Syed Nissar H Gilani
It was 1971, and I had just completed my post-graduation in zoology. While waiting for the results, I received an unexpected call for a medical representative job interview at Cipla, a reputed pharmaceutical company. Fate played a role in my selection, as the interviews had taken place a day earlier with over 100 candidates. The results were yet to be announced in two days.
On September 1st, 1971, my friend Saleem Khan and I were sipping tea and snacking at Ahdoos Hotel in Srinagar, oblivious to the events that would unfold in the next few hours. I was discussing the MR interviews with Saleem, regretting that I had missed the advertisement and couldn’t apply. Our conversation was overheard by Ali Mohammed, a kind-hearted and energetic waiter who knew us well. He chuckled and politely asked if I was interested in appearing for the interview. Initially, I took his remark lightly, but he assured me that he knew Mr. Bhalla, the Chief of Sales for Cipla Pharmaceuticals Northern India, who had conducted the interviews at Hotel Park Boulevard, a sister concern of Ahdoos.
Mr. Bhalla was staying at the hotel, and Ali Mohammed offered to accompany me to meet him and request consideration for an interview. Despite my skepticism, given that the interviews were over a day ago, Ali Mohammed’s persistence led us to hire a cab and reach Hotel Park within 15 minutes. Upon arrival, he took me to Mr. Bhalla’s room on the first floor. After a brief wait, Mr. Bhalla joined us in the reception hall and later invited us to his room. We sat in the open verandah, overlooking the breathtaking Dal Lake, and enjoyed the cool breeze that alleviated the summer heat.
When Ali Mohammed mentioned my interest in appearing for the interview, Mr. Bhalla initially declined, citing that the interviews were over and the list of successful candidates would be announced soon. I wasn’t surprised, but the atmosphere remained casual as we engaged in conversation over tea and hot patties. As we chatted, Mr. Bhalla and I discovered commonalities, and the atmosphere became increasingly relaxed.
After bidding farewell, we were about to leave the hotel when another waiter rushed out, calling us back. Mr. Bhalla had changed his mind and wanted to see me again. To my delight, he informed me that I could appear for the interview the next afternoon, pending confirmation from his bosses in Bombay. This unexpected turn of events filled me with excitement, and I decided to attend the interview on September 2nd, 1971.
On the afternoon of September 2, 1971, I formally appeared for the interview, which had been specially approved by Cipla’s high command. Mr. Bhalla greeted me with a warm smile and complimented me on my formal suit, saying I looked particularly smart. I thanked him for his kind words, and the interview commenced.
The interview lasted over an hour, which surprised me given that similar interviews usually took no more than 10 to 15 minutes. As I was the sole candidate for the coveted post, I was thoroughly grilled. One unexpected question was to write an essay on “Mirror,” which seemed unusual for a postgraduate in science like myself. I had anticipated questions on scientific topics, human biology, or basic health issues, but not this. Nevertheless, I remained composed and began writing my essay.
My opening sentence read: “Three things befool a person: a child, a wife, and a mirror, where one spends time admiring their reflection, carefully adjusting their appearance to match their desired looks.” I went on to elaborate on the origins of mirrors and their significance. Mr. Bhalla was impressed with my essay and overall performance, rating me 8 out of 10. Without hesitation, he announced that I was the top candidate for the Medical Representative position in the Kashmir Valley, with M.K. Raina, an existing MR with another pharmaceutical company, coming in second for the Jammu region.
I was thrilled with the results, and Mr. Bhalla formally handed me my appointment order along with an annexure, instructing me to proceed to Cipla’s headquarters in Bombay for further training and diploma. He invited us to a formal dinner that evening and handed over air tickets for the next day, September 3, 1971 – coincidentally, my 24th birthday. As I departed from Srinagar airport, my parents saw me off, their prayers and well-wishes accompanying me.
…………To be continued.
The writer is former Assistant Commissioner of Revenue Department.
