31st January 2020 will be a memorable day for me since I was part of an event held in IBM premises. You may ask what’s so special about this event for being a memorable day. Well look at the below picture before I tell you the reason.
This is a decoration made with flower petals and a very beautiful one indeed. The first impression we get is that, this could be for a client visit. But notice the word “Mallik”. Yes! This decoration is for an employee of IBM who is retiring on this day. I am sure many would have retired in IBM but none were showered with flower petals as done here. These flower petals represent the affection of fellow employees towards that employee who has endeared all.
And that employee is Mr. Mallikarjun Kovuri and that grand event is his farewell.
Let us deep dive now into this event now.
I made sure that Mallik is accompanied by me to office from his home. This way I wanted to make his last trip to office a memorable one. On top of it my mother spoke to Mallik in the morning and wished him.
Mallik entered the office reception area and couldn’t believe himself what he saw. He knew that something was being planned but not of this scale. And he was overwhelmed by seeing the way the floor is decorated with various posters.
He was accorded a warm reception by his team mates with classical music in the background when he entered in the office and lead him to his cubicle.
Mallik was impressed by the way his cubicle was decorated. The team has made sure to get the necessary ingredients including his family photos for the decoration.
This picture has both Mrs. & Mr. Mallik in it. It was a privilege to have Mrs. Mallik attend the function.
Mallik was also blessed by Nana (His Ex Manager and good friend). Nana has come all the way from Chennai to attend this function.
The farewell function started with a ceremonial procession where Mrs. & Mr. Mallik were lead to the board room where the function is to be held.
The next two hours was sheer magic. Many spoke about their association with Mallik. Some has sent their messages through email and were read out to Mallik. Some has conveyed their message through a video call.
The whole room was rapt in attention when three videos were played in the function. These videos were made by various team members out of affection to Mallik.
Mrs. & Mr. Mallik were showered with various gifts, praises, best wishes etc. They were honored with garlands, shawls and finally a turban was placed on his head.
And of course a cake was also ready to be cut by Mallik and a big greeting card that was signed by all.
Above all the warmth displayed by all towards Mallik was overwhelming. The function ended with the speech of Mallik where he has shared his moments with IBM and what he feels at that moment.
That’s not the end. A grand dinner was also organized at Le Meridian hotel in their honor.
At the end of the dinner both Mrs. & Mr. Mallik were given a standing ovation through claps as they walked out of the restaurant.
That was a fitting tribute to a man who is an inspiration to all. The grand farewell was made successful by the hard work of various teams of IBM.
We shall not forget that the reason behind such a memorable farewell is the Mallik’s contribution to IBM during his stint here.
After ensuring that I drop back Mallik at his home, I proceeded to my home deeply satisfied and inspired.
Thank you for reading. Stay inspired by Mallik and let us bow to him.
vsrsastry 