Kamal Baruah
On a chilly winter’s day, there is nothing better than taking a picnic to the hills and falls. In our younger days, we swam and went on picnics. The tradition of going picnics is very common in our society. It’s an occasion when a meal is eaten outdoors. Social programmes are organised in a much planned way by Armed Forces on National Holiday and Raising Day. The tradition of ‘Bara Khana’ on special occasions is no different. There are other events like Visit by Commanders. It gives everyone an opportunity to enjoy dine, wine and make merry together in relaxed atmosphere. But in corporate world, everyone is so busy. Now something is slowly changing. Things have changed with new ideas to inspire employees to go for a business at the same time customers preference mattered most then ever. Can there be short working hours and vacations long in the future?
Being placed right at the heart of the city, our bank remains crowded throughout the day and staffs find it tough to face customers’ wrath. To break the monotonous routine and rejuvenate ourselves, ‘Dispur-Delight’ was probably needed a break and Ujjal tried his energy and enthusiasm for organising a picnic for a change. At the arrival of winter, people looked very festive with its Christmas, New Year and Bhogali Bihu. They preferred to go outing for a get-together. Many picnickers also go with packed meal. The text messaging at our group ‘Feeling’ interspersed with doodles. The ladies were fussing about their food. They were looking for a special line-up of dishes but we’ve other ideas for organising a convenient place. There were proposals of Bogamati, Tegeria, Pobitora to name but a few. The group overwhelmed by ideas and tips. The date had finally been fixed up for a nearby venue on second Saturday. But all is not well as man proposes but God disposes. CAA has begun.
Tens of thousands of people have been protesting from cities to villages against Citizenship Amendment Bill. It sparked nationwide uprising violence too. The curfew imposed in the entire Brahmaputra valley and Internet service suspended for the entire state. We faced fear first ever in our own city as public properties were vandalised. Damages on the street posed a major threat to our buildings. It brought down our shutters on the terrible aggression of protesters outside. We felt like under house arrest and had to leave our vehicle aside and moved out from office under threat. Finding no transportation, women colleague had tough time for home. Our differently abled colleague Mr Bora was in distress as he had to overcome on wheel chair throughout GS Road.
Our planning of going for a picnic had absolutely been shattered. We kept losing hope as situation did not improve for long. The army arrived and went on flag march. The city had gone under siege. But the protest was still going on. We never ever lost hope that we would plan a day. We were determined to celebrate the event come what may. In the mean time a message came as a big surprise for us. One fine day, our AGM was informed by DGM for organising an official banquet dinner for its staffs and families and our secretary Mazumdar instantly planned for the next falling weekend night.
Dinner is all about food, drinks, friends and good conversation. To make it more flawless and fun-filled gathering, those simple and enduring combinations are a must at the end. As a professional, outsourcing is a key for its busy schedule. And catering is a new funda for tackling such events to overcome inevitable glitches. The dinner was finally booked at ‘Spice Route’ for celebration at our branch itself. It was like another Saturday night fever. Despite dreadful winter, all gathered with festive mood at bank premises. Foods were arranged beautifully on the counter. The atmosphere at the banquet hall gave great aesthetic pleasure. There is no denying that capturing picture of a business event can be challenging. Smartphone cameras make photography easier nowadays. Photo session started while everyone seated round for dinner.
We all sat back and relaxed. There was something small to nibble on. The waiter set the plates on the table, smiled and offered us starter. Soups and Tikkas were served before the main course to stimulate our appetite. The buffet dinner was incredible. The most important thing was that it was a get together with our family members. There was Chicken Manchurian to yummy Indian non vegetarian and everyone seemed enjoying with food. We were having a great time. While we just totally partied on, Reshmi took time to catch some of memorable snaps. We swallowed a mouthful of food rather slowly but rushed home after heavy dinner. The photos were already uploaded. Those were fun and frolic when colleagues were around in informal meet, nothing pleases us so much as to leap with them. We tried for a picnic but could not make it. The picnic has its pleasures, but the unforeseen circumstances forced us for a change. We planned a picnic but finally served a banquet dinner instead. Those happy moments at the weekend night are treasures to keep forever.
A freelance writer based in Guwahati. He is a former Air warrior with IAF and currently working for SBI Dispur. He can be contacted at email
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