Pet peeve no more

Rana Preet Gill 

IN the year 2006, jobs were advertised for veterinary officers after a long period and an arduous struggle by veterinary fraternity. Though these were contractual jobs, there was palpable excitement in the air. A feeling of success and jubilation ruled the minds of the veterinarians. Yes, we fought well, we won, and now it is the time to rejoice. 

I was happy, excited for everyone but myself. I was least interested in a job at that time. My dreams — the colours of the rainbow — made me think and fabricate utopian ideals about life. I was firmly of the opinion that of all the people, I was the one that needed to chart something different, something more exotic, and not the mundane routine of a job. The rut was not for me. My calling was elsewhere.  

Nevertheless, my parents were wise enough to convince me to give it a shot. Unwillingly, and quite dispassionately, I went to Chandigarh with my parents on the last date to fill the forms. As luck would have it, I got the job in my home district. 

The first few days into the new job felt like an excruciating pain. The village where I was posted was in a remote area. I did not know how to drive, and so, would commute by bus — I had to change quite a few. The last stretch was done on my faithful ‘trendy’ scooter, which had a mind of its own. 

I still remember an incident when I was chased by some mawkish village dogs, who would do everything in their capacity to frighten me. I used to scream and drive at the same time, but the scooter was always a disappoint then — it would move at a snail’s pace just then, and at some point, the end of my salwar would invariably get caught in the jaws of a rather aggressive assailant. I took alternative routes to escape my tyrants. 

Those few years were really hard, but I stayed put. I gained experience in the field, confidence in my judgement and I saw hope in the eyes of those who came to me in search of miracles. I could not cure every single animal, but I gained respect and worth in the eyes of those who saw my makings as a doctor above my gender and age. 

Over the years, my job taught me things that I would have missed and remained ignorant about. So, I am grateful that I took the plunge and chose a destination that made me comprehend the meaning of life in a subtle way. Proud to be a field veterinarian, for now and forever.