Our Patron IOBOA’s Founder President leaves us in grief
Dear Comrades,
Com. V.S.T.Kumaraswamy is no more
Our Patron IOBOA’s Founder President leaves us in grief
Everything has an end, even too good ought to have an end howsoever unbearable the end may be. The end of any good person leaves us in grief but also leaves a lasting lesson on all of us who revere the path trodden by him/her. Too good a man he was Com. V.S.T.Kumaraswamy, former General Manager of Indian Overseas Bank, Founder President of IOBOA , Ex-Director on IOB’s Board representing Officers, Architect of IOB’s first and successful reorganization. His knowledge only humbled him because he was wise, he enjoyed wide power but he never took joy in using them to harass or victimize people. He never believed in teaching people by use of his authority rather he firmly believed of learning from even his lowest subordinate. He had only friends and no foes. He was AGM and also later GM (HR) and whoever approached him with his/her tales of woes was never given lecture about bank’s interest and bank’s problems, never received stern NOs or never shown the doors as we oft witness nowadays but were always shown compassion, empathy and also a solution. It was like a second nature for him to use his authority always to help employees of all cadre. It was never difficult for him to balance bank’s interest and employees’ interest in placement and posting to the full satisfaction of both and bank prospered during those days with best IR climate. He was never biased or prejudiced and maintained perfect neutrality in his official dealings with employees owing allegiance to rival organizations and never allowed his personal inclinations to disrupt this neutrality. He never compromised bank’s interest while empathizing with employees because he believed that bank’s interest lay in turning a humane face to the workforce and not in turning a blind eye and deaf ears to the problems of the employees.
He might not have been a walking encyclopedia but he walked the talk and remained an epitome of virtues. So he walked tall among his peers dwarfing them because of his virtues. While discharging his duties to the bank as a Manager of the bank and to this constituency of officers as their Director on the Board he strictly observed what Jesus preached, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” But when he was elevated as Asst. General Manager and hence becoming part of the management, he sensed that there would arise situations of conflict of interest. So, provoked by none but prompted by his conscience he relinquished his Director’s post. Yes, he was a gentleman and an officer.
Comrades, pages may not suffice to write this obituary reminiscing the values he held steadfast, the virtues he possessed, the life he led and above all the humanity he showed to one and all. We were fortunate to have lived alongside him to know him who walked the talk till he breathed his last on 19th October,2017. He had serious ailment during the last few months but he never lost his dignity and remained always independent. The end is in a way relief to him though he left us all and his dear family in grief. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
We from ARISE including your General Secretary and President and all office bearers in Chennai paid our last respect to this noble soul on 19th October, 2017 at his home where his mortal remains were kept. Com.V.N. Ravindranath Rao, former General Secretary paid floral tribute on behalf of ARISE. Com. S. Kruparam along with members of ARISE attended the funeral on 20th October,2017. Messages paying homage came from all office bearers and members of ARISE. In Com.K.V. Acharya’s (President-AIBPARC) words, “ARISE feels guilty that 100% DA neutralization could not be achieved during the lifetime of Com.V.S.T. Kumaraswamy. His nobility and humility should guide us all.” Com.M.R. Gopinatha Rao anointed the President of IOBOA by Com.V.S.T. Kumaraswamy rightly said, “We have lost a friend, philosopher and guide.” But his words and deeds will guide us. Let his noble soul rest in peace.
S.B.C.Karunakaran K.S. Rengarajan
General Secretary President
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