A party for every occasion in the office

WHEN I recall my banking career and its slogging days, the memory that cheers me up the most is of parties held for any and every occasion. When a party was to be organised, a self-appointed party arranger would not think twice before handing over his official duties to a colleague and cheerfully undertaking the task of micro-managing the party. The colleague would gladly take on the additional work in anticipation of a mouth-watering treat.

I was mostly posted in the bigger branches of the bank, where two or three parties a week were assured. A big occasion merited a lunch or snacks, followed by a special milky tea called ‘KT’, though I do not know why — perhaps KT meant ‘costly tea’, with a ‘K’. Most of us would leave our work for a few minutes to join in the fun and banter, but a serious few would remain at their desks, juggling eating with ledger-marking to showcase their dedication to work.

Just after the financial year-end party — paid for by the officers, flush with money after getting their year-end allowance — the transfer season would set in. At least a couple of officers would have to pack their bags and move on, and it was another occasion for a party! At times, a frugal-minded officer would join hands with another transferee to jointly host the party, leaving the staff dissatisfied. I remember a manager, second in line to the branch manager, who had chosen to burden his wife with the task of cooking for the 40-plus staff members rather than burn a bigger hole in his pocket by outsourcing the job to professionals.

On yet another occasion, at a party hosted by me, the caterer had obliged me and surpassed himself by bringing a gas stove and utensils. He served hot pooris and pooran poli/holige (a mouth-watering south Indian delicacy) on the spot. The branch head did acknowledge my ingenuity, attributing it to my upbringing as a hotelier’s daughter. The elaborate menu may have impacted his farewell speech for me, for he said I was voluntarily leaving the organisation, though I had a lot to teach others — in throwing a proper party. I was almost tempted to stay back but did not and went on to teach elsewhere.

The Bankers’ Club has members from various banking institutions; it has been established in a few cities by enthusiastic volunteers. Organising get-togethers and facilitating social hobnobbing are part and parcel of its activities.

My husband once narrated a faux pas committed by the chief guest at one such gathering. While delivering his address after lunch, the chief guest thanked my husband for arranging the lovely ‘snakes’ that were relished by all. I believe everybody somehow managed to suppress their reaction to this remark.