VCSL’s treasurer, Rameshbhai Bharkhada is, at present, in Jamshedpur, India but keeps abreast, via email, with the financial matters of VCSL constantly whilst abroad.

Jamshetji Tata laid the foundation of iron & steel works at Jamshedpur (previously called Sakchi) where every year on 3rd March, his birthday is celebrated with extreme jubilation and the whole town is illuminated in the memory of this great son of India.

In his recent email Rameshbhai describes the small town in Jharkhand (Northeast India)…

“Jamshedpur is a historical town with beautiful lakes (such as the famous Jayanti Sarovar) and parks (such as the well known Jubilee Park that was presented by Tata Steel to its citizens in its Golden Jubilee Year, 1958). Its population consists mostly of Gujaratis and Marvaris and they are friendly, very lively and helpful.”

After spending some hectic weeks in Jamshedpur, he and his work colleague were on their way to attend an important meeting in Kolkota. They decided to travel by train (1st class, of course!) and departed Jamshedpur early morning at 6.15 whence it started raining.

Rameshbhai then told us about a life time’s experience on his way to Kolkata by train…

“After 2 hours, the train had to stop as it couldn’t go any further – the tracks were submerged under water!! After an hour of waiting, some people started to make their own alternative arrangements, but we sat tight hoping something would happen. After 5 hours the water level was rising and there was no sign of it stopping! So we eventually asked our hotel in Kolkata to send a taxi for us – but we had no idea where we were!! It took us about half an hour to establish our location!

“The fun then began as we had to walk approximately 200metres with our entire luggage and in knee-deep water, occasionally slipping into a pot hole! I nearly lost my glasses, but somehow found them in the water!!

“Finally we came across a bridge, but had to first climb the embankment to reach the top, which was a lot a fun! Luckily we didn’t lose balance and slip into the muddy water! At last we found our taxi and reached our hotel in Kolkata.

“But the story had to end in embarrassment – there we were, walking into our 5-star hotel, with our wet trousers turned up to the knees and our dirty shoes in our hands! In the end you can say it happens in India!”

Rameshbhai decided to take a break from work and visit Mumbai, the vibrant city glittering with lights and buzzing night clubs, restaurants, etc. No sooner did he book his ticket, the monsoon reached Mumbai ahead of him! VCSL wasted no time in advising him to take his swimming trunks with him!