Truck drivers are the unsung heroes of the economy. They play a vital role, yet get little recognition. To recognize their contribution to the society and to say a big ‘thank you’ to this workforce, September 17 is celebrated as Drivers Day the world over.
Such a thoughtful initiative was taken by Transworld Terminals Pvt. Ltd. of the Transworld Group, Singapore, at Mundra port, Gujarat.
In the last one decade it was for the first time that a celebration exclusively designed for the driver fraternity was held at Mundra port. Colorful banners were put up at strategic points.
Online and offline invitations were sent across. Transworld Terminals Pvt. Ltd. officials, right from the top, the CEO Director, Mr. Ganesh Krishnan, Head HR – Dr. Ajit, DGM Albatross Inland Ports, Mr. Gautam Bose.
The host Mr. Sandeep Trehan, who heads the Terminal Business at Mundra, and other officials’ enthusiasm was such as if they are organizing a family event. Kudos!
It all started in the morning of September 17. In fact, it started the previous night itself. As a preamble to the event transworld drivers were invited for a film show and that too a Bhojpuri one, the mother tongue of most of them.
These drivers live here in Mundra, far away from their families leading a ‘bachelor’ life. Some share their room with their colleagues and some live alone. Morose being forced to be away from home and leading a monotonous life seeking a means of livelihood for their dependents.
To break such monotony and to infuse an element of enthusiasm, it is imperative to take them in a different trajectory. Drivers Day celebrations so thoughtfully organized by their company proved a catalyst to pep up their sagged enthusiasm.
Money is certainly an essential ingredient for motivation, but for this segment of employees it is also important to make them feel an integral part of the company and the society at large.
Drivers started trooping in for the festival. Each one of them was greeted with a rose and was given a safety jacket. Welcome woven with safety. Hall was colorful with drivers wearing reflective safety jackets.
Mr. Rakshit Shah, ED, Corporate Services, Mundra, was the chief guest for the function. Along with him there were other dignitaries on the dais. The traditional inauguration of the event was marked with lighting the lamp by the honoured guests.
It was a treat to the ears and fuel for the patriotic feelings to sing the national anthem by one and all present with reverence. And thus, the program started.
It was agreed upon to keep the teach and preach elements in the form of long addresses at bay. Speakers from the podium were short and sweet. Transworld Terminals decided to honor their drivers in various categories like Safe drivers, Best drivers and Drivers with long association, and the youngest drivers were given prizes as a token of appreciation by the CEO Director and other guests.
Now it was the turn of the drivers to show their safety knowledge and play a few games to showcase their team strength and individual expertise.
A quiz competition on safety and road signs was conducted. Five teams participated in it. A three-member judges panel was formed. Rapid fire questions were posed to the teams, and the Road Sign Visuals were displayed to explain.
The questions not answered by the teams were thrown open to the other drivers present.
Learning in the form of game is the best way to go forward.
It was time for a tea break.
Very interestingly, the participants returned to the hall before the given break time – a sure sign of participation indeed.
The next on the agenda was the musical chair game. Almost everyone was keen to participate.
Music from the janmabhumi was playing. Double whammy. While the players were keen on retaining their chairs like netas by hook or crook the onlookers were not tired to clap and tap their feet for the Bhojpuri music. The winners were declared and prizes distributed.
One has to see to believe the top brass dancing with their drivers with gusto on the desi tunes. Such gestures will be remembered by the drivers to narrate to their grandchildren. And what a positive psychological impact such small gestures will leave behind in their minds!
Come on boys, troop to the yard for a photography session, with the CEO Director and other bosses.
Smiles writ large on their faces the drivers were mingling with all guffawing.
‘Tug-of war’ is the most popular game amongst the driver community across the nation. The very fact that six teams of 10 members each were formed to participate in the show of their team muscle power.
It was a debatable point as to who is more enthusiastic – the participants or the onlookers! The winning team deserved the applause for their team effort.
Gift hampers were given to each and every driver on the occasion. The most heartwarming factor was the presence of the management group, including their numero-uno, throughout the event encouraging the heroes of the day.
It was time for pet puja. The same canteen for one and all.
Post lunch, Bioscope in an air-conditioned make-shift tent by Picture Time was a treat to watch.
The functions where the drivers are mere moot spectators have always flopped in instilling a festive spirit in them.
The need of the hour is to bring them out of their cocoon and for that a festivity has to be written, scripted and enacted by them.
We have to be a catalyst in the entire show. Patience and perseverance are needed for the desired change in them.