When A Simple Decision Breaks Bureaucratic Barriers With Ease

How the decision to erect a statue of B R Ambedkar in Vijayawada heralded an inclusive office culture

- ABHINAV WALIA

As we celebrate Republic Day, we are reminded of the remarkable winter morning in 1950 when a nation of millions embraced a Constitution that promised justice, equality and dignity to all. The architect of this magnificent document was Babasaheb Ambedkar, who had himself experienced the searing pain of untouchability and yet rose to become one of India's most brilliant minds. Through the fog of prejudice and discrimination, he illuminated a path that would forever change the nation's course.

For me, it is also a moment to reminisce about an experience that resonates deeply within, which occurred during my tenure as the head of the Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle in Vijayawada amid the Covid pandemic. It was when the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe (SC, ST) Welfare Association of the AP Postal Circle and I forged a bond that was shaped not through grand declarations, but by the simple act of listening, giving others a voice, recognising aspirations and taking decisive action.

My engagement with unions and employee associations goes back to 1992, when I worked as a senior superintendent of Post Offices. Back then, unions were often perceived—albeit inaptly—as adversaries of the establishment. Relations between the two were strained: slogans flew like arrows, discord thundered and mutual trust was prostrate.