MB#29: 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙍𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙏𝙀𝙇𝘾𝙊: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙈𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙧.

[MemoirBlogthon #29] The years following my father's mechanical engineering degree (1947–1953) were critical to his thirty-year career. Driven by a deep commitment to hands-on learning, he undertook an apprenticeship at Southern Railway Loco Works and gained invaluable professional experience as a junior time study engineer at TELCO in Jamshedpur. These experiences—backed by his college testimonials praising his "excellent conduct" and "industrious" nature—provided the practical grounding that led to his final, successful pivot into the Andhra Pradesh State Highways Department, proving the enduring value of learning by doing.

MB29 Southern Railway to TELCO Mechanical Engineer Basics

The Grounding of a Government Engineer (1947–1953)

In 1947, my father began his journey toward becoming an engineer, culminating in his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Andhra University's Government Engineering College, Kakinada, in 1951.

His character and commitment were validated by a third party upon graduation:

• Principal, College of Engineering: "His conduct has been excellent during his B.E. degree classes."

• Professor R. Natesan: "As a student I always found him earnest, sincere, and willing to take up hard work... I am confident that, given opportunities, he will be worthy of responsibilities placed on him."

• Workshop Instructor, Edward Rajaratnam: "As a student, he was quiet, well-behaved and regular in his work, intelligent, and industrious."

• Physical Director, T. Subbaramayya: "He is an active and enthusiastic young man who took a keen interest in the sporting activities of the college... He is of excellent conduct and character."

Apprenticeship and Professional Experience

Immediately after graduation, my father sought hands-on experience:

1. Southern Railway Loco Works (1951–1952): He joined a one-year apprentice course at Perambur, Madras, where he applied the theories learned in college to real-world practice, gaining essential hands-on exposure with machines and men.

2. Tata Locomotive and Engineering Co., Ltd. (TELCO) (1952–1953): He then joined TELCO in Jamshedpur as a Junior Time Study Engineer. He spoke fondly of his time here, where he enjoyed the cultural life and professional development within the company's own township. My elder sister was born here, enriching a beautiful memory of our early family life with his first major engineering role.

The Government Service Legacy

In 1953, at the age of 26, my father made the final pivot, joining the Highways Department of the Government of Andhra Pradesh State (later renamed the Roads and Buildings Department).

His prior experience—from military discipline and merchant management to hands-on practical engineering at Southern Railway and TELCO—gave him a strong career grounding. His extensive and diverse work experience, which began from the beginning, served as the foundation for all his subsequent wisdom.

This grounding later empowered him to counsel me when I was hesitant about joining a rural bank branch as a clerk-cum-cashier despite my ongoing professional studies. His advice was clear: His own guidance was derived from his experience of always starting and progressing gradually through learning, regardless of the position. His thirty years of accomplished government service, from which he retired in 1983, was the lasting legacy of his simplicity and sincerity.

MB#29 Quiz

MB29-Question: In addition to Southern Railway Loco Works, where did the father gain invaluable professional experience as a junior time study engineer?

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• A. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• B. TELCO in Jamshedpur
• C. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).
• D. Tata Steel Plant.

MB#29 Quote

"I hear and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand." – Confucius