Transit House and Cycle Loan

Most of us moved out from native and Hosur was foreign to us. We hardly had known faces there and the next need after joining Titan was a place to stay. Titan as committed in the appointment order would have got a bed space and a cupboard ready for each new joinee.

During our time of joining, most new joinees were made to stay at Parvathi Nilayam or Manjula House, which were largest amongst many transit houses managed by Titan. Female employees were made to stay in transit houses at Dharga, specially guarded by security personnel from Titan Security & Administration Department. Contrary to female employees’ transit houses, male employees’ transit houses will have no security guards, another reason for guys to celebrate on weekends.

I guessed that I would stay either in Parvathi Nilayam or Manjula House but was taken to a new transit house at 115 Appavu Nagar. September cold weather was uncomfortable to me against my native place Srirangam’s warmer days. For first three days, my dad stayed in Hosur and recommended me few hygienic (and expensive) restaurants like Anjaneya Mess. As all those restaurants were far to reach by foot, I preferred a mess close to our transit house in Thally Road.

In my subsequent employment, I had several opportunities to closely observe the claims made by the organization that all their CBPs (Critical Business Processes) were at Six Sigma. In an era of technological advancements, such organizations still suffer from human errors, planning and execution failures. Their CBPs really do not measure up to their tall claims.

But, two decades ago, when there were no cellular phones or intense computerization, Titan was extremely well prepared to handle transit house accommodations, its management and assured a safe shelter and care to the adoloscents (and their parents).

There was a strenuous planning behind every action. In the Works Entry Complex (the space between Excise and Personnel Department), new bicycles were exhibited for employees to choose and avail interest free cycle loan to purchase them. I remember ‘Hero Ranger’ was one of the expensive and sought after model in those times. Employees would choose low cost large cycles or expensive Rangers if it fits their wallets.

Cycle was a good means of transport from transit house to factory, yet the hilly terrain of Hosur did not give a comfortable ride to us as our native roads were plain plateaus. If you notice, around 5:40 a.m., from Dharga junction to factory cycle stand, several models, colors and sizes of cycles would be making a tough and quiet climb.

From cycle stand and main gate, on the way to canteen, in the early morning darkness you would hear employees softly exchanging greetings – from a simple ‘Good Morning’ to colloquial ‘Vanakkam Frendu’ and ‘Namaskaramannaa’ (Telugu), breaking the silence to begin the day.

… to be continued