May 1989. A month that changed my life forever
I still remember the day when my Manager, Dr. Mittal, called me into his office. He asked me to be ready to join as Vice Principal at the Galbabhai Dairy Cooperative Training Center (GDCTC) in Palanpur. The news hit me like a jolt cramps ran down my spine.
Palanpur was a remote location, and I had already spent five years at Sabarmati Ashram Gaushala Project, Bidaj, as Manager (Training). The thought of moving again, especially to such an isolated place, was overwhelming.
I hesitantly requested Dr. Mittal to reconsider my transfer. My children were studying in Ahmedabad as shifting to Palanpur would disrupt their schooling. But Dr Mittal was firm “..if you could find a replacement, I would have no objection”, he said.
With a flicker of hope, I approached a Gujarati colleague, also a veterinarian. No sooner had I mentioned the opportunity than he erupted like a pressure cooker—angry and outright dismissive!
That night, I pondered deeply. The initial resistance was natural, but was this an opportunity in disguise? At Anand, training felt routine, sometimes monotonous. But at Palanpur, I would have the chance to hold an institute independently, shape its direction, and make a real impact.
The thought excited me.
The next day, I made a bold request: “Sir, if I go, please don’t transfer me out of Palanpur for at least ten years.”
Dr. Mittal was taken aback. No one wanted to go to Palanpur and I was asking for a long tenure!
My reasons were clear—stability for my children and a chance to create something meaningful. Silently, without any fanfare, I accepted and joined GDCTC on June 2, 1989.
A Rocky Start, A Firm Resolve
Not everyone was thrilled about the move. My elder son, upset and frustrated, said something that shook me: “This place is so lifeless, I might end up committing suicide.” His words stung.
I was speechless. But instead of reacting, I chose to console him, to be not just a father but a friend. Slowly, he adjusted.
Meanwhile, I threw myself into work with full dedication. Organizing training programs, anchoring functions, and building trust with the Chairman and MD of Banas Dairy—all of it came naturally. My efforts were noticed and appreciated.
Beyond routine training in Animal Husbandry, I introduced behavioral training programs for milk union staff. These became a huge success, drawing participants from other milk unions as well.
Soon, I was being invited to conduct similar programs in other regions.
My vision for GDCTC went beyond training
Beyond the Classroom: Creating a Social Impact
I initiated several programs in collaboration with Banas Dairy which included Blood donation drives, Tree plantation campaigns Plastic surgery and heart surgery camps in association with Sathya Sai Hospital for free, Treatment of the underprivileged and opening of the first-ever Art of Living Chapter in Palanpur.
Even the district administration and Forest Department took notice. Together, we developed Palanpur’s first Herbal Park, planting over forty varieties of medicinal plants. The work was fulfilling, and with every passing day, I felt deeply connected to the town and its people.
Personal Sacrifices and Professional Satisfaction
Amid all this, one challenge remained—my sons’ education. Palanpur lacked 10+2 facilities forcing me to admit them to boarding schools outside the district. It wasn’t easy, but my heart found peace in the creative developments I was driving at GDCTC.
By 2001, life had other plans. Health concerns forced me to step away from my role. I took voluntary retirement. But destiny wasn’t done with me yet.
A Rewarding Second Innings
Banas Milk Union welcomed me back, this time as a Manager. I stayed on for another 11 years retiring as Senior Manager. Even then, I was given an extension to serve as Secretary, Banas Dairy Research and Development Association.
Looking back, my journey was not just about professional milestones. It was about patience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Today, as I enjoy a peaceful life in Palanpur, surrounded by good friends and warm memories, I realize—hard work never goes unnoticed.
Sincerity always bears fruit. This is the story of my transformation, a testament to the power of resilience and a reminder that sometimes, the toughest decisions lead to the most rewarding journeys.
