The Story of a 50 ps Postal Stamp

### The 50 Paise Stamp: A Journey of Resilience and Triumph

In the tapestry of life, some threads are more vibrant, forever capturing moments that define our paths and purpose. For me, one such defining moment came in 1971, etched into my memory by a modest 50 paise stamp—a symbol of my struggles, dreams, and eventual triumphs.

Upon completing my graduation, I found myself thrust into an arduous job hunt, a journey fraught with the anxiety of securing a decent livelihood to assist my family, struggling under the modest earnings of my father. He was a postmaster, managing a meagre salary of 400 rupees, barely sufficient for our family of five. In those days, job applications were a laborious affair, involving handwritten letters and attested, original copies of academic certificates, with no photocopies to spare.

The local Botany lecturer, who lived nearby, would often attest my certificates. His assistance was a small but significant facilitator in the grand ordeal of job applications. Every application was a beacon of hope—an opportunity to lift my family to better circumstances.

One day, an opportunity appeared in the form of an advertisement in the Malayalam daily, Mathrubhumi, for clerical vacancies in a nationalized bank in Kerala. With meticulous care, I prepared my application, ensuring each word reflected my earnest desire for the position. My hands moved with purpose, crafting not just a letter, but a gateway to a potential new life.

With the application ready, I approached my father, holding both the envelope and a quiet hope that he would understand the importance of sending it via registered post. The additional security it offered was crucial, given the weight of my aspirations tied to that document. However, constrained by financial hardships, my father declined. Instead, he handed me a 50 paise stamp—ordinary, inexpensive, and insufficient in my eyes. The moment was crushing; I felt a profound sense of vulnerability as I affixed the stamp to the envelope, the weight of my family's financial constraints heavy on my shoulders.

Reluctantly, I dropped the application into the red post box, a flurry of doubts clouding my mind. That 50 paise stamp haunted me, a stark reminder of our limitations. Yet, it also stood as a testament to my father's quiet wisdom in utilizing what little we had.

Weeks turned into a month of anxious waiting until a letter finally arrived from the bank's head office, summoning me for a written test. Overwhelmed with relief and joy, I attended the examination, my mind sharpened by the stakes it held. My performance was strong, answering 99% of the questions correctly, a reflection of my preparation and determination.

The joy of receiving the selection letter was unparalleled. I had not only secured a job but had also taken a significant step towards improving my family's financial situation. I dedicated the next 30 years to that bank, a career that brought stability and fulfillment.

Reflecting on this journey, the 50 paise stamp remains a powerful emblem in my heart, a reminder of humble beginnings and the profound impact of perseverance. It taught me that even the smallest choices can lead to substantial outcomes and that resilience can transform even the sparsest of resources into foundations for success. This experience shaped my understanding of life's challenges and triumphs, reminding me always to value where I came from as much as where I am going.

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