first day in AKRSP

Day One at AKRSP-Sayla: A New Beginning (August 26, 1993)

My father insisted on accompanying me to Sayla, a small town 80 km from Rajkot, to help with my luggage. Public transport options were sparse—only a few buses stopped there—but we managed to catch the right one, arriving at Sayla’s bus stand by 11:00 AM.

First Impressions
The AKRSP campus stood proudly on the highway outskirts of the town. Its well-designed layout featured a main office building, six quaint bungalows, two staff quarters, and a charming guest house, all nestled amid lush greenery. The serenity of the location instantly put me at ease.

Reporting In
I met Mr. Rajesh Kapoor, my contact, who warmly welcomed me and introduced me to T.T. Mehta, a seasoned surveyor. T.T. helped me draft my joining report—a formal yet straightforward process. By noon, my paperwork was submitted, and hunger led us to a nearby dhaba (roadside eatery).

The Dhaba Experience
The tiny, soot-stained restaurant was one of only two options along that 6-8 km stretch. We braved the sweltering heat and spicy fare—a meal costing just ₹9–10—while my father joked about my new "adventurous" life. After lunch, he bid me farewell, leaving me to navigate this fresh chapter alone.

Settling In
Back at the campus, Mr. Kapoor assigned V.B., a Program Assistant, to orient me. V.B. toured me through the Engineering Department, my workspace, and introduced me to colleagues. While his explanations of files and workflows felt haphazard, I gleaned a rough idea of my responsibilities.

Temporary Lodging
My official quarters were still occupied by a staff member named Dashrath, so I moved temporarily into V.B.’s bachelor's quarter—a shared bungalow with Ghanshyam and Chandu (another surveyor). Only V.B. and Chandu were present that day, but their easy camaraderie made me feel welcome.

Reflections
Despite the whirlwind of activity, it was a surprisingly calm first day—a promising start to my new role. As I unpacked in my makeshift room, I felt a mix of anticipation and quiet pride. The journey ahead was uncharted, but the warmth of my colleagues and the tranquility of the campus hinted at brighter days to come.