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The year is 1956 — over half a century ago. I joined the R B I and was posted to the DRS — the Department of Research and Statistics — the ancestor of today’s D E A P — affectionately called the Department of Rest and Sleep!
It comprised a number of Divisions and I got posted to the administration Division and in-charge of the Leave Desk. One morning a peon came running to me and said, “Narasimham Sab Bulatha Hai”.
And I went to his cabin, knocked and then entered. He was barely visible behind a huge desk full of papers, file boards and a pile of books. I greeted him and introduced myself. He smiled a boyish smile and asked,
“Mr Ramachandran, I wonder whether you can
tell me the casual leave to my credit.”
Without batting an eye-lid I shot back,
“You need not wonder! If you give me a couple of minutes I shall enlighten you.”
Narasimham laughed loudly and said,
“Young man, it is just a phrase!"
That was my first lesson in English from the then Deputy Director,