My cousin was very active in the union of an Oil PSU. He used to actively fight for the rights of his co worker. Sometimes he used to actively lead the protest against workers class in general. He used to adviced me to get associated with RTI to effectively fight corruption. He wanted me to become an RTI activist. Whereas I was actively associated with Civil Defence at that point of time. We had a huge debate one night, he stuck to his point of view and I was steadfast on mine. There is a popular saying that there areno winners in an argument.It was proved in this case.
He had come to attend my uncle's funeral who passed away with cancer. He too was a union president and retired as director of a PSU bank. It was rather sad that he too received lesser honour in his death despite helping so many of his colleagues in ensuring promotion, transfer, recruitment etc. My cousin must have realised his futility of being associated with union activities. The subsequent incident proved beyond doubt that being associated with Union does not guarantee that you are protected or privileged.
After attending my uncle's funeral we moved towards Mangalore from Bangalore since he did not get his railway ticket. I agreed to drop him at Mangalore and return by car. We reached a union guest house of a PSU bank in Mangalore he stated that he is privileged to get accommodation if it is vacant. But he was refused accomodation by the secretary of the Union. What a tragedy, he was crestfallen. Suddenly an idea flashed in his mind that he should take up the matter with his union leaders and obtain an apology from the union which refused him accomodation despite being vacant. Otherwise the union could take up an agitation by ensuring stop supplies of fuel to the union members who refused to oblige being in Oil PSU industry.
My cousin was further disappointed to the core. He realised that he should rather concentrate on his family particularly his daughter was heading towards crucial PUC exams. He gave all union activities and focussed towards family endeavours. I found that he had become totally depressed and sober in July last. He may have realised the futility of being in the union. Suddenly one day I received the news that he passed away due to heart seizure in September. Good BYE Comrade.
