COMMITMENT

COMMITMENT


Soon after his graduation in the early 70s, Dr, Binoy joined a hospital in an industrial township, set up during the Nehruvian era in Orissa. Liberalization was unheard of in those days, and the loss making industry was sustained through Government support. More recently, however, in the era of liberalization, most of his colleagues started deserting the sinking ship, Dr.Binoy nursed no such thought.
Managing Directors (MDs, in officialese) came and went making little difference to the health of the company.
The new MD—he was now about a year old in the company---was not particularly known for his managerial skills or generosity.
Rather, jokes about him had started making their rounds. For example, if he denied promotion to anyone, it seems, he would console him by saying: “So what? Life goes on! I have remained as MD for last four years!” the humor springing from the fact that he had already reached the highest rung in his career.
It so happened that Binoy’s next promotion became due during the tenure of the above Dictator. Normally indifferent towards his career, Binoy became some what anxious this time round. For, it was at a crucial juncture in his career.
He did his best at the interview, giving evidence of his continued research interest, and impressive track record. So it came as a shock not only to him but also to his friends and relatives when the result was out for the next promotion.
Dr.Binoy became hassled and decided to meet the all powerful MD to find out where in lay the obstacle to his promotion. Getting an appointment with him (MD) was no easy task. He had to take permission from the health director first. Only if he could be convinced then would be given an appointment with the powerful man called MD. Dr.Binoy pleaded with the health director that he expects nothing except some mental satisfaction of meeting the Managing Director.
But that was not enough. He had to approach people close to the MD to secure an appointment. This was to be three weeks later.
By which time had forgotten over the pain and depression which he had over come in the days immediately following his rejection. Even so, he prepared himself well for the fateful day. With copies of his CV neatly typed out, and all his certificates and credentials stowed in a folder he waited for the summons. Dr.Binoy was briefed from the outset by the PA, that he must be brief and to the point, he must not try to hand over any envelope or printed materials, thanks to the tehelka and anthrax scares!

The MD was brief. In no uncertain terms he told Dr.Binoy” No commitment, no promotion”. This was like a bolt from the blue. Was he not given “best doctor’s and long service certificate”, in a glittering function held only the previous year, before this man joined the PSU as its newest MD---the twelfth one during Binoy’s service period.
Next day Dr.Binoy was admitted with an angina to the ICU only to learn that the great man has joined a new job in a profit making multinational company at Dubai, “What a commitment?”