A V Prasanna Gopal

We are all aware of the glorious uncertain ways of life. We have also experienced its twists and turns many times in our lives. And yet, we keep forgetting it. That is human nature. 

He was a dear friend for 50 years. Much more than a dear friend. One who shared life in all its sweet times as well as difficult ones. 

Having come to know that we were in Bangalore for a brief visit, he travelled with his wife last month from his usual place of living at Mysore, to meet us. We had a good time, with other friends in attendance too, exchanging views and catching up with times. He would be usually shuttling between USA, Singapore and India. He was in Mysore at that time. That was enough.

He got a copy of the play "Madhavi" released a few days ago. He remembered that he had not given me a copy of his own collection of poems. He promised it would be sent by courier on the next day. It arrived in Bangalore in three days.

By then it was time for us to proceed to USA. The usual routine after returning to our place and pressing engagements consumed a few days. It was now time to read his collection of poems and give him a feedback.

Today was the time for the biggest twist. He left us today. 

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Early years of 1970s, was a period marked by large expansion in the banking network in India. First round of nationalisation of banks in India in 1969 was followed by opening of large number of branches by these banks allover India. Bank jobs were attractive in the job market and offered a good opportunity for the young men and women looking for employment avenues. All eligible youngsters tried to get into banks and many succeeded. Those were the days of "One Life, One Job and One Spouse". Most of them continued till retirement. Many of them made great advancements in career progression as well. There were graduates from all streams and with all backgrounds.

A V Prasanna Gopal was one of them. He entered the banking industry in the mid-70s and continued till superannuation. He did great as a banker, and trainer. His energy and drive were recognised by the authorities in the bank. Always hardworking and exuding the traits of a good banker, he was liked by one and all. A man with a big heart and willingness to respond to social requirements and human necessities, he was much sought after as a trusted colleague. 

PNB is not a bank with many overseas branches. It is extremely difficult to get opportunities to work in overseas branches. There is severe competition and openings are very few. Prasanna was a automatic choice even in such circumstances and bank used his services at its Hong Kong branch. No need to mention that he did very well there as well. 

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With his friendly approach, great communication skills and varied experience in various banking areas, he was also a natural choice for the role of a trainer in the bank. Bank used his these skills for a trainers role in the bank's training system. First at Nagpur and then at Navi Mumbai, he was a highly successful trainer and very popular among the trainees as well as colleagues in the training system. We had great days working as trainers in parallel channels during those times. 

Two of us from Bangalore (Sri Krishna Kumar, popularly known as KK, was the other) were required to spend a week in Nagpur for job orientation before taking up assignments as Senior Inspectors. Prasanna and his family were in Nagpur at that time. He came to receive us at the airport and took us home instead of the lodging provided to us by the bank. We thought it was a courtesy visit and we would be moving out after sometime. That sometime never came. Prasanna and Smt Soumya kept us for the entire time with them and our movement again was only to the airport to catch the return flight. Such was the affection and love showered on us by the entire family.

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Kalidasa's "Meghadoota" is believed to have originated in the Ramagiri Hills, which is present Ramtek in Maharashtra. Ramtek is about 50 kilo meters from Nagpur. We made a trip to Ramtek during these days and had a wonderful time remembering the great poet, his works and all. The delightful trip had yet another highlight. The transit lunch of "Puliogare" and other items prepared by Smt Soumya consumed below a big banyan tree is remembered even now. The two lovely daughters in the family, Deepti and Divya, have since made big strides in their professional and personal lives. 

Prasanna was a very successful banker, but was much more as a person. The love for music, literature and painting, runs in their family. He had a great collection of music recordings and used to share every day in his WhatsApp groups. 

His collection of poems, "ಮನಃಪಟಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಮೂಡಿದ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳು" (Photo given above) in Kannada language mirrors his and his family's outlook to life, and its pleasures and challenges. It also traces the various stages of life and is like a autobiography. Starting from a tribute to the mother, and moving through early years of married life, bringing up dear daughters and following through with subtle turns in life. There are poems about music, literature, family values and social responsibilities. 

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Thank you, dear Prasanna. For everything. You will be deeply missed.