April a Month of Profound Significance for me

 

April holds a profound significance in my life, rooted in an experience that began in November 1973 and culminated in a momentous event in April 1974. The story traces back to the birth of my first son, who arrived prematurely on February 11, 1972. This unexpected early arrival forced me to leave my job at Avery India Ltd. in Pune, and dedicate my time completely to my child's care. By the time my son was a year and eight months old, I felt the need to reintegrate myself into the workforce.
It was during this period that a friend encouraged me to apply for a position at Ceat Tyres of India Ltd. in November 1973. I was eager for a new challenge, but applying for a job again after a hiatus was daunting. To my surprise, I found myself navigating a rigorous interview process that involved four rounds, each more intense than the previous one. The first interview was with Mr. Pradeep Mukherjee, the branch manager at the Pune office. The subsequent interviews followed suit, with the District Manager Mr. Mulay, the Divisional Manager Mr. Ghose, and the personnel manager from the Bombay office each having their say.

By the end of this, I was mentally drained. The constant scrutiny and assessment left me questioning whether I should continue this pursuit. If it weren't for the esteemed reputation of Ceat Tyres, I might have walked away. However, I resolved to stay the course, hoping for a glimmer of positivity amidst the exhaustion. I patiently waited for news through the first half of March, but as the weeks slipped by without any communication, doubt began to creep in. On March 25, 1974, the postman delivered an envelope that was to change my life. The return address read Ceat Tyres of India Ltd., Bombay. As I held the envelope, a mix of anxiety and anticipation consumed me. With a deep breath, I tore it open and discovered that I had been selected for the position of a steno-typist at the Pune office, starting from April 1, 1974. At that moment, my mind raced with disbelief; I instinctively thought of the date itself, wondering if this announcement was merely an April Fool’s prank. When I shared this news with my family, they too voiced similar concerns, fuelling my apprehension.

Over the next six days, I struggled with self-doubt and uncertainty about my new position. Nevertheless, on April 1st, I said a prayer and mustered the courage to step out of my home. Arriving at the Ceat Tyres Office, I was greeted by a peon in a white uniform who guided me to the waiting room. Heart pounding, I sat there, reflecting on the journey that had brought me to this point. Moments later, I was summoned to the branch manager's office, where I was met with a warm handshake and the words, “Congratulations and welcome to Ceat Tyres.”
That day marked the start of my professional career at Ceat Tyres, an eight year journey that began on what I had initially thought was an ominous date- April Fool’s Day. Little did I know that this April Fool’s Day would turn out to be one of the most significant turning points in my life, opening doors to new opportunities and experiences I had longed for. The home I dwell in today is bought by my end-benefits  from Ceat Tyres which I received from them when I decided to move to the Gulf. I am eternally grateful to Ceat Tyres for this.