When the Institute of Bankers Exams results had come and I was awarded, among others, my own institution’s award, the Regional Chief had called me to congratulate. The same question cropped up about my educational qualification. I did explain frankly the circumstances under which this had happened. He was gracious enough to offer funding for my degree course if I desired. In an indecisive, confused moment, I declined. Not ego. Definitely not. I didn’t want the money either. What I had failed to do was ask him to guide me on the options available to me to qualify without compromising on anything. Knowing his good nature and tremendous knowledge and wisdom, I am sure he would have suggested the best means. I lost that opportunity.

At any point in my career, I could have attempted this. What prevented me, a person otherwise serious about such things, I don’t know. My mind had reached a level of satisfaction and satiation, maybe. I feel there should never be a fixed goal. The moment you seem to be nearing the goal, shift the goal post farther away. Otherwise, there will be no progress. From a spiritual angle, this may not be needed at all, but to become really spiritual, getting that elusive contentment and detachment needs a lot of work, energy, and concentration.

Beyond a certain level, I stopped participating in the promotion processes. And in fact, when I had a solid eight years of service left, I took voluntary retirement. At this point, some amount of spirituality had set in, and the mind was seeking peace more than progress.

Many of my peers went on to become Chairmen of various banks, including my own. All of them thoroughly deserved it. Many I know personally and marveled at their talent. Could I have competed with them? Maybe. Or maybe not. But I know for sure with this qualification I had, any authority would have very deeply, seriously, and dispassionately considered the qualification issue and come to a negative conclusion.

In the same breath, I would say my two sons had settled down, and what more did I need? We had a good house, no shortage of food or clothes, more than adequately educated our sons, and what we needed was peace and calmness.

So, for me, the qualification ended with the Banking exams, and the only college I attended was the Training College. And I have absolutely no regrets.

Continued in 267. +1 - Part 1