V Gopalan, a retired Commercial Inspector residing at Srirangam, has continued to work even after his retirement from the TANGEDCO. He claims his conscience doesn’t allow him to receive government pension without doing work.
In his voluntary role, Gopalan has been undertaking almost all work like tariff revision, work order and other tasks. “I do written work and the official concerned has to provide his sign and seal,” he says. He adds that he’s receiving `14,000 as pension and he feels satisfied to receive the money for the work he discharges. “I will work till my death since wage (pension) without work is something unacceptable to my conscience,” he says, when asked when he will conclude the work.
Though he is past 65, he appears younger than many and says cycling is the secret of his healthy life. “I use to cycle from Srirangam to Mannarpuram twice a day. When I was young, it took me 30 minutes and now it takes at least 45 minutes to reach the office.”
He informs well in advance when he avails of leave so as to not cause any problem. Interestingly, Gopalan never consumes even tea at the office. He brings water from home. “The government gives us everything, then why should I expect anything from anyone,” the honest man says and adds that his family members support him wholeheartedly for his dedication.
Current Commercial Inspector Balasubramanian lauds the support of his predecessor. “ I have never seen him turning his face away for any work we offer and he works like a young man with high spirit,” Balasubramanian says.