Sameer Mahapatra - A friend I lost at work

After leaving HCL eServe, I completed my MCA and began the challenging journey of job hunting in Bangalore. Despite my experience, finding a job proved difficult. I applied to LogicaCMG, a UK-based company known as the "yellow company" in Europe, using my recent postgraduation as a fresh graduate. In October 2005, I was select

ed. Among many graduates in our batch, we received training in various technologies. I was part of UniCORN, a group of 30 people trained in Unix, C, and Oracle, with most of us moving into Telecom projects. There were also  Microsoft batches and  Java batches, one of which was called ANTS. The three-month training period was filled with learning and fun, and we forged strong friendships.

Our HR manager, Sameer Khanna, played a crucial role in making our training effective. Alongside the then CEO Rahul Patwardhan and Christina from HR, they ensured we received the best possible training. Sameer Khanna was loved but was a strict one and often treated like a principal in the college.

One day, while standing in the corridor, a batchmate greeted someone behind me with "Hello Sameer." Expecting Sameer Khanna, I turned around and saw a charming, teddy bear-like boy with a warm smile. He introduced himself as Sameer Mahapatra from Orissa. Our friendship blossomed from that moment, and he always greeted me with a warm hug. His constant smile and warm personality made him endearing. He liked me for no apparent reason and always found time to spend with me, sharing funny stories and laughing heartily.

Out of the 130 people in all the batches, Sameer and I were among the few who stayed with the company while others moved on. Despite occasional onsite assignments or the COVID work-from-home period, we met almost daily in the office, sharing small chats and warm wishes. Each meeting felt like a refreshing new beginning, and we always hugged each other. He often talked about his family, wife, child, and sister. I vividly remember his joy during his sister's marriage. Every time we met, we introduced our colleagues to each other with high regards for each other. He was one such person with no expectation on the relationship.

Last week, we went to pick up some cold-pressed pineapple juice. Another day, he asked me to check a dent in the petrol tank of his Enfield Bullet. I took a small ride in the parking lot to ensure the vehicle was fine. He wanted to ride my Bullet, but I had left my keys at my desk. On a day when I was feeling down, he encouraged me to stay happy and continue my exercise routine, which I had stopped. He shared a story from his youth about skipping an entrance exam to watch a movie because he wasn't interested in the exam.

Normally, we parted at the reception, with me heading to my seat on the first floor and him to the ground floor. Last friday, I felt the urge to spend more time with him and went along with him to his seat. He showed me his spot, G077, a hot seat that could be booked and used by any one. He talked about the flexibility of our new office policy, allowing us to come in only two days a week post-COVID. We joked about finding seat 007, which turned out to be a media room. We smiled at each other, saying someone should sit there. He told me that I should should be the one who is sitting there with a large laugh. 

Yesterday, a colleague, Biswajit called me on Teams with devastating news: Sameer had passed away. He had felt throat pain, vomited, and started feeling unwell at home. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he passed away on the way. I couldn't think of anything else for the rest of the day. I walked to seat G077, where he had shown me last, and saw someone else sitting there, engrossed in her work.

My dear mottabhai, I loved you from the moment I met you and will continue to do so in your absence. I have lost your warmth forever and someone who truly loved me unconditionally. Your love will always remain in my heart.