KOCHI: In what could be termed a unique experience in the history of the Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), 46 officers and employees retired on the same day on Thursday. "Most of them who have retired with me were like a family,” said Girija A, Office Superintendent at CSL, and the longest-serving member of the group with 40 years of experience right from the firm’s inception in 1972.What she remembered the most,though, was the initial years of the CSL. “We were all part of history and have contributed immensely to the shipyard as it made its way as one of the strongest shipyards in Asia,” said Girija.“The shipyard was going through an extremely difficult phase in the 1990s. We feared we would lose our jobs. Also, we were not sure whether the company would survive. To express our concern, we formed the ‘Save Our Shipyard’ forum and participated in many protest marches just to make sure that the firm would make it through,” she said.Others were also glad to be part of the shipyard, as it was an epitome of hard work and struggle. “I think that was what made our years over here so special,” said Jessy Jacob, Deputy Superintendent, who retired after 30 years of service.Iype KA, Deputy Manager at the CSL, added that it was the time he spent with India’s indigenous and first Air Defense Ship that made his years at the CSL so memorable.“It was an enigma and the hours spent at the docks were uncountable. But it was worth it,” he said.And as the 46 of them hope for a reunion some time in the near future, they say a silent prayer that the shipyard will go a long way.
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