PP RAMACHANDRAN

(6)

I moved from Administration to the Division of Monetary Research headed by Shri. P.V.Ranganathan. He was always immaculately attired in white trouser and shirt and colourful tie and coat. He was noted for his temper and tantrums. Stories about him are legion but I shall restrict myself to one. 

He had joined the Bank as a Research Superintendent. Fresh from Madras, understandably of Hindi and Marathi he was innocent. One evening as closing time approached he decided to sit for some time to clear some urgent work and instructed his peon not to keep his papers in the cupboard. That worthy, not having followed his instruction in English began keeping his papers in the cupboard. Ranganathan got wild and shouted at him. “You fool. I told you not to keep my papers in!” 

No sooner was this sentence uttered than was heard the loud sound of a hand slapping a face. The peon moved out of the hall, en route cut his face with a blade and complained to Administration that he was beaten by Ranganathan and he was bleeding. 

After first aid, the Administrative Officer conducted an enquiry and learnt  from whoever was present that they  only heard the sound of a slap but as to who slapped whom they had no idea. The peon got the benefit of doubt and Ranganathan was warned to be more careful and the case was closed !.