Day 123

My Employers-6

IIBF is the organization, where I had the longest innings (23 years).

• Prior to joining,  I was already a member of the Institute and had passed CAIIB examination way back in 1975 in single and consecutive attempts, which was indeed a very rare achievement in those days. Strangely, two papers of Part II examination were leaked during that period and we all had to take the re-examination!

 At a  comparatively young age of 39 years, I became the Director of Studies of the Institute (which was later christened as Director of Academic Affairs). 

• Being a national level academic/examination body, this job opened up numerous unforeseen opportunities, that may not have normally come in other organizations where I worked before.
• The two decades plus period was full of activities, too numerous to list at this time.  
• I will focus on the persons who helped in shaping my career.

Here the name of late Prof. R D Pandya comes on  top. When I met him, he was past 60 years of age and we had some two years of work association. What a wonderful period that was? 

• Being a Professor, he had the gift of the gab and a great flair for speaking. That impressed me at the outset, being a faculty at heart myself. 
• Then comes his human qualities. He was a thorough gentlemen, treated the staff in a fatherly fashion. He always showed a soft corner to the staff. 
• People say, he literally built up IIBF almost from the scratch. That may be true also. I had seen IIB when I was appearing for CAIIB in 1975. IIBF name came around 2004 or so.
• Subsequently, when I saw IIBF in 1992. I could not believe its transition from a small office on the second floor of SBI building at Horniman Circle to the sprawling offices at Cuffe parade and Maker Towers. 
• Pandya Saab was the Chief Secretary of the Institute for over 17 years during which this transition mainly took place then.
• Professor had great ability for drafting and dictation, seeing that I could develop those skills subsequently. 
• He would never scold for a mistake in drafting, instead he will dictate the letter afresh and sends across the final letter. Looking at that, one can see the changes and learn. What a way to teach young minds!
• He believed in helping people always. His father- in- law was a leading specialist. He helped many persons to meet his father free of charge.( On one occasion, when my father was ill, Pandyasaab  helped me to take him to the specialist in his office car!). 
• He gave numerous opportunities for his staff to travel abroad to attend conferences that helped them to build their vision immensely. 
• He also organized mega seminars like International Banking Summer School (IBSS) for the first time in India… there are numerous achievements to his credit.

He had given opportunities to me to attend  World Conference of Banking Institutes held in Bali-1993 and Taiwan-1994 along with him, that also gave occasions to pass through Singapore and Hong Kong.  

The  Institute had organised the same conference  earlier in 1992 at Goa in a very grand scale ,under the dynamic leadership of Prof. Pandyasaab., which I had the privilege to attend. Those  prestigious conferences had definitely helped in building my vision during  those early years in the Institute.

• Last but not the least, he introduced me to very many senior bankers.
•  As he was lavish in praising and supporting, I could get noticed by some of the seniors- with whom I could develop lasting friendship later on.
•  This gesture of Pandya Saab helped me so much that three of them wrote encouraging forewords to my books subsequently!
• All credits go to the loving care and support shown by Pandya Saab.

After his retirement in 1995 till his demise  in 2018 or so, I had very good and long association with him. He was residing at Baroda. Invariably we used to talk every week at least once.

•  He always encouraged me academically and spiritually and reviewed four of my books in the IBA bulletin. 
• In conferences, he showed keen interest to listen to me with encouraging  comments either before or after my talk.
• What else a youngster can ask from a superior either in office or outside!
• RIP- Pandya Saab.

Another  great professional I wish to acknowledge here is Mr. Y H Malegam, CA. He was the council member of IIBF for nearly 25 years and during that period he was also the Chairman of Committee on Education and Training of the Institute for over two decades. In that period, I had numerous opportunities to interact with him and see closely the way the meetings were conducted by him and decisions were arrived at. Three great learnings, among others, stand out for me-

1) Time consciousness/punctuality. No meetings ever started late during that period. In case, if there is some delay, he will start with an open apology to all members present.

2) The precision with which decisions/directions were given and drafting changes made, if any.

3) No criticism/ unwanted remark of any sort was ever heard from him.

The discussions were always to the point and if he has to leave a little early, he will mention that in advance and at that time, he will close the meeting. 

• Thank you  Malegam Sir for helping  to know Professionalism of the highest order. 

All these are not taught in any IIMs or training colleges . One has to see in practice to learn and imbibe.

 I consider  myself fortunate to have that golden opportunity in IIBF to meet  many senior bankers, academicians and professionals from India and abroad. 

• IIBF managing Council consists of some 20 plus heads of various banking organisations as also  Director/s of Academic bodies working in the country. Hence I had the unique opportunity to see some 140 CMDs  of different banks as also the RBI Governor and Deputy Governors ( in earlier years)  at close quarters as Council members over a period of 23 years.
• Further I could see/interact with very many dignitaries from Government, Private sector, bureaucracy and public sector  who came and delivered either the PTM L or RK Talwar memorial lectures. All these are truly priceless learning experiences.

A  couple of books can be easily written about the rich experiences I gathered in IIBF.

 Undoubtedly, a fantastic job experience and career for me.

Be happy. Be safe.

ॐ

6AM