Azim Premji Foundation Diairies- The Farewell

This came as a surprise. Thanks Avina, Parul, Pooja and all who made a closure very sweet for me. 

I wasn't sure when to travel to Jaipur from Bengaluru, due to sudden plans and meetings. Extening the plan by a day, I finally travelled to Jaipur on 1st june and walked into office on 2nd June, the last working day at Azim Premji Foundation. I had to do the last minute tasks assigned by my boss. 

I sat at my favorite place, Library watching the dry tree that got chopped off. Sad to see the tree getting chopped, I realised that the endings of everything is coming close by. Till afternoon, I worked and sat with Parul to have lunch with her. She offered me her lunch and got rotis ordered for me. So sweet of her. 

After lunch, back to work and got onto the calls that extended till 5.30PM. Watching me in calls on my last day, Pooja reminded me of a meeting at conference hall at 5:30 PM. 

I had no clue why I'm being called to a meeting on my last day. I didn't listen to her. Instead, I wanted to catch up with Abhishek and went on to chat with him. He mentioned about the planned farewell. Avina sent a mail to gather at 5:30 PM, for your farewell, he mentioned. 

I still couldn't believe that people made efforts to give me a farewell. Samosas & sweets were bought, I was asked to take the centre chair for the meeting. I sat alongside with Abhishek, unable to believe that these people planned my farewell despite not being in touch regularly with them. Technically, I was not part of the Jaipur team and intereacted very few times with them. I was touched by the gesture. 

Abhishek began to share few things about my journey. Joined in 2019, worked with schools, field institutes, always worked on excel and cultivated interest in theatre, arts and always came with a smiling face. 

Mahmood mentioned about my paintings and my interest in Haleem and other food. Deepak mentioned the times we spent over chai and discussed ghazal, writings and his life journey. Gautam was surprised by my interest in Ghazals. 

Gautam shared about my writing, books and appreciated my efforts at being consistent. Julfikar, Jyothi, Virender, Mukesh mentioned how joyful I always entered office and greeted people. Thanks all for the words. 

The most time I spent in Jaipur office is with Parul and Pooja. Both recollected the collective lunch times and shared how they'd miss those good times. 

As everyone were shared few thoughts and appreciation, I shared my thanks to everyone. I recollected my first memories and Gautam's help and the journey I took in the foundation and the plans I have for my next phase of life. 

I was touched by the farewell as it seemed a full closure to me. At Bangalore, there was no farewell kinda mood. People were busy in their own journeys. I felt lost. The final good byes with dear ones were also hasty. I was wishing for one sweet good bye to the foundation and here it is, at Jaipur. Thanks everyone for the farewell.  

Finally Pooja shared how I despise using Ji, adding to every name. She shared how I'd refere to Gautam as Gautam rather than Gautam ji. Gautam was sportive and handed me a rucksack bought by the team. He's man of few words. He wished my luck just by tapping on my shoulder. Thanks Gautam, Parul, Pooja, Avina, Paresh, Keshav, Ankur, Mukesh, Mahmood, Virender, Jeet, Shravan and all whom I spent little time in Jaipur.