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RIGHT CALL: Kollam BSNL general manager Marshal Antony Leo honouring Eugene Pereira, son of the first private telephone subscriber in Kollam, at a function in Kollam on Wednesday.

In 1930, the number was 12; then, it became 123, and now, to call Eugene Pereira, you have to dial 274 1723.

His father, the late F.X. Pereira, was the first private telephone subscriber in Kollam. The son is using the same connection, and as time passed and technology advanced, the number lengthened.

At a function organised by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) in Kollam on Wednesday, Mr. Eugene Pereira was honoured.

In 1930, the Telephones Department functioned as a wing of the Electricity Department.

At the function, Mr. Eugene Pereira shared with the audience some of his experiences with the first private telephone in Kollam.

The operation was very different from what it is today. Making a call was tiresome and required patience.

The telephone equipment was a box, and on turning a pedal on it, a bell rings at the exchange. The operator at the exchange should be given the number to which the call should be connected.

On the occasion, BSNL Kollam general manager R. Marshal Antony Leo honoured Mr. Eugene Pereira with a golden shawl and a gift. Five other long-time subscribers were also honoured.

Ignatius Pereira

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