A Salute to a Legend: Honouring Our Most Respected Seniors on Their Superannuation

In every organization, there are individuals who do more than just fulfilling their duties—they become the heart and soul of the institution. Today, as we prepare to bid farewell to some towering figure in SECL, we find ourselves filled with both admiration and emotion. Our respected seniors, our guiding force and an embodiment of dedication, are superannuating—a moment that marks the end of a glorious era.

From the very first day of my journey with SECL, I have seen some of my beloved seniors who demonstrated unmatched dedication, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Their decades-long association with this organization has left an indelible mark on all of us. With every challenge faced and every milestone achieved, they stood firm & resolute in purpose and were so graceful in leadership.

Whether it was navigating difficult decisions, nurturing young talents, or leading with empathy and wisdom, they did all these things with a sense of humility that inspired us all. They have been more than a manager or a leader; they have been a mentor, a guardian, and a source of inspiration.

Their contributions to SECL span multiple domains—be it operational excellence, fostering a culture of safety and innovation, or building strong teams and bonding with each other that work with passion and purpose. Colleagues, subordinates, and even those who interacted with them even for short duration will unanimously agree that they carried the torch of professionalism, kindness & human touch, all at the same time. Under their guidance, SECL has not only reached new operational heights but has also grown into a workplace where values and vision go hand in hand. Their leadership wasn’t confined to conferences or boardrooms but it was evident in the corridors, in the fields, and in the lives they touched.

Many of us have grown under their mentorship. Their open-door policy, words of encouragement, and calm presence during crises have nurtured careers and built confidence. They always believed in giving more than taking—and today, the onus is on us to carry that legacy forward. Their humility taught us that true greatness lies not in titles or accolades, but in how you make people feel. They never demanded respect—they earned it, effortlessly and eternally.

The list of such persons with whom I fortunately got closely associated with is very long and I really feel very fortunate for that. They not only consistently guided, supported and encouraged me but always stand by me whenever I felt low due to some reason or another. The affection, love, faith and belief they showed for me was really unmatched and I really feel grateful to the God to have such seniors in my life.

Today, such legends namely shri S.K. Mohanty Sir & Shrikrishna Sir, who have left an indomitable imprint in my mind are superannuating. Though, both have played a great role in my personal as well as professional career, my bonding with Mohanty Sir has always been very intense and deep. In fact, he acted like my mentor, guide or I should say just like my elder brother. There came so many occasions in my life, when I felt extremely low and hyper-reactive but it was, he who not only hold me firmly but guided me to come out of that feelings & emptions. Whenever, I felt annoyed, or low, I just used to call Mohanty Sir and he used to listen me patiently and always calm me down and prevented me from taking any rash decisions. In this highly-competitive professional world, where everyone is busy in their own business and don’t even hesitate to pull legs of others, I’m really fortunate that I came in association with so many seniors who stand firmly with me in all my thick and thin.

My bonding with Shrikrishna Sir has always remained very deep since the day we came to know each other. He’s really a very nice person and always encouraged and helped whenever, it was required. He’s in the list of those persons, who always wanted good for me as well as for all of us.

Though, my association with Biswal Sir is not very long, but from even from my short interaction with him, I can say with conviction that he’s very good person, who keeps good feelings and emotions for all people, irrespective of their post position. I remember the day when he told me to keep lunch packets for the drivers who come with AGMs, etc. for attending the GMs coordination meeting. This is just an example which shows how he is concerned for all and thinks for everyone.

Today, when they are superannuating, I’m really feeling a bit low, thinking that to whom now I will call and who will listen me and calm me down. But I just want to make promise to them that I’ll not let them down ever and will try to abide by all their teachings, which constantly rung in my mind. 

As they step into the well-earned chapter of retirement, we all wish a beautiful new beginning for all of them. Though, they will no longer walk these hallways every day, their spirit will forever resonate within SECL. Their values, vision, and the standards they have set, will continue to guide the generations to come.

We all express our deepest gratitude for the years of selfless service and for standing as the cornerstone of SECL/CIL. They are the legends whom we all deeply admire and love and will be loving for ever. Their journey has been extraordinary, and their legacy will remain timeless.

I on the behalf of entire SECL family—thank you all Sir. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

Wishing you all a joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling life ahead Sir!

Thank you!

Regards

sanjeev