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On the right track

It is not really taxing for Girija to figure out that Jagannath's train of thought is centred around her, says K.N. Murali Sankar

PERFECT BLEND Jagannath and Girija complement each other PHOTO: CH. VIJAYA BHASKAR

Unlike the usual love tales of promising civil servants who flock the Lal Bahadur Sastri National Academy of Administration at Mussoorie for training, it was a different experience for J. N. Jagannath, the divisional railway manager of South Central Railway, Vijayawada division, and Girija, Commissioner of income tax. They went to the training ground as a couple after they were united in wedlock.

Memories of 1975 at Mussoorie, the mesmerising queen of hill stations, linger as the couple recounts the bliss that refuses to fade till date. "Besides honing administrative skills, the Academy is known for bringing young hearts closer during the training period. Many of them manage to find their life partners here. The officials were initially shocked when we requested for a single room accommodation," they break into a chuckle.

Strangely, their jobs in the banking sector brought the couple to the city almost three decades ago. She was posted to the One Town branch of SBI and he worked for Bank of India at Governorpet. "We never thought that our new jobs would once again bring us to this place".

After completing M.Sc from Osmania University, they joined as probationary officers in the two banks. "Ours is a love marriage. There was slight opposition from the elders as she comes from a very conservative background," Jagannath spills the beans as Girija looks on.

Health awareness

The friendship between the two families paved the way for Jagannath's frequent visits to Girija's house. "Nobody suspected my ulterior motives," he says with a twinkle in his eyes. The fact that he was yet to find himself a job was a problem for Girija's family members. "The problem was solved when I got a job," he says munching roti with mixed vegetable curry. Girija is health conscious and likes to eat right food. Feasting on her favourite rainbow salad, she rounded off with a couple of idlis.

Keen to switch over to central government jobs, the couple began preparations for civil services.

Drawing a clear line between their professional career and personal life, they were able to bestow enough attention to the needs of the home and their two sons, Harish and Gowtham. Harish is doing post-graduation in managing non-profit orgnisations while Gowtham is pursuing a degree in software. The boys have secured seats in prestigious institutions on merit.

Unlike Girija who is selective in viewing films, Jagannath is a movie buff and watches at least two a week. "She does not like gore and violence and often walks out of the theatre half-way and I am forced to follow her," he says looking at her. Gowtham is a Chiranjeevi fan and sends e-mails asking his parents to watch the mega star's films on his behalf.

An avid reader, Jagannath manages to lay his hands on books related to philosophy and palmistry besides the usual bestsellers. He practices yoga, plays tennis and cricket and likes swimming. "She is a good cook. Using less oil, salt, sugar and spices, she can dish out delicious cuisine," he reveals.

His love for travelling has taken the couple almost across the entire country. He likes Goa while she prefers any hill station. Narrating the fruitful four-month visit to Japan as part of the World Bank-sponsored training programme, Jagannath says it was an eye-opener.

In awe of Japan

"The Japanese have amazingly risen like a phoenix to rebuild their nation right from scratch, after the infamous bombing of their cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The citizens are committed and sincere leaving no scope for corruption in the system," he maintains.

Reminiscing the happy past, content with the present, the couple is busy planning for a peaceful future.

Obsessed with seeing healthy people around, Girija intends to pursue M.Sc in food and nutrition and Jagannath would read a lot of philosophy before establishing a health club. Their efforts would aim at creating a society where people would eat right and think pure.

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