian History and economics alsoby reading at SV library.

In the mean time , I tried my hand at research. I was a local candidate at SVUniversity. So even without stipend also I could join as aresearch scholar.So I contacted our professor Ramdas. He directe dme to READER K.Narayan rao. Nnarayan RAO WAS ANICE MAN. he used to mingle with students very freely. In those days to become a research assistant, we have to first submit a reportto the university on what subject we want to do research. With the help of Narayan RAO I prepared note s and submiitted. Practically I forgot about it. THe one fine morning I came to know that I was permitted to be a research scholar but with no fellowship.

preliminary introduction

Iam Bhagavathula Padmavathi working as Special assistant in Canara Bank at present. Iwant to share my experiences with you during my journey from 23/01/1978 till date . First of all Iwas not inclined to do any job. I was wishing that some rich man with highly romantic ideas would marry me and then I need not do any job. THere would be ample money and I can enjoy life to the maximum extent.But fate had